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At a July meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to place a local education funding measure on the November ballot: Measure M. This fiscally responsible plan to address the needs of local students and the community was developed after working with stakeholders, the Board of Trustees, and local community organizations.
The measure will support the needs of Orange Coast College, Golden West College, and Coastline College students. Due to the rising cost of attending a public university in California, more local students are relying on Coast Colleges to help them save money—as much as $35,000—as they pursue their four-year degree. Our students will be better prepared for four-year universities through the expansion of course opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Additionally, Coast Colleges job training and workforce preparation will keep students competitive for high-skill jobs, which drive the local economy.
Coast Colleges currently serve more than 18,000 active military service men and women, their families, and Veterans annually. The measure will allow Coast Colleges to expand their Veteran services and facilities to ensure that they receive the support they need to complete their education and enter the civilian workforce. Measure M will also enable Coast Colleges to create and enhance existing programs which cater to local businesses and the senior community.
Many of the buildings on each of the campuses were built in the 1960s which require repair and upgrades for outdated electrical systems, wiring and equipment for computer technology and internet access. Upgrades are also needed for career and vocational classrooms, labs andequipment for 21st century jobs and careers. The measure would fund the removal of asbestosand repair decaying walls, drainage systems and leaking roofs, as well as improve campus safetyby installing and repairing fire safety equipment: alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers,emergency lighting and fire safety doors.
The bond includes strong fiscal accountability: public expenditure plan, independent annualaudits, independent citizens’ oversight, and no money for administrator salaries. Only$17.97/year per $100K of assessed property value would be needed to fund the $698-millionbond measure, which supports local education and the community.
