As of this writing (Monday, May 25, 2:30 p.m.), here's where we stand with regards to the 2020-2021 projected budget deficit.- On June 3 the Board of Trustees is holding a special "Committee of the Whole," 12:30-1:45 p.m. Committees of the Whole are designed to address one specific topic in order to help the Trustees gain in-depth knowledge; in this case, the subject is the budget. You'll be able to listen if you go to the Board of Trustees website and click on "Agendas."
- Right now, the expectation is still a budget shortfall for the District of $50-60 million--an amount that'll be significantly higher if Federal funds aren't received to shore up other budget items (I outlined this in detail in my previous blog entry dated May 18).
- At the local level, I've instructed the vice presidents to begin the process of curtailing expenditures. We are evaluating every vacancy that may be occurring as we move toward the end of the current fiscal year. We will not be hiring any new faculty--a decision that was made April 8 as the pandemic accelerated. However, the District hired 15 faculty above the Faculty Obligation number last year, so we are still in compliance with the law.
- Please be aware--and I underline this for a reason--there has been no discussion yet regarding canceling any summer or fall classes. Both the chancellor and I are determined to maintain our course schedules if at all possible.
- The College's budget committee will be meeting this week to open up the conversation about our financial situation through the participatory governance process. It's scheduled for 3 p;m. on Thursday, May 28. If you'd like to listen to the Zoom meeting, please contact the organizer, Vice President Barajas.