Community Advisors Summary
April 30, 2009
The website address for information presented and discussed at the meeting is:
http://www.rsccd.edu/communityadvisors
The following is a summary of the comments made by the community advisors at the April 30, 2009
meeting:
Jane Russo, Superintendent, Santa Ana Unified School District:
Jane shared that the district is projecting a $30 million mid year cut. The district has frozen positions and
dipped into reserves, among other things, to do everything to not affect schools this year. With 90% of the
district’s budget received from the state, the district has cut $45 million or more from its budget. The district
notes that every billion dollars cut with the state translates into $9 million cut at the district. Of the budget,
40-50% goes to the cut, which translates into a $1,400-$1,600 cut per student. We are 50th in the nation on
per pupil expenditure.
Ed code requires that certificated personnel are notified by March 15 if they will have a position with the
school district in the fall, when the new school year begins. The employee notifications are sent based on
January projections from the Governor. Then, in May, the budget revise is announced, which assists the
district in knowing whether they will have to follow through with the March 15 notices. Now, the May
budget revise has turned in to a June budget revise. The district hoped they wouldn’t have to give notices,
but employees have received notice that they do not have job. 580 teachers have been laid off, and 200
classified staff has been laid off.
With the state at $8 billion or more in the hole, the district has to make cuts. The federal stimulus money is
not reaching the district. Jane noted that she has become quite the skeptic recently. The SAUSD Board
operates conservatively, especially due to the uncertain future. Keeping teachers in classrooms with books in
each class is the primary goal. All other budgets are cut to bone, as the district needs to serve students. The
SAUSD staff is very sad and it’s a dreary time. SAUSD is the second largest employer in the city. The
district has made great gains in test scores and more, and the teachers, along with classified staff, have
worked hard to support those efforts. We are a strong city and will get through the rough year.
Dr. Marsha Brown, Assistant Superintendent, Orange Unified School District:
Marsha noted that she is wearing red because we (K-12 and college systems) are bleeding due to the state
budget crisis. Marsha confirmed everything that Jane and Eddie shared in reference to budgetary action
items taken by their educational districts. Right now, the district is preparing for mid-year cuts. Marsha
asked all of the business people at the event to think of receiving cut backs in the middle of the year to their
companies. Schools have to look at budget in three year increments due to the education code - this year,
and the next two years. OUSD does not have a crystal ball to look in to for the answers to budget projections
for a three year period. OUSD will cut $40 million over the next three years. It has been a very painful and
difficult time for the superintendent, the Board, the staff, the families, and those in the community that they
serve.
Here are many of the actions that have taken place at the district to bring them in to balance with the severe
budget cuts from the state: a hiring freeze is in place, $1.867 million in administrative cuts have been made,
staff has been reduced, a $2.2 million Board of Education funding readjustment has taken place due to
categorical funding from the state, elementary and middle school athletics have been cut, a small school will
be closed, a $1.9 million reduction in funds due to class size reduction has taken place (class size reductions
are going from 20-to-1 to 25-to-1, and they are hoping that class size reduction number can be maintained), a
$7.6 million reduction has been negotiated with unions, including issues of the work year, and a 3.75%
salary reduction pay cut, 250 temporary classified and certificated employees will receive June 30 notices,
including teachers, counselors, nurses, speech pathologists, and psychologists. These cuts have effects on
families and students, and almost all of our staff members have all have kids in our schools and live in our
community. All of these items will bring OUSD into balance for three years, however; the district is not
confident that the $8 billion state deficit will not grow larger. The district is now waiting on the May 19
election and on the May budget revise (which has now been moved to a June budget revise). For more
information, please visit www.ousd.org.
Dr. Eddie Hernandez, Chancellor, Rancho Santiago Community College District:
Eddie noted that he asked Jane and Marsha to share their budget updates so we know this economic crisis is
affecting all of us, not just one organization. All projections seem to indicate things will get worse.
Projections used by the Governor for the budget are all down – income tax is down, sales tax is down, and
local property tax is down. This affects courts, law enforcement, service agencies, non profits, your clients,
your shareholders, your investors…we are ALL affected. Eddie shared that this is a tough year for K-12,
RSCCD and you.
Dr. David Chapel, President, Board of Trustees, Rancho Santiago Community College District:
Dr. Chapel mentioned that budget concerns for student educational needs can be benefited through the Ed
Arnold Golf Tournament with Santa Ana College.
Dr. Erlinda Martinez, President of Santa Ana College, addressed this:
In the community advisors packet is a brochure on the Ed Arnold Golf Tournament, which will take place on
May 18. A foursome can be entered for play, or ticket to the dinner/awards can be purchased. All proceeds
go to students, not operation costs, through the Santa Ana College Hall of Fame and Student-Athlete
Scholarships. Speaking of athletics, Erlinda noted that SAC has 21 competitive sports and many state
championships. Recently, NFL kicker David Buehler (Dallas Cowboys) was drafted from USC; but, he was
really ‘stolen’ from Santa Ana College to USC first.
Erlinda shared that in each community advisors packet is an announcement on the Santa Ana College Hall of
Fame, which will take place on June 5 at 3:30 p.m. Some people in this very room have been inducted in to
the SAC Hall of Fame. These are compelling stories – four different stories from four different decades.
There were a number of exceptional applications that the selection committee reviewed. Beyond the
induction ceremony is the recognition by the college.
Laurie Weidner, Executive Director, Public Affairs/Governmental Relations, RSCCD:
Laurie spoke about the Chancellor’s Ball, which is themed Escape to the Islands, and will be held on October
9 at The Grove. Laurie asked if any Partners in Education were in the room. Roger Hobbs and the Orange
County Sheriff’s Department were noted. The event is held so our chancellor and board of trustees can
honor our stellar community partners. The money raised is split evenly between the two colleges for student
scholarships. Dr. Hernandez added that within a 10 year period over $1 million has been raised for students
in the community.
Alicia Berhow, Director, Workforce Development, Orange County Business Council:
Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is hosting a State of the District economic address at Bowers Museum on
May 1 at 2:30 p.m. Lucy Dunn, President/CEO from Orange County Business Council will be giving an
address. Please RSVP with the Congresswoman’s office.
Heidi Larkin-Reed, President/CEO, Orange Chamber of Commerce:
Senator Mimi Walters will host a discussion on June 12 to discuss What is California Doing to Help Your
Business? Heidi noted that flexibility in spending seems to be a theme she is hearing at today’s talk, and she
suggests bringing the messages to the Senator on this date. Dr. Hernandez echoed the suggestion by
sharing the need for regulatory relief.
A community advisor noted that he had a statement to share more than a question to ask. He noted that it’s
tragic the situation we’re in right now. For the last few years he has spent him time talking to students in
Santa Ana about the value of education. We are in such a dilemma, as the solution out of poverty is
education, but the opportunity is being shut down. He considers himself a product of this environment, and
education is the only way out of it. He hopes we can rise to the occasion. Dr. Hernandez affirmed the
sentiment, and shared that hopefully we can rise to the occasion by working together.
Buddy Ray, Executive Director, Community Action Partnership of Orange County:
May 9 is the National Association of Letter Carriers one day food drive. Food banks throughout the nation
will benefit. In our area, the Orange County Food Bank and The Second Harvest Food Bank will be
recipients of the food drive. Remember to put out food for your postal carrier to pick up. If anyone would
like to volunteer, the Community Action Partnership can team a volunteer with a post office to assist with
unloading the postal trucks, putting the food items in bins, and delivering them to the food banks.
Ed Arnold, News Anchor, KOCE-TV:
Ed recognized Chief Craig Hunter who was inducted in to the Santa Ana College Hall of Fame inductees.
Dr. Hernandez shared that our community has many, many graduates from Santa Ana College, and that he
meets them through his work in and away from the district. In addition, Eddie noted that he will be at the Ed
Arnold Golf Tournament doing his best to play golf for a good cause. He asked that our community advisors
round up a foursome or come out and play golf with him, Ed, and others.
Ryan Holmes, District Representative, Congressman Ed Royce:
On July 14, CSUF will hold its annual grants seminar. Representatives from several federal agencies will be
available to assist with questions. In addition, The Women’s Conference at Chapman University is taking
place in June. For more information, talk to District Director Sara Carmack from the Congressman’s office.
Buddy Ray, Executive Director, Community Action Partnership of Orange County:
Buddy noted that ‘green’ is the ‘in’ thing now with federal stimulus money. He asked if there was an update
on this item as it relates to the college district.
Dr. Eddie Hernandez, Chancellor, Rancho Santiago Community College District:
Eddie shared that the stimulus money isn’t coming in to the district; it’s going elsewhere. Some money is
available is in grants. Eddie had a meeting on Monday, May 4 to discuss the opportunities available through
stimulus monies. There is $1 million potentially available for short term job training that the district will
apply for. In terms of ‘green’ sustainability, the architects consider our master plan and all regulations. As
we go forward, we look at design and how we can improve the world after we’re long gone. If there’s a way,
then why don’t we do it? Why not ‘go green’? We want ‘green’ design that is here long after we’re gone.
Examples to consider: solar panels, lighting, and air conditioning. Smart planning enables us to do this.
Cost is not an excuse not to design and build ‘green’. Now is especially the time to build ‘green’; due to
construction costs, bids are much more reasonable. A current architectural firm is preparing a ‘green’ report
for Eddie to review.
Buddy Ray, Executive Director, Community Action Partnership of Orange County:
Buddy confirmed his question by asking if “green” is highlighted in the curriculum at Santa Ana College.
Dr. Erlinda Martinez, President, Santa Ana College:
Erlinda shared that there is a hybrid auto department at the college, software is utilized from different
agencies in terms of training staff on curriculum. The welding program emphasizes emissions reduction, and
conserving energy is emphasized with heating of the pool. There is also a local green campus committee that
works with reducing the college’s carbon imprint by emphasizes things such as reusing your cup at the
coffee cart, etc.
Ron Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Brea:
Ron sits on the Southern Region U.S. Army Board which spans from Ventura to the border, and he knows of
many veterans on waiting lists to get in to college. Ron asked if returning veterans are prioritized on the
junior college list through the GI bill. Is there a waiting list for veterans, or are veterans given special
treatment of any kind with respect to college entry? Ron also asked if this is determined locally.
Dr. Eddie Hernandez, Chancellor, Rancho Santiago Community College District:
Eddie noted that there is not a priority process for vets, and that we do not decide this locally. A press
release was issued recently sharing that the Governor will support an upcoming bill giving preference to vets,
as only the state can do this. California is the only state in the nation that doesn’t provide priority to
returning vets for programs and services. RSCCD took an early initiative years ago in providing services to
veterans. However, right now, returning vets are treated as out-of-staters. For example, if a vet is currently
located in Arizona and comes to California, he/she pays out-of-state tuition fees and has no priority.
Ron Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Brea:
Ron confirmed with Dr. Hernandez that RSCCD has online degree programs available.
AnnMarie Librescu, Public Information Officer, Santiago Canyon College:
In reference to ‘green’ opportunities, Santiago Canyon College is partnering with the Orange County
Coastkeepers on a demonstration garden on campus. With water being an especially important issue in
Southern California, the garden provides homeowners with ways to conserve water, use drought-resistant
plants and landscape with water conservation in mind. The garden also serves as a living classroom for
college students enrolled in the arborist program, along with visiting K-12 students and community
members, including homeowners.
Vince Brantley, Vice President of Business Development, Greater Santa Ana Business Alliance:
One of the items the federal stimulus package is supporting is summer youth programs. The City of Santa
Ana is offering summer programs, through WIB of Anaheim and Orange, for students 16-24 years old that
pay $8/hr for a 6-8 week program. The program provides skill, hope, and opportunity for students.
Organizations that participate in the program may even meet their future employees.