Community College Cuts
Community college classes and enrollment could be slashed next year. (KTLA-TV)
KTLA News
6:02 a.m. PDT, March 31, 2011


LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- California's budget problems could mean significant class reductions at community colleges across the state.

As budget talks stall in Sacramento, the 112 community college campuses are facing $800 million in funding cuts for the coming school year. That is double the amount suggested in Governor Jerry Brown's budget proposal.

Chancellor Jack Scott says that could mean that 400,000 fewer students would be able to enroll.

Long Beach State may be forced to cut 222 classes in the fall, turn away 1,000 students and eliminate more than 30 staff positions, President Eloy Oakley told the Los Angeles Times in a telephone briefing.

The three community colleges in San Diego plan to cut more than 1,000 classes and turn away 20,000 students, Chancellor Constance Caroll said in the same briefing.

The budget plan being debated in Sacramento would raise community college student fees from $26 to $36 per unit.

Those fees could climb even higher if a budget compromise is not reached.