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FRESNO -- Local community college students face a reduced menu of spring semester classes because of budget-driven cuts to academic schedules.
Officials say the belt-tightening trend continues because of a slump in state funding. Some colleges may cut course offerings by up to 40 percent compared to last spring.
At Fresno City College, officials have chopped more than 200 class sections -- or close to 10 percent -- from the spring schedule because of budget stress.
"We're being cautious about our course offerings because we just don't know" about the state's financial outlook, said Tony Cantu, vice president of instruction at City College.
Cantu said officials have trimmed low-enrollment classes and cut back on the number of sessions offered for some classes. But they also worked to maintain enough diversity so that students can stay on track to earn degrees or certificates, transfer to a four-year college or pick up new skills for the job market.
Campuses generally save money by hiring fewer part-time instructors. Cantu said no layoffs of full-time faculty are expected because of the cuts.
The spring semester begins in January.
With a near-record 25,157 students, City College is the most popular campus in the State Center Community College District. The multi-campus district, with schools in Fresno and Madera counties, posted record enrollment this fall, with close to 38,900 students -- up about 850 students over fall 2008.
Experts say a poor economy usually translates into increased demand at community colleges as students search for new skills or retraining. Cutbacks and fee increases at four-year universities may also fuel enrollment.
Officials at West Hills Community College District, with campuses in Coalinga and Lemoore, project 30 percent to 40 percent fewer classes for spring. The district traditionally offers more than 1,000 class sections.
Chancellor Frank Gornick said he can't rule out some selective layoffs. District employees already are participating in furloughs.
Ken Stoppenbrink, vice chancellor of business and human resources, acknowledged that "the numbers sound drastic" for class reductions. But the primary targets are low-enrollment classes.
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