Classroom Repair and Job Training Measure
Dear Friend:
It is my privilege to write to you as the Superintendent/President of Southwestern College. Southwestern College has a long, rich history in southern San Diego County where we are the only institution of higher education. We have outstanding faculty and staff, and our students bring distinction to the College year after year with unparalleled honors and achievements in various fields and disciplines.
In addition to building on this solid foundation of success, my role is also to effectively address the challenges associated with aging facilities, as well as current and future fiscal challenges stemming from the state’s budget woes. The fact is that more and more people are relying on community colleges for some or all of their educational needs, because other public and private universities throughout California have become so expensive. Today, Southwestern College serves over 18,000 students annually.
You may not be aware that Southwestern College is the region’s training center for many of the critical professions that drive our local economy and maintain public safety. In fact, we are the primary source for training local firefighters who protect our communities, nurses and medical technicians who care for our families at area medical centers, and so many other workers and professionals in local industry, business, and public agencies.
Unfortunately, many classrooms and laboratories supporting these and other instructional programs at Southwestern College are deteriorating and need significant upgrades. Several buildings on our campuses do not meet current earthquake safety and handicap accessibility standards. We must:
Sincerely,
Raj K. Chopra, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President
It is my privilege to write to you as the Superintendent/President of Southwestern College. Southwestern College has a long, rich history in southern San Diego County where we are the only institution of higher education. We have outstanding faculty and staff, and our students bring distinction to the College year after year with unparalleled honors and achievements in various fields and disciplines.
In addition to building on this solid foundation of success, my role is also to effectively address the challenges associated with aging facilities, as well as current and future fiscal challenges stemming from the state’s budget woes. The fact is that more and more people are relying on community colleges for some or all of their educational needs, because other public and private universities throughout California have become so expensive. Today, Southwestern College serves over 18,000 students annually.
You may not be aware that Southwestern College is the region’s training center for many of the critical professions that drive our local economy and maintain public safety. In fact, we are the primary source for training local firefighters who protect our communities, nurses and medical technicians who care for our families at area medical centers, and so many other workers and professionals in local industry, business, and public agencies.
Unfortunately, many classrooms and laboratories supporting these and other instructional programs at Southwestern College are deteriorating and need significant upgrades. Several buildings on our campuses do not meet current earthquake safety and handicap accessibility standards. We must:
- Retrofit all buildings and classrooms for earthquake safety as required by law
- Install and repair fire safety equipment including alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, emergency lighting, and fire safety doors
- Remove asbestos and lead paint
- Improve energy efficiency by replacing outdated heating and ventilation systems and expanding water recycling programs
- Upgrade outdated and deteriorating buildings and classrooms
- Meet handicap accessibility requirements
- Repair and renovate classrooms that lack adequate plumbing, heating, air conditioning, or ventilation
- Upgrade electrical systems and wiring for computer technology and internet access
Sincerely,
Raj K. Chopra, Ph.D.
Superintendent/President