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School Services of California, Inc.
Community College Update
September 18, 1996
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1997-98 Budget Change Proposals:
Priorities for the Community Colleges

The budget change proposal (BCP) process is the manner in which each year's initial state budget for the California Community Colleges is developed. It identifies necessary resources beyond the present funding levels for the colleges to carry out their mission.

The BCPs must be submitted to the Department of Finance by September, 1996 for consideration in the Governor's proposed 1997-98 State Budget. The Department of Finance then consults with the Chancellor's Office staff regarding the system's financial needs, but the condition of the state's economy, availability of Proposition 98 funds and the Governor's other priorities all play a major role in determining the community college budget.

The July 5, 1996 Update (see "1997-98 Budget Priorities for the Community Colleges," page 139) contained an article which outlined the first look at the BCPs by the Board of Governors. Since that time there have been some changes to the BCPs as originally proposed. The final 1997-98 BCPs were developed by the Chancellor's Office staff, Consultation Council, and a special consultation council task force. The BCPs are listed according to three priority rankings &emdash; critical, essential, and needed.

One of the significant changes from the July BCPs to the September BCPs was in the essential priorities under "New Faculty Needs." This is apparently a creative approach toward seeking funding for additional full-time faculty, which has usually appeared under Program Improvement. Since the Governor vetoed funds in the 1996-97 budget designated for Program Improvement, there may be some advantage to changing the descriptive title. If so, however, it will be only a very slight advantage.

The Board of Governors adopted the BCPs at their September 12, 1996 meeting.

&emdash; Arnold Bray
[Posted 9/18/96]