The Rancho Santiago Community College District is at a very unique place in its long history.  We have grown into the third largest community college district in the state serving more than 50,000 students at our main campuses and another 20,000 at the education centers.  Yet, we are not immune to the economic woes that have plagued our state and nation.  The unprecedented budget cuts that have resulted from excessive declines in state revenue have necessitated changes to our business model and the reduction of classes. 

As the president for 2010 and as one of the Trustees with the longest tenure on the Board, I am deeply honored to be serving as president at this time in our history.  As a business person and retired educator, I have keen insight into the challenges we face and am prepared to the lead the Board in decision making that will enable us to remain an invaluable educational resource for students, businesses and the community.

There has never been a more important time in our state’s history for the Legislature to invest in higher education.  After all, higher education improves the overall quality of life for our residents and stimulates the business environment with trained employees.  Higher education supports research and development, contributes to market innovation, and supports the stability of the economy.   This is where I need your help most as this year’s Board president.  I will be calling upon the community to help advocate for adequate funding, so that we can continue to serve all those who wish to enroll in college and career coursework. 

At the Rancho Santiago Community College District, we have a long legacy of meeting student and community need through creative solutions.  Even as we are forced to trim needed programs, we continue to look for new ways to adapt technology and teaching to conform to this new business model.  As a result, most of our courses are available online.  We have expanded classes to include the early morning and weekends.  Through new and expanded strategic business partnerships, we offer expansive career technical education programs that are opening up new career opportunities for displaced and unemployed workers.

I am committed to leading the Board and college district through the many changes and challenges that await us this year.  With your help, I am confident we will continue to be among the best higher educational institutions in the county.
 
Sincerely,

Lawrence R. "Larry" Labrado
President

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