Chasity Whiteside
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Carla Walter
Thursday, January 21, 2016 7:07 AM
Chabot
Susan Sperling; Matthew Kritscher; Stacy L. Thompson; Chasity Whiteside
Spring 2016 Note 1: On the Governor's Proposed Budget
2016-17 Governor's Budget Table.pdf; 16-17_JanuaryBudgetUpdate.pdf
Spring 2016 Note 1: On the Governor's Proposed Budget Dear Colleagues, I trust that this note will find you well! I'm writing to begin what will become a regular campus‐wide communication effort about our college budget and matters related to administrative services. As it is Dr. Sperling's vision to provide transparency in all of our processes, the contents of this note will forward its implementation. As you probably know, the Governor released his initial proposed budget in early January. The State Chancellor's Office communication is attached. On January 20, 2016 I attended a budget workshop in Sacramento, thanks to the generosity of Lorenzo Legaspi, that spent the day discussing the implications of this proposal, and the State of California budgeting process. First let me say that this is the proposed budget. It will be revised and finalized in May, what we often hear termed, "the May Revise." However, most districts will use this proposed budget to plan for 2016/2017, and to inform their boards, and then make adjustments when the May Revise is made available. While the total amount of funding for community colleges is healthy, a number of questions arise when looking at this proposed budget. One way to impact the answers to the questions is to lobby members of the senate and the assembly for changes, not only for this fiscal year's budget, but for ideas to impact 2017/18 and beyond. Specifically, Marty Block suggested that meeting with members of each of these legislative arms would be beneficial, provided that there was a clear conversation, supported by a direct request. Therefore, if we are going to do any lobbying, we should make a concerted effort. This lobbying is part of the process and is to be expected, and many of the groups that are impacted by the budget will do that between now and the May Revise. Please be in touch with me directly if you would like to participate in a lobbying effort this spring, or share your ideas for the coming years as we plan for Chabot's future. In our current economic climate, there are a number of factors that dictate the availability of funds for California Community Colleges, including tax revenues, and importantly, the fluctuations of the stock market. You will see that the COLA (cost of living adjustment) is pegged to increase by a scant .47 which is due to a formula‐driven method of calculating it, which is linked to oil prices. You probably know that oil is trading at very low prices and hence contributes to this COLA figure. Aside from this, the proposed budget remains flat or silent with respect to other discretionary funds, and importantly, with respect to hiring new faculty. The governor is looking, in part, to support CTE Pathways and workforce development, basic skills, and build reserves, while the growth in apportionment revenue is proposed at 2%. These directions will impact Chabot College in ways we need to be evaluating as we move forward. 1
Thank you for your consideration and attention. We will be in communication with you periodically about this and other matters relative to administrative services at Chabot College. Warm regards, Carla Carla Walter, PhD, MBA Interim Vice President Administrative Services Chabot College 25555 Hesperian Boulevard Hayward, CA 94545 510.723.6618 cwalter@chabotcollege.edu 2