HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 9099Resolution No. 9099
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Supporting
Measure E Foothill-De Anza Community College District
Educational Opportunity and Job Training Parcel Tax
WHEREAS, Foothill College and De Anza College rank among the best community
colleges in the nation and our community relies on them for healthcare professionals to serve our
aging population and for skilled workers to fuel our economy; and
WHEREAS, for many local students, Foothill and De Anza are a stepping-stone to
transfer to top universities; and
WHEREAS, community colleges have never been so important or in demand as DC and
CSU schools tum away more and more students and increase tuition, making Foothill and De Anza
the only affordable and accessible college education options for many students in this community;
and
WHEREAS, Foothill and De Anza have experienced more than $20 million in budget
cuts due to state funding reductions, leading to the elimination of many courses along with hundreds
of faculty and staff positions; and
WHEREAS, student demand for community college courses is increasing and this year
thousands of local students were unable to get classes they needed; and
WHEREAS, passing of Measure E will allow Foothill College and De Anza College to
continue to provide the academic courses students need to transfer to four-year universities and
compete for good careers in math, engineering, technology and science; and
WHEREAS, Measure E will provide stable funding that the State cannot take away to
help these institutions:
• Maintain core academic classes including math, science and writing
• Prepare students for careers in engineering, math and science
• Help students transfer to four -year universities
• Prepare students for healthcare careers like nursing and paramedics
• Restore classes and labs to meet demand; and
WHEREAS, every penny from this measure will benefit our local college, no funds can
be taken by the State of used for administrator salaries, an independent oversight committee and
annual audits will ensure funds are used properly, and the measure will automatically expire in six
years; and
WHEREAS, local funding measures like this are the only way for community college
districts to secure stable funding for programs and staff and reduce dependency on the State; and
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