Proposition EE bond fell just short of passing at 54.84 percent,we needed 55 percent. Although the final results are not what we expected, there is still a lot of which to be proud. We will continue in our efforts to ensure students have local access to affordable, high-quality education and job training at MiraCosta College.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Despite the vote, our mission remains consistent. We will continue to serve our students and community by providing exceptional educational opportunities, teaching and learning excellence, and support services.
To mitigate some of the student demand for science classes, our Board of Trustees has provided the groundwork for our future needs by approving the purchase of modular science laboratories at both the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses. Our goal is to have the science lab at the Oceanside Campus operational for the fall 2013 semester. San Elijo will be delayed as we continue to explore options for the site location.
In addition, we will also look to make more efficient use of our classrooms and labs to maximize opportunities for enrollments throughout the entire week and, where feasible, through online education. Of course, these solutions will not eliminate crowded classrooms on our campuses or solve the problems of an aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance, but they will at least begin to address some of the college's immediate concerns.
Once the district and board have had the opportunity to analyze the election results, I will facilitate a discussion with the board and then the campus community regarding potential next steps, which may include planning for a potential bond in the 2014 or 2016 election cycles, or holding off indefinitely and exploring alternative solutions.
Moving Forward
We will continue to move forward. MiraCosta College has an operationally balanced budget with adequate reserves, full reaffirmation of accreditation, and improved responsiveness to and support from the community. When coupled with the excellence of our faculty, staff, and administration, I can say with full confidence that the district is well positioned for the future. Our fiscal prudence and methodical, collaborative approach over the last four years, including the monitoring and reduction of expenses and redirection of existing resources, amongst multiple other strategies, have allowed the district to navigate and weather the worst of the financial storm.
A half century ago, the college looked to its community to build a college and serve this region. Today, we strive to build on that legacy and trust and ask for the same confidence to lay the foundation for the next fifty years.
Giving Thanks
Placing the bond on this November's ballot involved mass doses of planning, collaboration, vision, and courage. Indeed, the college had not asked its local voters for a facilities bond since 1961. It was a tough election that took place in a modestly improving economy. Our local, district voters had much to consider and we appreciate the close to 81,000 voters who supported the bond.
With sincerity and deep gratitude, I congratulate and thank the staff, faculty, students, board, and community volunteers whose hard work and dedication to this endeavor succeeded in creating awareness of the needs of our students and college district. We also educated the public about the return on their local investment in higher education and of the many ways MiraCosta College serves this region. This collateral benefit is significant and should not be overlooked.
We thank you and them all for their trust and confidence.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Despite the vote, our mission remains consistent. We will continue to serve our students and community by providing exceptional educational opportunities, teaching and learning excellence, and support services.
To mitigate some of the student demand for science classes, our Board of Trustees has provided the groundwork for our future needs by approving the purchase of modular science laboratories at both the Oceanside and San Elijo campuses. Our goal is to have the science lab at the Oceanside Campus operational for the fall 2013 semester. San Elijo will be delayed as we continue to explore options for the site location.
In addition, we will also look to make more efficient use of our classrooms and labs to maximize opportunities for enrollments throughout the entire week and, where feasible, through online education. Of course, these solutions will not eliminate crowded classrooms on our campuses or solve the problems of an aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance, but they will at least begin to address some of the college's immediate concerns.
Once the district and board have had the opportunity to analyze the election results, I will facilitate a discussion with the board and then the campus community regarding potential next steps, which may include planning for a potential bond in the 2014 or 2016 election cycles, or holding off indefinitely and exploring alternative solutions.
Moving Forward
We will continue to move forward. MiraCosta College has an operationally balanced budget with adequate reserves, full reaffirmation of accreditation, and improved responsiveness to and support from the community. When coupled with the excellence of our faculty, staff, and administration, I can say with full confidence that the district is well positioned for the future. Our fiscal prudence and methodical, collaborative approach over the last four years, including the monitoring and reduction of expenses and redirection of existing resources, amongst multiple other strategies, have allowed the district to navigate and weather the worst of the financial storm.
A half century ago, the college looked to its community to build a college and serve this region. Today, we strive to build on that legacy and trust and ask for the same confidence to lay the foundation for the next fifty years.
Giving Thanks
Placing the bond on this November's ballot involved mass doses of planning, collaboration, vision, and courage. Indeed, the college had not asked its local voters for a facilities bond since 1961. It was a tough election that took place in a modestly improving economy. Our local, district voters had much to consider and we appreciate the close to 81,000 voters who supported the bond.
With sincerity and deep gratitude, I congratulate and thank the staff, faculty, students, board, and community volunteers whose hard work and dedication to this endeavor succeeded in creating awareness of the needs of our students and college district. We also educated the public about the return on their local investment in higher education and of the many ways MiraCosta College serves this region. This collateral benefit is significant and should not be overlooked.
We thank you and them all for their trust and confidence.