This content was published: March 22, 2007. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Proposed state budget would mean lost opportunities for PCC students
Photos and story by James Hill
On March 22, the co-chairs of the Ways and Means Committee released a new budget for the 2007-09 biennium which cuts funding for Oregon’s community colleges well below the level that had been recommended by Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
The community college requested funding level is $529 million for the biennium. Gov. Kulongoski’s budget was $483 million, and the co-chairs have cut that to $458 million, $71 million below what the colleges need to build enrollment and restore educational programs.
With an appropriation of $458 million and no tuition increase, Portland Community College, the state’s largest post-secondary institution, would be able to fund existing budget commitments, estimated utility increases and contractual obligations for salary increases only. There would be no new full-time faculty, no increases in students served, no new or expanded professional technical programs to meet business and industry demand.
PCC District President Preston Pulliams expressed disappointment about the new budget level. He said without the proper level of funding there would be no progress toward reinstating the severe losses incurred over the previous six years of state budget reductions.
“When the session began we were very hopeful that finally the Legislature would begin to reverse the six-year downward trend of support for higher education and community colleges,” Pulliams said. “Recent cuts have resulted in lost opportunity for thousands of Oregon students, and this new budget level doesn’t begin to restore those losses. We certainly hope the Legislature can get back on track to create a world-class education system. It is vitally important for the future of our state.”
Students’ progress toward their educational goals would continue to be stymied by the lack of availability of critical course sections and student services. In addition, PCC would continue to operate at maintenance funding levels that are 20 percent below 2001 funding levels. This will cause the college to delay Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) improvements and force it to run equipment to failure, rather than planning for maintenance and replacement work.
At a $529 million appropriation, the college estimates hiring at least 25 full-time faculty in areas such as Computer Information Systems, English for Speakers of Other Languages, Gerontology, Dance, Biology, Welding, Biotechnology, Landscape Technology, History, Math, Composition/Literature, Business Administration, Aviation Science, Developmental Education, Social Sciences, Building Construction, Occupational Therapy, Computer Application Systems, Geography, Nutrition and Medical Assisting.
In addition, PCC would plan to expand or create new professional technical programs that prepare Portland area residents for high demand, high skill jobs in Gerontology, Welding, Biotech, Building Construction, Occupational Therapy and Medical Assisting. The college also plans to make critical investments in student services that will enhance retention, transfer and articulation.
PCC estimates that these investments would increase the number of its annual full-time equivalent (FTE) students by 1,700. This represents more then 10,000 additional students who would have access to higher education and well-paid careers through PCC. The number of new students could go even higher if the college could reduce tuition, which would be seriously considered at $529 million.
“We understand the Legislature is considering other revenue sources to be able to meet the needs of many state programs,” Pulliams added. “I would remind them that every dollar invested in community colleges pays huge dividends in terms of a better prepared workforce, stronger economy and improved quality of life for all Oregonians.”
Portland Community College is the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon, serving approximately 88,200 full- and part-time students. For more PCC news, please visit us on the Web at www.pcc.edu/news. PCC has three comprehensive campuses, five workforce training and education centers, and 200 community locations in the Portland metropolitan area. The PCC district encompasses a 1,500-square-mile area in northwest Oregon and offers two-year degrees, one-year certificate programs, short-term training, alternative education, pre-college courses and life-long learning.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »