Board Cuts Learning Disability Specialists as State Revenue Flatlines

The Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees voted to eliminate the only free learning disability evaluation services in the county, as three speakers — a specialist, a colleague, and a former student turned graduate scholar — warned the cuts would devastate the district's most vulnerable students. The same meeting surfaced a deepening fiscal squeeze: flat state revenue, rising costs, and a nearly $1 billion bond measure headed to the June ballot.

• Board eliminates 1.75 FTE learning disability specialist positions at Contra Costa College and Diablo Valley College

• District remains stuck in "hold harmless" under state funding formula, receiving no COLA and no growth dollars despite enrollment gains

• Three-year classified employees contract ratified with new DEI evaluation questions

• Proposed June bond measure nearing $1 billion would fund 12–15 years of facility projects; taxpayer group suggests formalizing no-new-bond pledge via resolution

• Student equity data shows persistent gaps for Black/African American students across all three colleges; students testify about belonging and mentorship

• Black History Month resolution adopted on 100th anniversary as board president cites federal attacks on Black employees and historical contributions

Impending Revenue Challenges Force Board to Make Strategic Cuts

The board approved the elimination of 1.75 FTE learning disability (LD) specialist faculty positions at Contra Costa College and Diablo Valley College — the only professionals providing free LD evaluations anywhere in the Contra Costa Community College District, and, speakers argued, in the entire county.

Why it matters: Without these specialists, students who suspect they have a learning disability may need to pay $5,000–$7,000 for a private evaluation to receive accommodations — a price most community college students cannot afford. College leaders counter saying that existing counselors are able to absorb the evaluation responsibilities.

Where things stand: Three public speakers made forceful cases against the cuts during public comment. Elaine Gerber, learning disability specialist at Contra Costa College for 10 years, told the board the decision "will devastate the most vulnerable students who cannot advocate for themselves."

Melissa Wong, LD specialist at Diablo Valley College, offered hard numbers: she has evaluated 225 students since 2021, saving them "an estimated $1.25–$1.75 million" in private evaluation costs. "The entire 4CD/Contra Costa County region will lose LD evaluation services," she said.

Lillian Benitez, a former DVC student who received LD testing at the college and went on to earn straight A's through her bachelor's degree, told the board she is now pursuing a master's in Assistive Technology. She urged the board to reconsider, saying the elimination would set back the college's mission.

The other side: Dr. Jeffrey Michaels, chief human resources officer, framed the decision as resource reallocation: "This decision doesn't reflect any diminished commitment to our learning disabled or otherwise disabled students." He said Disabled Students Programs and Services counselors, as well as future hires, would absorb duties.

Board President Diana Honig, who identified herself as a former disability rights attorney, acknowledged the emotional weight of the vote. "As someone who worked as a disability rights attorney and was diagnosed in law school by a disability," the district should prioritize hiring counselors with LD evaluation qualifications.

Decisions: The board approved the resolution 4-0 (Trustee John Marquez absent). United Faculty President Marina Krause also weighed in during her remarks, reminding the board: "Lots of districts are facing budget constraints. There are financial pressures, decisions that have to be made. But I just want to remind all of us that those decisions have real human impact."

What's next: March 15 layoff notices will go to affected employees. The district plans to have DSP counselors take on broader roles, but no concrete timeline for hiring counselors with LD evaluation credentials was announced.

Flat Revenue, Rising Costs: The Budget Picture Gets Tighter

CFO Dr. Tony Wold presented the governor's 2026–27 budget proposal, and the headline for the district is stark: more students, no new money.

The basics: The state's community college system received $1.2 billion in new Proposition 98 funding, including a 2.41% cost-of-living adjustment. But 4CD will not see COLA or growth dollars because it remains in "hold harmless" under the Student Centered Funding Formula — a status that locks the district's funding at a historical baseline even as enrollment climbs.

Why it matters: The district's three-year SCFF enrollment average sits at 24,800 FTEs, while current-year enrollment is 25,500. That lag means 4CD won't exit hold harmless until 2027–28 at the earliest — leaving the district absorbing rising costs on a flat revenue line. Health and welfare costs alone are increasing 6.14%.

"We are receiving the same dollars or less each year, but our expenditures continue to go up," said Dr. Wold, associate vice chancellor and chief financial officer. He noted that 90% of Fund 11 expenditures go to salary and benefits, adding: "We do need to continue to look at where can we make reductions."

What's next: The May budget revision from the governor could shift the picture. Board members and the chancellor emphasized advocacy in Sacramento to modify the funding formula and secure additional resources.

Nearly $1 Billion Bond Measure Takes Shape for June Ballot

The Citizens Bond Oversight Committee reported that nearly 90% of Measure E (2014) bond funds have been spent, with the district receiving an unmodified audit opinion — the highest rating. The new Engineering Technology building at DVC is under construction and expected to open in 2027.

Why it matters: The board is now looking forward, not back. A proposed new bond measure of nearly $1 billion would fund 12–15 years of prioritized facility projects. Board members emphasized no further bonds or parcel taxes would be sought during that period.

Rob Schroder, Citizens Bond Oversight Committee chair, presented the annual report and confirmed the committee's confidence in the district's stewardship.

Trustee Rebecca Barrett underscored the commitment to fiscal restraint: "If this measure passes, we do not anticipate needing to go out for another bond for at least another 10 to 15 years."

The other side: Marc Joffe, president of the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association and a CBOC member, praised staff support but offered a note of caution. Speaking as an individual (the association has not yet taken a position), he noted the bond would cost approximately $240 per million of assessed value. "I do think it would be better if this took the form of a board resolution," he said of the no-new-bond promise.

Trustee Andy Li looked at the enrollment pipeline feeding the district's colleges, citing K-12 data he researched: "Every year the county lose 2% of the students. So we do need to prepare that. And one thing I think we can do is to promote dual enrollment."

What's next: The bond measure is expected to appear on the June ballot. The taxpayers association's formal position could influence public reception.

Equity Gaps Persist as Colleges Realign Plans

All three district colleges — Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, and Los Medanos College — presented updates on their Student Equity Plans, covering 2022–25 outcomes and 2025–28 priorities. The data showed a consistent, district-wide pattern: Black and African American students remain disproportionately impacted across nearly all success metrics.

Why it matters: CCC reported enrollment gains but declines in transfer-level math and English completion for Black students. DVC highlighted gains for foster youth and is focusing on Black/African American and first-generation students. LMC, designated as a Black Serving Institution, is prioritizing Black/African American students and Hispanic males in persistence.

Students put a human face on the data. A business administration sophomore at CCC testified about the power of community: "Not only surviving in the college system, but thriving in the college system — and having a community has made that a possibility for me."

A first-generation college student at DVC and daughter of Brazilian immigrants, described how the Puente program changed her trajectory: "Coming into DVC a year and a half ago, as a first-generation college student and a daughter of Brazilian immigrants, I had no idea what to expect." She has since taken on leadership roles and is pursuing nursing.

Colleges are integrating equity plans into program review, educational strategic planning, and the district's broader Vision 2030 framework.

Classified Contract Ratified With New DEI Framework

The board ratified a three-year collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 1, covering classified employees from 2025–26 through 2027–28.

Why it matters: The agreement breaks new ground on evaluation practices, introducing DEI-focused evaluation questions, a self-evaluation component, and joint training between the union president and the chief human resources officer.

Local 1 President Jeannie Smith announced the ratification: "I am pleased to share that our members have officially ratified our tentative agreement which is on your agenda this evening." She also raised concerns about hourly employees performing classified work during layoff periods.

Dr. Jeffrey Michaels, chief human resources officer, highlighted the collaborative spirit: "We've also agreed to a joint training where the union president and me, our chief human resources officer, are going to do a training for managers and employees."

Decisions: Approved 3-0-1.

Faculty Contract Reopeners Sunshined

The board held a public hearing on United Faculty reopener proposals for 2026–27. Topics include articles left over from previous negotiations and a new subject: College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) agreements governing faculty teaching in high schools.

Why it matters: CCAP agreements raise questions about staffing preference and rehire rights for part-time faculty — issues that could reshape how the district deploys instructors across its growing dual enrollment pipeline. No public comment was received during the hearing.

Dr. Michaels presented the district's initial proposals, noting that several board policy updates related to Title V and Title IX discrimination and harassment — separating them into distinct policies — were also introduced as first readings.

Black History Month at 100

The board adopted a resolution marking the 100th anniversary of Black History Month.

Board President Diana Honig placed the resolution in sharp context: "At a time when our federal government has fired prominent Black federal employees and sought to erase the contributions of Black Americans and revise and sanitize this country's history of slavery and discrimination, I think it's more important than ever to be celebrating this 100th anniversary of Black History Month."

Approved 4-0.

Minor Items

• Consent agenda (items 11B–16A) approved 4-0, covering routine contracts and administrative matters.

• Non-resident tuition for 2026–27 increased from $382 to $391 per unit (2.41% COLA), plus a $10 capital outlay fee. Approved 4-0.

• Management position eliminations approved at all three colleges — one each at CCC, DVC, and LMC — reflecting fiscal constraints and reorganization, including the Brentwood Center restructuring at LMC. All passed 4-0.

• Los Medanos College mission statement approved after approximately one year of development, centering "transformative education and student-centered support rooted in inclusion, innovation and partnership." Student government played a key role in shaping the final language.

• Board policy first readings introduced updates on teleconferencing (BP 1024, clarifying SB 707 does not apply to community colleges), Title V/IX separation (BP 2002/2005), tobacco-free policy expansion to include vaping (BP 2045), and official district/college naming conventions (BP 1000).

• Trustee Barrett reported from the CCLC conference on uncertainty around federal impacts on accreditation and advocated for expanding baccalaureate degree programs at community colleges.

• Trustee Li presented K-12 enrollment data showing Contra Costa County has lost 21% of students over 11 years, reinforcing the urgency of dual enrollment growth.

• Closed session: The board unanimously rejected two claims and took non-reemployment action on a probationary employee.