In a potentially notable collaboration between local agencies, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors will weigh contributing $1 million to making a community college education more attainable for local students.
Board President David Canepa proposed Tuesday, March 9, sharing surplus tax revenue to advance the efforts of San Mateo County Community College District officials looking to make courses free to students.
Though no decision was made at the meeting and the proposal will return for further examination in a future session, Canepa said he considered the gesture critical in serving the shared interests of both agencies.
“This could be a win-win all around and an example of the San Mateo County way,” said Canepa.
The initiative builds on a previous allocation by Canepa to the district’s Promise Scholars program, which aims to help students overcome financial hurdles and complete their education.
Community college board Vice President Maurice Goodman lauded the intent, and hoped it would accelerate work already underway at the school district to reduce the burden for those grappling with economic hardship.
“This will go a long way toward supporting our students,” said Goodman.
For his part, Goodman anticipated the allocation will pay partially into an expansion of the Promise Scholars program, which also provides wraparound services such as counseling, financial assistance for books plus transportation and aid for those facing housing or food insecurity.
Goodman also admired the speed with which Canepa and his colleagues at the county moved to offer the financial aid following a discussion over the opportunity just a short time ago.
“The response from the county has been nothing less than spectacular,” said Goodman, who credited Canepa, Supervisor Carole Groom, County Manager Mike Callagy, college district Chancellor Mike Claire and fellow Trustee John Pimentel for their work on the partnership too.
Pimentel, who since joining the school board last fall has dedicated much of his term to making community college free for all students, appreciated the effort as well.
“I think this demonstrates tremendous leadership from our county board, especially from President Canepa and Supervisor Groom. And it gives me hope that our local government institutions can cooperate with an eye on coordinating public service,” he said.
For his part, Pimentel said the district will look to further advance the effort by adding its own revenue. The logistics of that proposal are yet to be determined, but he anticipated more details will be announced soon.
He added that district officials will work with local state legislators to craft legislation allowing community colleges to waive mandated $46 enrollment fees. And trustees will look to fundraise from the district’s foundation to build additional resources that can finance the various efforts, while maintaining a collaborative relationship with county officials.
“We hope to partner with the county to create a fiscally responsible approach to expanding the good work that our community college does in this field of increasing access,” he said.
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(1) comment
In addition to trying to waive the manditory $46 enrollment fee, why don't you reduce transportation costs that might inhibit access? Start by eliminating the parking fee kiosks for visitors (why charge?), the $106 student parking fee, and ticketing parking.
The District doesn't even waive parking fees for students on California College Promise Grants!
I realize eliminating parking fees is less sexy than providing "Free College," but why must students pay for the "privilege" of parking their car while attending classes?
"Purchasing Student Parking Permits:
Student parking permits are available for (prices effective Summer 2020) $58 each for Fall semester and Spring semester; $29 for the Summer session; and $106 for a two-term permit (Fall and Spring). Semester parking permits are valid at all three campuses of the District (Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College). Parking permits for students with California College Promise Grant (CCPG) (formerly known as Board of Governor's (BOG)) waivers are $30 for Fall or Spring Semester and $25 for Summer. Parking permit fees are nonrefundable unless an action of the College (i.e. cancellation of all of the student's classes) prevents the student from attending. Lost and stolen parking permits are nonrefundable."
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Michael B. Reiner, PhD, is a higher education consultant and educational researcher. Previously, he was a professor of psychology and college administrator at City University of New York (CUNY), Miami Dade College, the Riverside Community College District, and the San Mateo County Community College District. mreiner32205@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-b-reiner-phd-14057551/
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