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Hopefully you had an enjoyable and restful Fourth of July weekend. We are now a month into the summer session, and things are going well. I appreciate everyone's support in mask wearing and physical distancing as we continue those COVID-19 precautions.
To share good news, the California legislature passed, and Governor Newsom signed, a strong budget for the community colleges. Faculty, staff, and managers of the Coast District will see a 6.56 percent cost-of-living adjustment in addition to eligible step-and-column salary increases. A range of one-time and ongoing programs were also funded in this budget, including improved student access to financial aid and support for student success – particularly for students from historically underrepresented communities.
While the California budget further pushes off the "fiscal cliff" facing the Coast District and most other community college districts statewide, the hold-harmless funding approach will end. In future years, the District could face flat or even decreasing state funding. A looming recession, hopefully minor, will present further challenges for everyone. Of course, we often see a surge in demand for education when the economy is doing poorly. The open question is whether the state will support that student demand when the time comes.
The future remains uncertain, and it is important that we plan for a range of outcomes. Still, a strong budget for this year should help all of us have a more enjoyable summer.
Be well,
John
John Weispfenning, Ph.D.
Chancellor
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