“Being realistic,” campus growth will be “very slow,” whatever educational model is applied. “For the feasible future, we are what we are,” Calote added.Aguirre asked for timeline on the educational master plan.The district does not “want to drag it out for a long time,” and the plan is expected to be completed in the fall, said Calote.Aguirre noted that scheduling can take up to two years, and Calote said that the timeframe would apply to new curriculum.Perhaps offering classes from VC and Oxnard College could be explored, said Aguirre. “Mr. Aguirre suggested that the other two colleges ante up, but like Robin said, we would have to break the mold” in models and delivery and much would depend on the “boldness and imagination of staff,” Miller noted. The state, he added, is discussing an expansion of vocational education opportunities.
Future of VC East Campus discussed by joint meeting with college and city
June 08, 2007
Santa Paula News
The Santa Paula East Campus of Ventura College isn’t going anywhere, at least anytime soon, city officials learned at a recent meeting with district personnel, the first time that the 1992 created Santa Paula Redevelopment (RDA)/Ventura County Community College District Joint Powers Improvement Authority Commission had ever convened.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe Santa Paula East Campus of Ventura College isn’t going anywhere, at least anytime soon, city officials learned at a recent meeting with district personnel, the first time that the 1992 created Santa Paula Redevelopment (RDA)/Ventura County Community College District Joint Powers Improvement Authority Commission had ever convened. The meeting included a discussion on the JPA’s account - about $400,000 garnered by the district through Santa Paula RDA pass-through property tax increments - as well as the future of the East Campus and educational opportunities for river valley residents.Santa Paula and the college district have been pitted over a $25 million allotment that river valley voters were assured would be used for a new campus when district officials were pitching a $356 million bond. The 2002 bond - that taxes property owners about $20 per $100,000 in assessed value - successfully passed, but in recent years district interest in a new East Campus waned as costs outstripped projections on other district projects.Finally, last year the allotment was taken from the area after a strong standoff between city and district officials. Recently the district was exploring moving the aging East Campus, and examined opportunities in Fillmore.The May 24 meeting included Councilmen Dr. Gabino Aguirre and Bob Gonzales, a former VCCCD trustee, City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz, VCCCD Trustee Larry Miller, Ventura College President Robin Calote and Sue Johnson, vice chancellor of business services, represented the district. City Finance Director John Quinn and Elisabeth Amador were also present.Calote said that a community survey targeting East Campus offerings and location would be finalized in coming months when “tables are formatted” containing survey results. From there the information will be referenced for a draft educational master plan. Survey results show that there is interest in vocational education, bilingual classes and fast-track classes such as those held on weekends.Aguirre received confirmation that such a master plan would be the subject of public hearings. “Meanwhile, we’re staying where we are,” although faculty and staff “recognize” that the Dean Drive facility is “not an ideal setting,” said Calote. Students do not lack transportation, but parking is a problem - an issue she suggested that the city examine - and, as there is no traffic signal, students are unable to cross Main Street to reach the campus.
