Between a rock and hard times, the Los Rios Community College District has placed a $475 million bond measure on the November ballot.
"Enrollment is growing far faster than any of us could have imagined it would," said Brice Harris, chancellor of the Los Rios system.
Faced with rocketing growth, the community college district – which spans Sacramento, Yolo and El Dorado counties, as well as parts of Placer – is asking taxpayers for money to build and remodel campus buildings.
The question is whether voters, facing an uncertain job market and rising prices for food, gas and other staples, will be receptive to the proposal, called Measure M. The measure requires a 55 percent approval rate for passage. If approved, it requires property owners in the district to pay $9.10 per $100,000 of assessed valuation.
Earlier this year, San Juan Unified School District officials decided not to pursue a bond measure, citing the rough economic conditions.
A recently released report added to the gloomy outlook: The Sacramento Regional Research Institute said job losses in the region quickened in June, resulting in a steeper decline than the state and national average.
Harris said Monday that Los Rios leaders understand times are tough. In fact, pocketbook issues are a prime reason community college enrollment is up, as young and old seek job training — and retraining.
"We have a commanding need and we would not be doing our job if we did not present this to the voters," said Harris.
This fall, about 88,000 students will enroll in the Los Rios college system, which includes American River, Cosumnes River, Folsom Lake and Sacramento City colleges. That's 4,000 more students than enrolled last fall, a 5 percent rise – and part of a steady increase. Last fall's enrollment was 9 percent higher than fall 2006; and fall 2006 enrollment was up 8 percent over 2005.
Los Rios estimates that one out of every 12 adults in the Sacramento region is enrolled at a community college.
Cost is also a factor in the burgeoning enrollment. The per unit fee at community colleges has remained steady at $20, while California State University and University of California fees have risen.
The Los Rios district last passed a bond measure in 2002, when voters approved a $265 million package. During that bond campaign, Los Rios leaders told voters that they expected 100,000 students by 2015. The state now projects 120,000 by 2016.
Call The Bee's Bill Lindelof, (916) 321-1079.
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