The budget plan proposes major changes in education policy that is likely to generate much discussion between now and the July 1st deadline for legislative approval of the budget.

One of the large changes is determining final budgets based on student completion and not the census attendance date as is currently done. While the change sounds "scary" it is likely that districts would not lose funding but see funding shift from payment for attendance to increased support for student support and success initiatives.  

Completion is a major strategic thrust of the state, and the California community college system. It must be our major thrust as well. 

Some of the other significant aspects of the Governor's budget proposal include:  

• No change in student fees.
• $196.9 million (3.6%) for increased apportionments, without specifying the use. This means that funds could be allocated for restoration, growth or COLA.
• $179 million for deferral buydown, reducing borrowing needs of community college districts. This reduces the outstanding deferral to $622 million.

• $16.9 million to provide increased access to matriculated students through the use of technology.

• Change the census-based apportionment system to provide a larger apportionment amount to students who are still enrolled at the end of the semester/quarter.

• Limit state-supported instruction in community colleges to 90 units. Units beyond the cap would be not be state supported, but available at full cost to the student.

• Creation of a $450 million energy efficiency fund for schools and community colleges using funds from Proposition 39 (counts toward Proposition 98 guarantee), with $49.5 million for community college projects.

• Require all students seeking a BOG Fee Waiver to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

• Shift of the remaining adult education program, including $300 million, from K-12 schools to community colleges, and an additional $15.7 million from the K-12 apprenticeship program to community college apprenticeship programs.

This is just the beginning of the budget process for 2013-2014.  There will be a great deal of work at the District and on the campuses to project how we will end the current, 2012-2013 fiscal year on June 30, 2013 and to balance the budget for 2013-2014. 
While the Governor's budget is positive it is too soon for us to plan on adding additional funding to any budgetary category at this time.

Vice Chancellor Ng and I will continue to provide information as it develops. 

1. Smoking shall be permitted only in designated areas. Look for "Tobacco Use Area" signs at each campus.
2. Smokers must:
1. Respect the rights of non-smokers. 
2. Smoke only in designated smoking areas.
3. Make sure their smoke does not enter buildings.
4. Extinguish cigarettes in appropriate containers.
3. Non-Smokers must:
1. Respect the rights of smokers.

Notice of the smoking procedure will be published in the appropriate District publications and in notices distributed to students, staff and those who utilize our facilities from off-campus agencies. Signs will be posted throughout the campus. 

Enforcement

* Violations of this section may be punished by a fine of $50.00.

* Enforcement shall be the responsibility of the District Police Department.

* Any person who desires to register a complaint hereunder may initiate enforcement consideration with the District Police Department.

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Interim Police Chief Pierre Galvez at 909-387-1605.