Score: +1
(1/0/0)
Ventura County Grand Jury
• 2005-2006
Ventura County Community College District
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 35 findings
F01
State support for the community colleges primarily depends on State funding. The major source of VCCCD revenue is from the State, based on Full Time Equivalent Student (FTES).
No recommendations for this finding
F02
In terms of tax funding, the VCCCD ranks 64th out of the 72 community college districts in California, at $3,836 per FTES.
No recommendations for this finding
F03
State level of revenue allocated to each community college varies. Before Proposition 13 (the 1978 property tax initiative) was passed, districts could assess a local property tax for support of community colleges. Local district revenues (now provided by the State) are based on the property tax rate before Proposition 13.
No recommendations for this finding
F04
The State legislature is still in the process of discussions relating to equalization among the districts that might increase funding to VCCCD.
No recommendations for this finding
F05
The tuition of $26 per unit for California residents is set by the State. This was increased from $18 per unit in September 2004.
No recommendations for this finding
F06
The VCCCD 2005-2006 enrollment figures show four consecutive semesters of decline at all three colleges.
No recommendations for this finding
F07
The VCCCD acknowledges a relationship between the County economy and the overall student enrollment. If there is high employment, enrollment is down, and vice versa.
No recommendations for this finding
F08
The cycle of a continuing decrease in enrollment leads to less revenue. By necessity classes and programs are eliminated. This in turn reduces the selection of classes available to students, resulting in additional reduction in enrollment. Programs and Staffing
No recommendations for this finding
F09
State law requires that community colleges have 75% of their classes taught by full-time instructors; VCCCD is at the 54% level.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Part-time instructors are paid at a lower pay scale than full-time instructors.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F11
Part-time instructors receive reduced or no benefits.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F12
The shortfall of full-time instructors reduces the ability of students to meet with faculty since part-time instructors are not funded or required to keep office hours.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F13
Some core classes such as math, English, and social science are not offered at all three colleges because of faculty shortages and budgetary constraints.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F14
Each college has its own Academic Master Plan, which includes programs for college transfer and vocational training. Administration and Operations
No recommendations for this finding
F15
There are significantly differing opinions and complaints among college employees as to how decisions are made by VCCCD and the justifications for those decisions.
Related Recommendations (3)
R02
The VCCCD should make its operations more transparent by improving its interface with the staff, media, and the public. (C-01, C-08)
R04
The VCCCD should develop a more open and inclusive process in developing policies with the intended result of more consistency and stability. (C-06, C-07)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F16
The public, in general, is not aware of the background or reasoning behind many VCCCD decisions regarding the three colleges and District Office.
Related Recommendations (2)
R02
The VCCCD should make its operations more transparent by improving its interface with the staff, media, and the public. (C-01, C-08)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F17
The VCCCD has a multi-layered hierarchical organizational structure.
Related Recommendations (2)
R03
The VCCCD should develop more rapid and efficient request and approval processes with fewer bureaucratic layers. (C-06, C-07)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F18
The VCCCD administrative procedures are complicated and complex. There are multiple approvals required on many decisions, including staffing decisions.
Related Recommendations (2)
R03
The VCCCD should develop more rapid and efficient request and approval processes with fewer bureaucratic layers. (C-06, C-07)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F19
The VCCCD is not consistent in its operational policies. Bond Measure S Projects
Related Recommendations (2)
R04
The VCCCD should develop a more open and inclusive process in developing policies with the intended result of more consistency and stability. (C-06, C-07)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F20
Bond Measure S was approved by the Ventura County voters in March 2002, for $356.3 million to fund new or renovated classroom buildings and related facilities located at the three community colleges and the Camarillo District Office.
No recommendations for this finding
F21
Information for voters regarding Measure S was distributed in the sample ballot for the March 5, 2002 election. This information indicated that capital projects to be funded with bond proceeds would include the renovation of athletic facilities at Ventura College for health and safety reasons and to upgrade facilities for physical education instruction. This information did not mention facilities for competitive athletic programs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F22
Measure S was placed on the ballot without a Facilities Master Plan prioritizing or directing use of the bond funds.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F23
The voter statement for Measure S indicated that the funds might be used for creating a Santa Clara Valley Advanced Technology Education Center (in Santa Paula), but failed to provide funds for purchasing land on which to build the facility or to conduct an Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F24
Measure S did not intend to provide for a fourth full-service college in Santa Paula.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F25
The Santa Paula satellite campus has decreasing student enrollment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F26
Measure S was passed before the present Chancellor and bond consultant were hired.
No recommendations for this finding
F27
Funds authorized by Measure S failed to include any allowances for inflation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F28
Construction costs for the projects have more than doubled since Measure S was passed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F29
Inflation has required the Board of Trustees to reprioritize the projects.
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F30
Each college has its own Facilities Master Plan. Measure S funds facilities that enhance each college’s master plan.
No recommendations for this finding
F31
A Citizens Oversight Committee monitors the District spending of bond funds. They report to the VCCCD Board.
No recommendations for this finding
F32
Constructing athletic facility projects at Ventura College was scheduled early, partially because no Facilities Master Plan and no EIR were required for those projects. Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review
Related Recommendations (1)
R05
The Grand Jury recommends that the VCCCD seriously consider all of the recommendations in the Assessment. These recommendations should be prioritized and implemented at the earliest possible time. (C-12) Responses Responses Required From: Ventura County Community College District Office (R-01 through R-05) Bibliography References Ref-01. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review by KH Consulting Group February 7, 2006; available on the VCCCD web site at . (This page intentionally blank)
F33
In 2005 the VCCCD hired the KH Consulting Group at a cost of $200,000 to complete a market assessment and organizational performance review of the three colleges and the Camarillo District Office.
No recommendations for this finding
F34
This Assessment evaluated marketing, community interfaces, organization, student programs and services, technology and facilities, foundations, finance, and produced a report which recommended many areas to be changed.
No recommendations for this finding
F35
This Assessment is available on the VCCCD web site [Ref-01]. Conclusions C-01. The VCCCD establishes a budget for the year, but often has to readjust it each semester based on student enrollment-generated revenue. Classes may be adjusted or cancelled due to these budget changes. (F-01 thru F-08) C-02. VCCCD is not in compliance with the State requirement of 75% of classes being taught by full-time instructors. (F-09) C-03. Part-time instructors are less expensive than full-time instructors to VCCCD because they have lower salaries and have reduced or no benefits. (F-10, F-11) C-04. Part-time instructors might not provide the same student accessibility as full- time instructors due to lack of funding. (F-12) C-05. Some core classes are not offered because of faculty shortages. (F-13, F-18) C-06. There is an excess of bureaucratic control and cumbersome layering of senior management throughout the VCCCD. (F-18, F-19) C-07. College staff find it difficult to respond in a timely manner to opportunities or needs. (F-18, F-19) C-08. VCCCD is weak in efforts to keep staff, faculty, and the public informed and involved in its plans and decision making practices. (F-15, F-16) C-09. Adequate plans were not prepared for Measure S prior to placing it on the ballot, specifically, no Facilities Master Plan was in place before Measure S was put on the ballot. (F-22, F-23, F-27, F-28) C-10. Some of the projects endorsed by the voters when they approved Measure S will not be built with bond funds because inflation has eroded the money available. (F-27 thru F-29) C-11. Athletic facilities at Ventura College were constructed in the early phase of Measure S, rather than instructional facilities, because plans were completed and an EIR was not required. (F-21, F-32) C-12. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review was well done, and the Grand Jury concurs with its recommendations. (F-33 thru F-35) Recommendations
No recommendations for this finding
Conclusions 2
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CL1 Page 4C-01. The VCCCD establishes a budget for the year, but often has to readjust it each semester based on student enrollment-generated revenue. Classes may be adjusted or cancelled due to these budget changes. (F-01 thru F-08) C-02. VCCCD is not in compliance with the State requirement of 75% of classes being taught by full-time instructors. (F-09) C-03. Part-time instructors are less expensive than full-time instructors to VCCCD because they have lower salaries and have reduced or no benefits. (F-10, F-11) C-04. Part-time instructors might not provide the same student accessibility as full- time instructors due to lack of funding. (F-12) C-05. Some core classes are not offered because of faculty shortages. (F-13, F-18) C-06. There is an excess of bureaucratic control and cumbersome layering of senior management throughout the VCCCD. (F-18, F-19) C-07. College staff find it difficult to respond in a timely manner to opportunities or needs. (F-18, F-19) C-08. VCCCD is weak in efforts to keep staff, faculty, and the public informed and involved in its plans and decision making practices. (F-15, F-16) C-09. Adequate plans were not prepared for Measure S prior to placing it on the ballot, specifically, no Facilities Master Plan was in place before Measure S was put on the ballot. (F-22, F-23, F-27, F-28) C-10. Some of the projects endorsed by the voters when they approved Measure S will not be built with bond funds because inflation has eroded the money available. (F-27 thru F-29)
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CL2 Page 5C-11. Athletic facilities at Ventura College were constructed in the early phase of Measure S, rather than instructional facilities, because plans were completed and an EIR was not required. (F-21, F-32) C-12. The Market Assessment and Organizational Performance Review was well done, and the Grand Jury concurs with its recommendations. (F-33 thru F-35)
Agency Responses 2
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.