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Officials with SBCC Continuing Ed program are seeking solutions to deal with steep decreases in state funding. Facilitator Joan Livingston works with members of the community to help solve their problems. Photo by Victor Maccharoli.

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Forum fosters ideas to address Adult Ed budget woes

By ERIC LINDBERG — Nov. 21, 2009

Clearly concerned about the impact of state budget cuts on the Continuing Education program at Santa Barbara City College, a large group of local community members gathered yesterday to brainstorm with school officials about ways to ensure the beloved institution retains its special aura.

Clustered around tables in the Wake Center’s Thornton Auditorium, more than 100 people offered ideas and tips on how to deal with a steep decline in state funding for the program, which has regularly offered more than 500 low-cost or free courses in a variety of disciplines — from painting and ceramics to fitness and computer skills.

The community college has faced a $10-million slice in its normal stream of state funding during recent years and the near future doesn’t hold much promise for restoration of those funds.

“We are looking for solutions that are long-term solutions so we aren’t relying as much on the state for funding,” said SBCC President Dr. Andreea Serban.

School officials said they have used reserves and made one-time adjustments to keep the cuts away from the classroom for as long as possible, but were forced to reduce the upcoming winter term to eight weeks, down from the usual 10-week schedule.

Along with a bump in minimum enrollment from 17 to 20, administrators also reduced the number of classes offered during the fall term.

Dr. Ofelia Arellano, the program’s vice president, said school officials are continuing to evaluate classes with low enrollment for potential elimination or conversion to a fee-based model, as well as more expensive course offerings that lost state funding.

“We’re really evaluating every single offering,” she said yesterday.

With the budget problems well documented during a prior community forum, administrators asked those in attendance to add their voices to mix. Following a series of group sessions, participants outlined a variety of possible fixes to find the estimated $500,000 needed annually to make up for the loss in state funding for “Adult Ed,” as the program is commonly known.

Attendees first asked for more information about the department — including statistics about the student population, funding needs and facility costs. Then they poured out a plethora of ideas, ranging from establishing a student store to sell items such as ceramics or artwork to seeking approval of a parcel tax to support the program.

One participant suggested pairing up ceramics students with an instructor who teaches courses on how to sell items on eBay, the online auction site, to offer their products online.

Others asked administrators to hold targeted fundraisers for specific items that are needed, such as a stove for a cooking class or a kiln for an art course.

Many said they would be willing to see more courses move to a fee-based model, while one attendee said specialized and advanced courses should include fees while beginner classes should remain free or low-cost in order to attract new students.

“I wouldn’t be discouraged if the fees were modest,” said the Goleta resident, who asked that his name not be printed.

He also noted that school officials could simply add a “suggested donation” to free courses that could be mentioned during enrollment and on the first day of class.

City College officials said they plan to compile the ideas that surfaced yesterday and generate a report that will be posted to the Adult Ed online site and sent out to registered students via email. More forums will be scheduled early next year to continue the community discussion.

Several attendees expressed optimism about the situation, noting in particular that school administrators appeared to be listening to their concerns and taking their feedback seriously.

Norm Hendry, a ceramics instructor who has been teaching through Adult Ed since 1978, said he is encouraged by the administration’s response to the community.

“The frustration level has been very high at times, to put it mildly,” he acknowledged. “People are afraid we’re going to lose something very special. The recent loss of 100 classes was a wakeup call to everybody.”

He said the problem has been clearly defined and now school officials, students and faculty members alike need to come together to figure out solutions.

“The gravy days of funding are over — read the paper,” Hendry said. “We have to pick up the slack.”

He’s putting his own creative energies to work on the problem as well, by holding a pottery sale to benefit the ceramics department. Students donated their artwork to the fundraiser, which takes place at Hendry’s studio at 473 Mountain Dr. on December 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“I’m pretty sure we can weather this thing and have some fun doing it,” he said.

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Adult? Education : 11/23/2009

The City College or Community College system was developed primarily as a stepping stone to 4 year campuses, or for technical 2 year oriented students. It never was intended to provide "life enrichment" to adults who are bored or wanting extras. Traditionally that is what private schools provide. Want an art class? Use the Recreation Department of your community. Stop burdening the taxpayer. Honest re-entry adult students wanting to change professional direction is legitimate part of the system, but should always take a second seat to young new students entering the market.
A bit harsh? Then so be it, pay the full costs of classes and in the process take the burden off the taxpayers.

Time to stop the bleeding

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