For Immediate Release,
8/27/09
Delta College Board, Management and Union Leaders show
Solidarity amid State Budget Crisis
(Stockton, CA)
As San Joaquin Delta College celebrates its 75th anniversary, the realities of the state budget crisis have fostered a spirit of solidarity among its management, faculty and classified workforce. Shared goals among staff seek to maintain Delta’s role as a vital educational and community leader.
The state budget crisis has forced California’s community colleges to face a historic downsizing. The current budget would remove funding for 140,000 - 175,000 full-time students, on top of the 50,000 currently served without funding. In addition, cuts of $333-million to categorical programs ($3.1-million for Delta) would undercut access to key programs for poor and disabled students. These proposed cuts are potentially devastating to California’s economic recovery.
“As California’s unemployment rate is projected to rise, enrollment demand at community colleges continues to increase,” says Superintendent/President, Dr. Raúl Rodriguez.
With the college forced to cut $8.3 million from its budget, Dr. Rodriguez points out that Delta had to reduce 45 class sections from its recent summer semester. The current fall semester reduced 470 sections as compared to Fall 2008. Spring 2010 is projected to have 295 fewer sections than Spring 2009 (which had already been reduced by 200 sections from Spring 2008).
“Delta College may be forced to limit class sizes and turn away students,” says Dr. Rodriguez. “Our leadership and staff realize we must pull together to continue to fulfill our mission.”
The Mission Statement of San Joaquin Delta College is to provide “excellent post-secondary education that serves the needs of students, the College District and community through continuing, transfer and career education.”
Budget cuts notwithstanding, Delta’s faculty and staff understand the added commitment necessary to provide continued high quality comprehensive instructional programs and services.
“The time to come together for the benefit of our students and community is now,” says Steve Castellanos, President of Delta’s Board. “The Board is committed to working collaboratively with the administration, faculty and staff during these difficult times. Behind every dark cloud is a silver lining; we will be stronger, more effective and better prepared to grow and serve students in the future.”
Budget reductions have forced cutbacks in Delta’s workforce, adding additional pressure on staff to meet the needs of its students.
"With the recent staff reductions, our classified personnel are dedicated more than ever to provide the highest quality service to management, faculty and students,” adds Dana Baker, Chapter President of Delta’s California School Employees Association (CSEA). “CSEA is working closely with faculty and management to ensure that no question goes unanswered and no task left unfinished.”
With continued annual belt tightening, community colleges receive half what the California State Universities receive per student and one-third what the University of California receives.
Psychology instructor, Dr. Elizabeth Maloney, a Delta College California Teachers Association (CTA) officer says, “It’s time to start thinking ‘outside the box’ to pool resources and come up with innovative ideas. It’s going to take the whole community to come together and show that we value education at Delta College.” Dr. Maloney emphasizes, “Remember: United we stand – divided students fall…and so does our community.”
With the uncertainty of the state’s budget, clearly many tough decisions await San Joaquin Delta College. Dr. Raúl Rodriguez sums up the commitment of Delta’s staff:
“We want to send a message to the wider world that budget cuts to community colleges are not acceptable. These cuts will hurt our students and affect the state’s economic recovery. Like any large organization, it’s a given that we have internal differences and squabbles. Our staff is trying to show that we can put all that aside for the greater good of our students…and join in a common cause.
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Dr. Raúl Rodriguez addresses San Joaquin Delta College’s In-Service Day assembly at
Atherton Auditorium.
In-Service Day is Delta’s annual gathering of employee groups.
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