California Community Colleges system announces new round of budget cuts
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
February 24, 2012
More cuts could soon be coming to local community colleges including Citrus College, Mt. San Antonio College and Rio Hondo College.
Due to an unexpected decrease in revenue, the California Community Colleges system must cut an additional $149 million from its budget this fiscal year, Chancellor Jack Scott announced this week.
The cut is necessary because of an unexpected higher demand this school year for student fee waivers, plus lower-than-projected property tax revenues, according to Scott.
"This will result in colleges further reducing course sections, additional borrowing and staff reductions," Scott said in a statement.
Last week, Pasadena City College cut more than 90 class sections and let go of some teachers to make up for a $2 million shortfall.
Schools don't have much time to absorb the cuts.
"The new 2.75 percent budget decrease is effectively doubled because colleges only have half a year to try to find savings," Scott said.
