The Contra Costa Community College District (District) Governing Board voted unanimously at their Wednesday, February 26, 2014, meeting, to place a local education facilities funding measure on the June 3, 2014, ballot for the community’s consideration. The intent of this communication is to provide accurate information regarding the measure which requires over 55 percent voter support to pass.
The District is one of the largest community college districts in California, serving over 55,000 students annually. The District includes Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill and its San Ramon Campus, Los Medanos College in Pittsburg and its Brentwood Center.
The official ballot statement:
To upgrade educational facilities at Diablo Valley, Contra Costa, and Los Medanos Colleges, and the San Ramon and Brentwood centers, and help prepare students for jobs and college transfer by modernizing classrooms and labs, building facilities for health, medical, science, and technology training, and implementing earthquake safety, accessibility, and infrastructure improvements, shall the Contra Costa Community College District issue $450 million of bonds at legal interest rates with independent oversight, audits, and all funds spent on local sites?
The June 2014 bond measure will allow the District to make additional repairs and upgrades needed to ensure our local community colleges can continue to provide quality, affordable education and 21st century job training to local students. Community colleges are an essential safety net – providing higher education for local students, many who cannot afford four year colleges and universities.
Contra Costa County voters previously passed facilities bond measures in 2002 and 2006 and those funds have already been spent or allocated to projects under construction. Bond funds have helped to remodel and replace old facilities at the colleges with modern classrooms and new learning technology.
The District is seeking additional funds to help maintain high quality career training programs in healthcare, sciences, technology, and public safety. A local facilities education bond will also help bring advanced medical career training facilities to the colleges, preparing our students for some of the fastest growing careers in the country.
If approved by voters, funds would be used to address the following priorities, among others:
- Making buildings, classrooms, and community facilities accessible to people with disabilities
- Improving academic facilities to help students prepare for 21st century jobs and transfer to 4-year universities
- Providing facilities and resources for science, technology, and medical/health career training programs, including nursing, dental technology, and health administration
- Installing and maintaining technology for modern, hands-on career training
Bond funds would be required to be spent locally in Contra Costa County and used to make improvements at all district locations. An independent oversight committee will be created and regular audits completed to ensure the monies are spent as promised.
For more information, visit the District’s website at www.4cd.edu.