The Ventura County Community College District projected deficit was revealed at the district-wide college budget forums held at Moorpark, Ventura and Oxnard College on Nov. 14 and 15.
The district predicts an $ 11 to 12 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year 2013.
Chancellor Dr. James Meznek encouraged staff and students to work together in these times of economic hardship.
“Part of my message to you today is this,” said Meznek. “Don’t despair, pull together not apart, there is yet much to do and we will be asking for sacrifices. “
The district has had to deal with a substantial decrease in budget over the last few years and according to Meznek, budget issues are going to continue for at least four more years.
The current state of the economy in California and consequently the budget crisis at the Ventura County Community College District has forced the district to make cuts in order to deal with the problems.
At the forums, Vice Chancellor Susan Johnson explained the issues leading to the budget gap.
“I think it is absolutely critical to know why we are where we are, how we got there “said Johnson.
As part of the reason for the financial shortfall, Johnson mentioned the decrease in general fund revenue, as well as the increase in personnel related expenditures.
The funded cap for full-time equivalent students (FTES), which is the money that the college receives from the government in order to serve a certain amount of students, has decreased over the last few years. So, the number of students who can no longer be covered by the college fund is increasing and contributing to the deficit.
Meznek pointed out that the problem the district is facing is created by the state of California, which funds all three colleges and its’ current economic crisis.
As possible solutions to reduce the budget gap, the VCCCD is considering funding shifts, class schedule reductions, staff reductions, operational cuts and program reductions or eliminations, which could result in serious implications for current students.
Each college has been asked to determine its class schedules and offerings in serving students for which they are funded. As a result, all the colleges are currently reviewing the programs that are proposed to be cut, but no final decision has been made yet.
Meznek sees the current situation as a game-changer, which will force all parties to work more efficiently under stressful terms and with the resources available.
“All of you here have been doing things right”, Meznek said. “The program changes you made so far are just the beginning, not the end. ”
