Support of Equitable State Funding for all Community College Students

Whereas, On a dollar-per-student basis, there is great disparity in funding among California's community college districts-the highest funded district receiving more than $8,000 per full-time-equivalent student, the lowest funded district receiving less than $3,500;

Whereas, When there are more state funds available to the California Community College System, higher-funded districts receive proportionately more and lower-funded districts receive proportionately less, and, conversely, when state funds are cut, higher-funded districts receive a smaller cut per student and lower-funded districts receive a larger cut per student, making the disparity in funding even greater;

Whereas, The lack of equitable state funding means that students in lower-funded districts have significantly less access to classes, tutors, full-time instructors, lab technicians, math and writing center assistance, basic skills classes, adequately maintained facilities, instructional materials, current technology, technical programs, and counselors as well as other support staff for an increasingly diverse student population; and

Whereas, Funding all community college programs and services on a per-student basis would reduce the disparity in funding, increase equal access to education, and boost the potential for student success throughout the state; and addressing the disparities in state funding through gradual adjustments in rates of growth will allow, over time, for a more equitable distribution of resources without reducing the funds for any district;

Resolved, That the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges support state funding for California community colleges on the basis of full-time equivalent students and
Urge enactment of legislation that will ensure fair and equitable funding for all community college students, including measures that will halt the increasing disparity in funding; and
Commit to actively advocate on behalf of comparable funding for ALL of the state's community college students on a per-student basis.