The word got around when an e-mail from Cerritos College President John Grindel was sent to the staff of Cerritos College.

The e-mail announced that there could be approximately $3.2 million in budget cuts this year for Cerritos College.

Grindel also announced a freeze on hiring, travel and buying equipment.

“As you may have heard, the governor called a special legislative session today to begin dealing with a $6 billion mid-year shortfall facing the state,” the e-mail stated.

“Among the proposals that the governor has sent to the legislature is a $215 million mid-year cut to the community colleges.

“Moreover, in conjunction with the Planning and Budget Committee we have already begun to identify possible scenarios for deeper cuts to our budget.

Hopefully, the proposed cuts to the budget of the community colleges will not be as severe as the Governor is proposing.”

The big question is: How is this going to affect students?

For now, students will not be directly affected, according to Grindel.

“Immediately it is not having an impact on the students. We’re not sure of anything. But it is serious.” Grindel said

Will student fees increase? Grindel said, “[It’s] not our call. I don’t know. It’s possible that the state might.”

In a recent report released on the higher education of every state, California earned an A for affordability for higher education.

The budget crisis could change everything.

“Come January, I hope to have a better picture of what will happen in Sacramento and will review the freeze again when we return from the holidays,” Grindel stated in an e-mail.

Instructors might feel the impact when they return from the winter break.

” Instructors and administrators will not be going to conferences/travel, [purchasing] equipment,” the e-mail stated. “We will try every effort [to get] everything we can for them.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for your efforts during these difficult times. I assure you that I will continue to diligently work with my vice presidents, our board of trustees, and our local legislatures to maintain the excellence that our students have come to expect from us.”

In the past six months Grindel enacted a number of cost-saving measures to deal with the budget crisis in Sacramento. These include:

• Implemented budget reductions for 2002-03 fiscal year
• Implemented early retirement incentive plan
• Issued COP to refinance existing debt
• Implemented staffing chill
• Implemented capital outlay chill
• Established “cap” for health insurance premiums
• 0% salary increases for all staff

There may be more cuts to come. Grindel concluded his e-mail by stating: “Again, thank you for your understanding and patience through this budget-tightening process. Between now and the time we break for the holidays, I will keep you abreast of the situation in Sacramento.”

The fact is, budget cutbacks are coming our way. Cerritos College staff and students will all be affected one way or another.