Businesses, consumers and Wall Street aren't the only ones feeling the impact of an economic recession. Community colleges typically see a jump in enrollment in times of economic downturn. But this time, it is an enrollment increase that California community colleges will have to handle on less funding, because the economic downturn hit at the same time state officials met to consider potential mid-year cuts to deal with a budget deficit.

These potential cuts could mean millions less in resources for local community colleges, as well as local K-12 schools. Most local schools -- colleges and otherwise -- are already preparing for the worst.

The mid-year budget proposal recently released by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger includes $332.2 million in proposed mid-year cuts to the California Community Colleges system. This cut would come on top of the $290 million reduction included in the recently enacted 2008-09 state budget.

"These proposed cuts come at the worst possible time for the community colleges, as they struggle to serve a flood of displaced workers seeking to upgrade their job skills," said community college Chancellor Diane Woodruff. "With California's unemployment rate rising to 7.7 percent, the colleges are experiencing a 10.2 percent increase in enrollments, roughly 100,000 full-time students beyond the level for which the colleges are funded.

"Our colleges always step up when the economy is in a downturn and this time is no different, however it will require additional resources to sustain this effort."

At West Hills Community College District, officials are encouraging students to register early for spring semester because the college is "tightening up" its class schedule, Marketing Director Frances Squire said. The college will likely offer less sections of certain courses, and maintain sections that are pretty full, Squire said.

In keeping with the trend in times of economic recession, West Hills has already seen a jump in enrollment. As of Nov. 15, enrollment was up 17.6 percent from a year before. But the college is trying to absorb the increased enrollment without adding course sections, but at the same time not turning students away, Squire said.

"In tough economic times people turn to community colleges," Squire said. "There's no doubt that college combats poverty."

Already for spring semester, more than 2,694 students have enrolled in classes, she said.

West Hills officials enacted on Nov. 1 a spending freeze, looking at every expense to make sure it is necessary. Prior to that, West Hills officials enacted a hiring freeze, deciding to refrain from filling open positions unless they are critical. For now, the college has a "good beginning balance" and is being fiscally conservative, Squire said.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed and looking at ways to be even more efficient," Squire said.

At College of The Sequoias, enrollment has jumped 16 percent since last year, said President Bill Scroggins. But the college is not offering more classes, the classes are just fuller, Scroggins added.

Scroggins said he is expecting continued enrollment increases, especially given this week's announcement by the California State University system. He believed the college would be able to continue to support the increase, but said the college would not likely expand its offerings any further.

On Wednesday, California State University's Board of Trustees approved Chancellor Charles Reed's plan to turn away 10,000 qualified new applicants for 08-09. The plan declares "systemwide impaction," because the 23 campus system can not sustain overcrowding on reduced funding from the state.

Chancellor said he is setting a limit on enrollment at the campuses, with priority given to students in the campus' geographic area. Students from outside the area will go on a waiting list and be ranked by grades and test scores, according to the Associated Press. Reed said he expects enrollment to drop from the current 460,000 to 450,000.

State Superintendent Jack O'Connell responded on Monday after Reed announced his Wednesday-approved proposal.

"Now, of all times, California needs to continue investing in its most important economic driver -- a quality public education system," O'Connell said. "The California State University system provides the educated workers California needs to retain its economical competitiveness. Providing access to higher education for all qualified students is key to strengthening our economy in the future."

But the concern is not limited to higher education.

Around the county, school district superintendents and business directors have been discussing the anticipated funding cuts in the midst of a faltering economy.

Cheryl Silva, Hanford Joint Union High School District superintendent of business services, said district administrators are having ongoing discussions in the face of potential mid-year cuts.

"Although exact impact is still uncertain we are carefully reviewing all purchases and limiting our expenditures to only the most necessary items," Silva said on Wednesday. "All other purchases are being postponed. We are also planning the opening of Sierra Pacific High School and are working on how to best use existing personnel to minimize the number of new hires."

And at the Hanford Elementary School District, Superintendent Paul Terry said Wednesday to trustees that recently proposed cuts could mean a $1.8 million reduction in funds for the current school year. If cuts come through, the district will also look at spending freezes and freezes of additional hires, Terry said.

He believed the district would have enough money to pull through this year, but that the potential for continuity of budget shortfalls into next year might become problematic.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

(Nov. 22, 2008)