FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND STABILITY

By Michele T. Nelson

In an economic downturn, Dr. Nelson addresses the challenges of fiscal accountabilty and stability for Palomar College and how these can be addressed.

· Funds for Student Support Services--services like counseling which are essential for student success have been greatly reduced. As unmet needs emerge it is incumbent upon Palomar's staff to seek outside funding sources in the form of competitive grants and other revenue generating activities to provide these services.

· The faculty union, Palomar Faculty Federation, and the Palomar District must work together to agree upon the first-ever faculty contract which is fair, equitable and responsible in a time of economic downturn. Yet,on October 5th Mark Evilsizer and Rebecca Faubus filed Forms 460, Disclosure of Campaign Contributions and Expenditures with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters which indicate that each have received a $1000 contribution from local 6161 of the Palomar Faculty Federation/ American Federation of Teachers. To date, these union contributions represent a substantial amount of their campaign funding. This is the union, with whom they will be required to ratify a contract if they are elected to the Palomar Board. Can voters really believe they can have the best interests of the community and taxpayers in mind and that they can execute this contract responsibly and objectively?

· Palomar must continue to utilize their shared governance process to explore scheduling innovations- more classes offered during inter-sessions which will allow students to complete their educational goals more rapidly and fully utilize resources at the same time.

Palomar College must accurately measure the effectiveness of every academic and student services program offered at the college. College budget allocations must be based on a program's performance. In the near future, accountability to the state will be mandated and funding will be tied to performance. Our local North County constituency also has the right to know whether their tax dollars are being spent effectively. We must ask

How do Palomar students who transfer do as compared to "native students?"

Do students who complete vocational programs get jobs?

Are the students who complete vocational programs prepared to pass licensure exams? What is their pass rate?

What do the employers who hire Palomar students say about their level of preparation?

Are Community Advisory Boards providing information about Vocational and Technical curriculum?

For continued legislative and local community support we must be fiscally responsible and accountable.