Important Issues to Consider in this Election

By Donna Miller

I have the most experience to serve as a Board trustee, I understand the importance of community colleges to California and the challenges we face, and I have a clear understanding of what we need to do to continue enhancing student success.

Community colleges are vital to the future success of California. California community colleges enroll the overwhelming number of undergraduates, a full 76% of undergraduates in the state. 70% of California's nurses receive their education from community colleges. 80% of firefighter and law enforcement officers are credentialed at community colleges.

Research indicates that North Orange County Community College graduates earn $365,000 more during a working lifetime than those with only a high school diploma. Community taxpayers receive a 15% annual return from the county's community colleges. North Orange County Community College graduates make substantial and lasting contributions to our community.

California is expected to need almost one million more college graduates in 2025 than are currently expected to be produced. Part of the reason for this shortfall is the $840 million in state funding cuts over the last two years.

For many students, community colleges are the best opportunity to achieve their dreams of a college education and a secure future because community colleges are the most affordable alternative. A recent study showed that many Latino and African American youth drop out of college because of financial reasons and the need to support their families. Programs like the Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) that help these students stay in school have been slashed by 40%. We are facing a crisis in our community colleges in California in terms of reaching our goals in part because we spend $2,500 less per student than the national average.

At North Orange, despite the 10% cut in state funding, we have efficiently managed resources to serve 7% more students. We have preserved student support services that experienced a 40% cut in funding with well managed resources.

While we are proud of what we have acomplished as a District, we need to continue to improve. This is why the District and Board of Trustees are developing a new Educational Master Plan designed to improve the success of each and every one of our students.

This plan is based on extensive research about which teaching strategies and support services increase student completion. It is not just how many students we serve but how well we serve those students. Successful strategies include supplemental instruction, peer assisted learning, team teaching, and other student support services. Because of the fiscal responsibility of the District and the Board, we have been able to continue those services despite cutbacks in state funding and we will continue to do so.

The knowledge, experience, and commitment I bring to the Board and our California community colleges are significant reasons why I would be proud to continue to serve as a Trustee.