2008 Woodie Awards
Highlights from Chancellor Drummond's visit to LAHC
"A Progress Report"
Ivan Adame
Posted in: News on 4/8/08 at 1:23 PM PST
| |
|
Topics include the status of the school construction, a new bond proposal, fee increases, financial aid, and new digital information systems for both faculty and students.
"The facilities were not up to snuff."
In the late 90's, bonds were passed to commence the modernization for the schools in the district. Drummond says the progress did not turn out as planned when they drafted the plan, due to the growing world economies. "The cost of materials to construct buildings has gone up considerably, almost double in the last six or seven years. That means we didn't get everything we thought we would." He refers to use "non-compatible neighborhoods" or "mixed neighborhoods", to compensate for these shortcomings, along with the proposal of a new bond to complete the ongoing modernization project.
"We will be seeking authorization from the board for another bond to complete much of what we started, but also to do new things we have envisioned." He continues to say that much of the new ideas takes advantage of the new high wage, high demand jobs in Los Angeles, which largely includes sustainable industries, such as solar, wind, waste reduction, and recycling. Drummond is taking steps to create programs to help students learn the skills for maintenance and operation of these types of services. "We don't teach it here, which is sort of odd, we've been building our buildings to very modern, very energy-efficient and effective standards, yet we don't have curriculum that will teach you and give you a certificate...we need to get into that."
"A Bumpy Ride"
Drummond goes on to talk about the current financial issues the district is dealing with, and how it affects the students:
"I hate so say it, but I think you're going to have to prepare for a bumpy ride. I'm quite sure before this state economic fiasco settles out...I would expect before the summer comes in that there will be a proposal for a rather sharp fee increase." He does mention that a large portion of students "it's important that students know about waivers and how to get them." "First of all we're in this recession mode, and the numbers are not looking good, about money going in versus money going out, the latest estimate I'm sure you all saw is that there is a state inbalance of someplace in the neighborhood of $18 Billion... it could be more or less, but the point is it's not good news, and there is not a willingness there to just sit down and be open about other ways of doing business, other revenue sources. Do we have balances and tax breaks for corporations, energy companies...there's a political unwillingness to engage that... I'm expecting we're going to face about a $10 Million hole in our income."
Click on the audio link above to listen to Drummond's report, along with highlights from his aides' on Financial Aid, and the formation of a new faculty payroll and student information systems.
Be the first to comment on this story