El Camino College Budget Update

El Camino College Budget Questions or Comments?

March 2011

The 2011-12 California State Budget proposal by Governor Brown includes significant reductions for the California community colleges. Depending upon the scenario, budget cuts for the community colleges are anticipated to range from $400 million to $1.085 billion. The $400 million cut is based upon the State Legislature voting to put a tax extension package on the ballot, and the voters subsequently approving the tax package.

At this time there are numerous uncertainties associated with our budget development process for 2011-12 as we wait to see what happens in Sacramento. The wide range of potential budget cuts makes budget planning for 2011-12 very challenging for the El Camino Community College District. Cabinet has developed three planning options for our unrestricted general fund (Fund 11):

Option 1: proposes a $7 million reduction to the budget; this option assumes the tax
extension package makes it on the ballot, and that voters approve the tax package.

Option 2: proposes a $10.9 million reduction to the budget; this option assumes there is no tax extension package approved by voters, and Proposition 98 is funded.

Option 3: proposes a $17.5 million reduction to the budget; this option assumes there is no tax extension package approved by voters, and Proposition 98 is suspended by the Legislature.

The “ECC 2011-12 Budget Planning Proposal” illustrates the three budget options and identifies each budget line item and the amount of savings from the categories.

ECC Budget & Planning Proposal 2011-2012

Guiding Principles For Planning & Budgeting – Spring 2011

The aforementioned Planning Proposal was developed utilizing the following Guiding Principles, adopted by the vice presidents, recommended by PBC, and reviewed by the Academic Senate and College Council during this spring semester.

In light of the current budget uncertainties, the College cannot continue to operate with the same number of class sections, programs and services that currently exist. The recommendations/decisions we make will be difficult and will challenge our core beliefs as educators. The following principles will guide the El Camino Community College District to maintain student access and a fiscally responsible long-term vision.

1. All programs and services will be assessed for their viability, relevance, cost effectiveness and community need so that remaining programs and support services will be of high quality and appropriately supported.

2. Planning, evaluation and assessment processes will be utilized to review programs and services and to align budget priorities with institutional Strategic Initiatives.

3. Maximum efforts will be made to retain permanent, regular employees.

4. An adequate reserve will be maintained to meet district obligations and cash flow throughout a 4-year period of fiscal challenges is critical.

5. Opportunities to shift enrichment programs to a fee-based model will be explored.

6. Efforts will be made to create revenue generating opportunities that support the College’s operating fund.

President's Newsletter - March 30, 2011

"Divestiture of the Future of Higher Education"

For More Information, Please Read the Following Documents:

Latest news regarding the federal ARRA funds - 09/28/2009

Memo from Chancellor Jack Scott - 7/28/2009

State Budget Update from California Community Colleges' Vice Chancellor Erik Skinner - 7/20/2009

State Budget Update from California Community Colleges' Vice Chancellor Erik Skinner - 7/16/2009

State Budget Update from California Community Colleges' Vice Chancellor Erik Skinner - 7/13/2009