Board of Trustees Meeting
DISTRICT OFFICE
OCTOBER 3, 2007
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING
Steve Maradian reported briefly on his new district job working as a lobbyist with the US
Congress. He is engaged in "information sharing" with congresspersons on issues such as
funding possibilities for health ed and homeland security programs, as well as energy and
sustainable growth possibilities. He has a long-time association with Washington (his home and
family are there), and knows a number of people in government.
Patrick McCallum, our lobbyist in Sacramento and author of the "Sacramento Reports," made an
extended presentation. He described the recent session as the worst in his experience (over
twenty-eight years). However, he cited successful efforts on the part of his office to reduce the
CCC loss of $80 million in growth money ($50 million will come back, once all attendance is
reported), as well passage of bills that would improve the return on set-aside funds for retiree
health benefits (GASB); extend design-build contracting authority (a speeded-up process) to
more facilities projects; reform Nursing program admissions, such that multi-criteria screening for
admission can be used; and expand financial aid eligibility to some undocumented students (the
'Dream Act"). Note, however, that none of these has been signed by the governor, as of this
writing, with the last almost surely facing a veto. Of the two textbook bills, he favors Corbett's,
which apparently allows for greater transparency. A bill to ease restrictions on concurrent
enrollment for high school students, identified as a key issue for the district, was held up in
committee and is likely to face continued opposition next year by the increasingly powerful Dept.
of Finance. This is due to lingering suspicion from the PE 552 fiasco several years ago.
For next year, the CCC's are not planning an aggressive agenda, given the importance of
focusing on the initiative (named Prop 92 last week). The crucial importance in passing 92 was
the focus of his comments both in committee and at the Open Session. Among other things, it
would get us out of the Prop 98 split. The total available through 98 looks likely to dip down next
year, due to the deficit shortfall, the economic downturn in the state, and declining K-12
enrollment. In any case, the current system is likely to severely constrain our growth in future
years. If Prop 92 passes, the LACCD base budget will increase by a projected $39 million in 0910. That's roughly an 8.5% increase over our current base, a huge increase.
Differential funding for high cost programs, some 29% of the courses at Trade, for example, is not
likely to pass in Sacramento. It's controversial generally, as it would involve a shift of funds from
suburban to urban colleges. There may be some limited action in this regard for Nursing,
however. Along these lines, there is continued interest in Career tech, but no additional funding
likely.
There will be a continued stress in Sacramento on accountability, with the Jack Scott bill (SB 325)
requiring the state "to establish an accountability framework to assess and report on progress in
meeting prescribed educational and economic goals" (presumably along the lines of the
benchmark measurements in AB 1417).
OPEN SESSION
Our Summit 2007 was described as "a fine day" by Sylvia Scott-Hayes, and as "excellent" by the
Chancellor, who added congratulations to the DAS and noted that there was a clear focus on
Basic Skills and working with Career Tech. Three new district Title V grants were announced, one
for $3.5 million at Pierce.
In Patrick McCallum's report to the full board, there was some discussion as to how it's
determined which bills to focus on, given that some 4,400 are introduced each year. He claimed
that his office reads every one. Regarding Prop 92, the strongest argument in favor is to reiterate
that "all deserve a chance" to advance. He claimed there is "strong support for this core belief"
among the electorate. He added that the unjust split in 98 has cost the CCC's $5 billion in the last
fifteen years.
The Pierce swimming pool was named the Steven E. Schofield Aquatic Center, in honor of Mr.
Schofield's extraordinary volunteer efforts over many years to keep the pool in operation.
Testimonials were made as to his incredible dedication and resolve. Mr. Schofield succumbed to
cancer this past summer. The formal dedication at Pierce will be later this month.
Finally, the meeting was adjourned in honor of Martha Soto, Dean of Instructional Services, who
passed away two weeks ago, also due to cancer.
David
David Beaulieu
District Academic Senate President
(213) 891-2294
dbeaulieu@email.laccd.edu