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Students and faculty press Board as supervisors pledge emergency funding talks for City College cuts
Summary
Following a surprise schedule of proposed spring class cancellations at City College, dozens of students, faculty and community members urged the Board of Supervisors to restore classes; several supervisors introduced or backed measures including a proposed $2.7 million supplemental appropriation to help restore canceled spring offerings.
Dozens of City College of San Francisco students, instructors and community members told the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 10 that an announcement of hundreds of class cancellations for the spring term is causing immediate hardship, and they asked the board for emergency funding and oversight.
Public pressure: Public commenters described a wide range of affected classes, including older-adult programs, culinary and hospitality night labs, metal arts and vocational trades, and said many sections were full with long wait lists. Students and faculty described the timing of the cuts'released around registration'as disruptive and said the college had not adequately consulted the community.
Board response and proposed actions: Several supervisors pledged assistance and introduced or announced proposals. Supervisor Dean Walton (District 10) introduced a supplemental budget appropriation ordinance for $2.7 million to help restore about 300 City College classes cut for spring 2020; he said the measure would be an emergency bridge while longer-term structural solutions are negotiated. Supervisors Matt Haney, Rafael Mandelman, and others pledged to work on longer-term funding and policy fixes; Supervisor Aaron Peskin and Supervisor Mark Farrell raised the need to audit the college's finances.
Union and faculty input: Jenny Worley, president of AFT 2121 (City College faculty union), said older-adult classes and other community-serving programs were among the most severely affected, and asked the board to allocate funds to restore those offerings. Vocational faculty and students said cuts to trade programs reduce training capacity for jobs in construction, automotive and allied industries.
Next steps: The board did not take a final vote on emergency funding at the Dec. 10 meeting, but several supervisors said they would pursue the supplemental appropriation and related budget actions during the December budget process and in the new year. Supervisors also called for a comprehensive, independent audit and continued oversight of college governance and financial management.
Context: Commenters and several supervisors linked the cuts to broader state funding formulas and the college's administration; much of the public testimony framed City College as an essential community institution providing career training, lifelong learning and services to older adults.
