Klamath Community College leaders advocate for $920M funding at local meeting

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means meeting held on April 25, 2025, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, focused on critical funding requests and community needs from local leaders and educators. The meeting highlighted the importance of community colleges and public safety initiatives in the region.

Roberto Gutierrez, president of Klamath Community College (KCC), opened the meeting by emphasizing the role of community colleges as vital economic engines in Oregon's higher education system. He shared his personal journey from being a high school dropout to achieving academic success through community college, underscoring the potential impact of rising tuition costs on underserved students. Gutierrez urged the committee to consider a funding request of $920 million for Oregon's community colleges to ensure accessibility for all students.

Stacy Peterson, director of KCC's Cosmetology program, reported significant growth in student enrollment, from 242 registrations in 2023 to 702 in 2024. She requested $4 million in capital improvement funds to build a new facility, citing overcrowded classrooms and inadequate infrastructure in their current 100-year-old building. Peterson expressed concerns about safety and compliance issues that could hinder the program's success.

Klamath County officials, including Vice Chair Derek DeGroot and Commissioner Andy Nichols, advocated for various local priorities. DeGroot highlighted the need for a childcare facility to support workforce stability and mentioned House Bill 5004, which addresses community corrections. Nichols emphasized the importance of funding for public safety initiatives and the South Suburban Sanitation District's $20 million request for system upgrades, warning that failure to secure this funding could lead to increased costs for residents.

The meeting concluded with a call for support for local initiatives aimed at improving education, public safety, and community infrastructure, reflecting the urgent needs of Klamath County residents. The discussions underscored the interconnectedness of education and community well-being, as local leaders seek to secure necessary resources for their constituents.