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State budget decisions could put money back in pockets
By Jason Baker
West Valley-Mission Community College District students enrolled in fall courses soon could find a rare treat in their mailbox--a refund check.
The 1999-2000 state budget signed by Gov. Gray Davis in Sacramento on June 29 includes increased funding for enrollment growth in the California community colleges and for the Partnership for Excellence, the college system's performance-based funding program.
In addition, a student fee reduction is up for approval in AB-1118, a budget trailer bill that had yet to be signed as of Friday. It is fully expected that the Davis will sign the bill, as indicated in his formal budget message.
The new legislation will require districts to charge $11 per unit, effective in the fall semester. Students currently are billed $12 per credit hour.
Ed Myers, dean of student services for the college district, said officials would refund money to students who already have paid their fall tuition, and discount student service fees for the remainder of fall registrants.
Approximately 5,000 students are on the books for fall semester courses, he said. The college plans to go ahead with the refunds after the formal add-drop class dates during the first days of the semester, contingent upon Davis' signing the bill.
"We can make the changes overnight," Myers said.
The new budget includes $116.7 million to fund 3.5 percent enrollment growth throughout the state's community college system, which officials called a "vital action" given enrollment demands in California.
The budget also includes a $45 million augmentation for the second year of the Partnership for Excellence, which strives to advance significant improvements in student outcomes at the system's 106 colleges, including transfers to four-year universities, completions of degrees and certificates, successful course completion, workforce training and basic skills improvement.
Thomas J. Nussbaum, chancellor of the California community colleges, praised the signing, saying, "This is a workable budget that will help our colleges continue to provide quality, affordable education."
The budget expands state funding for community colleges by nearly $234 million and represents a 16.9 percent increase over Davis' May proposal. Officials attributed the changes to the vigorous efforts of community college leaders and community college organizations, and to working closely with Davis.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
