gmhTODAY 19 gmhToday April May 2018 | Page 77

Gavilan Joint Community College District Preparing Students for a Successful Future Educating Our Community Gavilan has provided high-quality and affordable education to our community for generations. With the rising cost of attending a four-year college, our local community colleges ensure that everyone, including lower and middle-income students who can’t afford the high price of attending the University of California or State University systems, have an opportunity to succeed in college and future careers. Gavilan educates the healthcare professionals that serve our medical needs, the police and firefighters that keep us safe and prepares our students with the high-tech skills they need to compete for good jobs. Local Funding for Student Success In order to continue providing local access to high-quality affordable education the Gavilan Joint Community College District Board of Trustees is considering placing a $248 million bond measure on the November 2018 ballot. A potential measure would: n Repair or replace leaky roofs, old rusty plumbing, and faulty electrical systems where needed n Upgrade and add classrooms, labs and career training facilities for science, math, engineering, and technology n Upgrade and add classrooms and labs to help local students complete the first two years of college affordably, and transfer to the Cal-State or UC systems. n Expand Veterans’ Center which provide job training, job placement, counseling and support services to military veterans and their families n Improve access for students with disabilities n Improve student safety and campus security systems including security lighting security cameras, emergency communications systems, smoke detectors, fire alarms, and sprinklers n Add classrooms, labs and facilities in San Benito County, and at the Coyote Valley Center, to offer a much larger selection of classes, certificated programs and degrees. n Renovate the aging College library to meet modern standards for technology and research Fiscal Accountability and Oversight Every dollar raised locally will stay in the community and cannot be taken away by the State, ensuring that students receive all the benefits of a bond measure. The measure would cost no more than $25 per $100,000 of assessed value, and would require a Citizens’ Oversight Committee and a project list so that the community will know exactly how and when the money will be spent. For More Information We welcome your input as we work to ensure our colleges are updated to continue providing quality education for everyone in our community. For more information please contact Jan Bernstein Chargin at (408) 848-4724 or [email protected]. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN APRIL/MAY 2018 gmhtoday.com 77