We are living in scary times. In my thirty-five years as a public higher education administrator, I have never seen education threatened in the way it is today. Yet, you and I both know how important education is and how much our community needs us.
At SBCCD, we've lost almost $12million in state funding over the past three years. This has translated to over 1,400 fewer class sections, almost 2,000 fewer FTES, and 6,000 individual students.
As we move closer to the end of the spring semester, I am certain you are wondering what will be happening over the next several months in anticipation of the fall 2012 semester. In the column below I am sharing my current impressions about the 2012-2013 budget. I can say with certainty that times are getting tougher and not easier.
If you ask me if I am staying positive in spite of the dismal budget news, I will tell you a resounding "yes"! I see that we are moving forward in many positive ways. I thank you for the hard work you do to help our students.
Many efforts are taking place to improve student success across the district. SBVC has made an investment to expand access to student support and instructional support services through grant funding. CHC has developed a pilot student support program that focuses on learning communities and strengthening skills for under-prepared students.
These initiatives, and others still in discussion, will hopefully have a positive impact on graduation and transfer rates. There is so much more but that's for another "chat"
I look forward to our continued success and movement toward becoming the "best" community college in California.
STATE REVENUE SHORTFALL Recently, the Legislative Analyst released a report updating the fiscal outlook for California for the current 2011-2012 fiscal year and next fiscal year, 2012-2013. The report indicated declining revenues of $6.5 billion less than projected in the Governor's budget. This is a sign that budget reductions will continue. Revenue shortfalls for 2012-2013 are projected to be as high as $14 billion.
THE GOVERNOR'S TAX INITIATIVE The Governor's tax initiative took a hit in the polls according to the Public Policy Institute of California. As of March 7th, only 52% of voters would support the measure, 40% of likely voters would vote no, and 8% are undecided. Concerns about the economy and in an expanded recession are having a chilling affect on the tax measure that would mean help for education. At this moment, the Governor's tax initiative is the only way to avert a budget shortfall in excess of $9 million for SBCCD.
SBCCD PROJECTIONS We anticipate ending 2011-2012 with a $2.3 million deficit which will be covered by the colleges' prior year fund balances and the District fund balance. But, this does not address our structural deficit which will total about $5 million when step and column increases and benefit increases is added. If the tax initiative doesn't pass, this may skyrocket to a deficit of $9 million.
WHAT WILL WE DO? We need to develop a two-tiered approach to the budget. The first tier will get us through 2012-2013. This may include a hiring freeze, reducing some sections, reducing positions through attrition, savings in benefits on vacant positions, reducing contracts, supplies and outside services, reducing independent contractors, reducing energy consumption, and increasing revenue where possible.
THEN WHAT? Depending on the outcome of the November election, we utilize the remainder of the fiscal year to plan for a balanced budget in 2013-2014. If the tax incentive fails, we will be dealing with a $9 million deficit and more serious budget reductions will need to occur. This may include further section reductions (but not below our funded FTES or we lose revenue), negotiating to freeze step and column increases, offer a SERP and fill few positions, reorganize through layoffs, consider furlough days, restructure employee benefits, review programs for viability or discontinuance.
This is difficult, but will be necessary to consider beginning after the November elections in preparation for July 1, 2014.
SUMMARY This is a projected scenario that can go in many different directions. It reflects my current thinking about the district's overall financial condition.
Please mark your calendar's for May 30th. We are adding something a little different this year for Classified Staff Appreciation Week. We are bringing ALL of the district's classified staff together at one location for a day of professional development, athletic activities, speakers, food and fun.
I have heard from many staff that we are all too isolated. Each college and the district office locations have a history of being silos with minimal interaction with our other entities. I would like to see more sharing of activities, events, staff, and student support services in order to build a seamless and well-integrated district.
I am looking forward to a district-sponsored "All Classified Staff Appreciation Day".
Edison gives CHC $1.8 million
We are so proud of the new 1.3 megawatt solar farm being constructed on the CHC campus. Southern California Edison, through the California Solar Initiative, has awarded CHC $1.8 million in solar incentive funding over a five year period based on the performance of the solar panels.
The CHC solar farm will virtually take the college off the energy grid and save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
Joining ACU's Presidents' Climate Commitment
Now that our district has made strides in its sustainability efforts, each college and the district office has signed onto the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. Membership in this group of colleges reflects our dedication to sustainability and our desire to develop systems, curriculum and energy initiatives that support sustainability.
Within one year of signing, we will conduct a greenhouse gas inventory of the district. Within two years, we will develop an action plan for becoming carbon neutral. I believe this is doable, but ambitious. We are currently working with the Sustainability Committee and the campus leadership to implement our recently adopted Sustainability Plan. This plan is our blueprint for achieving the goals of the program of the coming years.
As we make progress, we will continue to keep you posted. If you are interested in working on the Sustainability Committee, please let me know.
Emergency Operations Training
The District Office and the colleges had their first round of emergency operations training last week. Now that each college and the District Office have their Emergency Operations Plan completed it is important to provide staff training to implement the plan. This was the first in an ongoing training program to bring staff together, working as a team, to get through an emergency situation. Many thanks to Whitney Fields, Pierre Galvez and Charlie Ng for organizing the training.
One of the fun parts of the afternoon was seeing the San Bernardino City USD's mobile emergency operations center (see photo below). The vehicle has Internet, short-wave radio, maps, health and safety supplies, and many other features needed to manage a crisis from the road, or when a facility is unsafe.
Human Resources (lack of) Staffing
I ask your patience as we make plans to restaff our Human Resources Department after several staff members have decided to move on with their careers outside of SBCCD. Most recently, Tommi Ng has resigned to make a career advancement closer to home. Jeremiah McFarland has resigned to take a position at the L.A. Unified School District.
Currently, at SBVC, is Ashley Tone (ext. 4027). Ashley is also covering the District Office. At the District and part-time at CHC, is our substitute staffer, Traci Hudson-Baily (ext. 4044). At the District Office, Maria Torres and Amalia Perez (ext. 4047) are also taking care of business.
We are beginning recruitment for a new Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, and replacements for two staffers. The contract for our HR Consultant, Dr. Jack Miyamoto (ext. 4042) is scheduled to end in August.
SBCCD Management Association Recognition
I am happy to report that the SBCCD Management Association is alive and well and meeting with the Chancellor. I understand that the Association went dormant for a few years, but I welcome the interaction with managers across the district.
The Management Association will help to build understanding among all managers from all District locations as well as meet with the Chancellor to discuss issues of significance to management staff related to work issues as well as issues of working conditions, staff development, and the professional welfare of its members.
My goals is that by working more closely with our District-wide management team, a deeper understanding will be achieved across all staff groups.
The Association President is Dr. Cory Schwartz, Dean of Social Sciences, Human Development & Physical Education at SBVC. The Division phone number is 909-384-4413.
Timely Warning/Emergency Notification Decision Tree
We have developed a decision tree that will assist in determining when to notify the college community with a timely warning of an ongoing threat or an emergency notification that may have an impact on students, faculty and staff. The campus police will have a key role in this process as will the campus president, chancellor and Public Information Officer. We plan to complete another test this spring of the Blackboard CONNECT application that communicates by email, phone mail, cell phones and text messages.
SBCCD in the News
This week's news stories can be found online at this link.
Artist Spotlight: SBVC Alum Darlene Couthit creates caricatures
Chancellor's column: Innovative education key to success
CHC Swim Team first sport in its 40 years
Farewell to trailblazing San Bernardino educator Dorothy Inghram
SBVC Sports Round up
Strutting our Stuff for Students April 7 (pdf)
UR School of Music and CHC present Orfeo ed Euridice
13 Rules to Live By
When I went to graduate school and worked at the City College of New York, I was thrilled to learn that General Colin Powell was an alumnus of the college. I've always found his life story to be very inspiring and his ability to relate to people is second to none. Years ago, General Powell had an article in the Sunday "Parade" magazine called "13 Rules to Live By". I still find it helpful.
13 Rules to Live By
by General Colin Powell
It ain't as bad as you think; it will look better in the morning.
Get mad, then get over it.
Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
It can be done!
Be careful what you choose. You may get it!
Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
Check small things.
Share credit.
You can't make someone else's choice. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
Remain calm. Be kind.
Have a vision. Be demanding.
Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. (In the military, one is always looking for methods of increasing or multiplying one's forces).
Please let me know how I can help you in the performance of your important work on behalf of our great District.
We are so proud of the new 1.3 megawatt solar farm being constructed on the CHC campus. Southern California Edison, through the California Solar Initiative, has awarded CHC $1.8 million in solar incentive funding over a five year period based on the performance of the solar panels. 
