Tech programs absolutely vital
Reader Input
I just commenced round two of chemotherapy in my battle against an incurable cancer, similar to what trustees are now facing in their efforts to keep the technical programs “alive” at Sierra College. But our economy will rebound, homes must be built, cars will need repair and we all need to eat. Our taxes fund Sierra College and elimination of these programs should not be considered. Maintaining viable technological and industrial programs must remain the mainstay of our community college and effectively help those students become active participants within our community. Cuts will force students to drop out or be cast-outs and potentially a burden to our community. Trustees, don’t postpone the decision, but continue the technical programs that have been a core part of Sierra College since its conception over 40 years ago. Demand that (President Leo) Chavez pursue a collaborative approach with faculty, students, community leaders and industry leaders to create an alternative option for all of these programs that meet the needs of all students. Keep these programs alive! All interested parties e-mail to trustees@sierracollege.edu and recommend that these core trade classes at Sierra College be left intact. Mike Langford, adjunct Sierra College building code instructor, Loomis
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At a recent coffee meet and greet with CA Assembly member Ted Gains of the 4th Assembly District, the first 4 questions for him were all about the growing difficulty parents and students are facing both getting the needed classes and affording the skyrocketing fees at college. Having taken the "no tax" pledge there was not anything Ted could say to assure his constituents that he would be trying to help them. All he could say was that everyone needs to tighten their belts. Higher education needs to be funded and the demand for educated people in the workplace will grow. The money will need to come from somewhere and Republican lawmakers seem to think they can find the money by raising tuition and reducing the number of students who can attend college and by cutting human services and public employees wages and benefits. I don't think that will work. At some point the tyranny of the minority will have to give way to reason and revenue will need to be raised from the general population to support education instead of putting more and more of the burden on students and their parents.
See the article in the Roseville Press Tribune today by Curtis Walker http://rosevillept.com/detail/141815.html