Why isn't there a bond just to fund Coalinga?

 (Editor’s note:  This is a condensed version of a long question sent by someone who is concerned that supporting the college in Lemoore will “kill off” West Hills College Coalinga).

This sounds like the “When did you stop beating your wife?” question.  Actually, there is a great deal of positive reaction to the bond in Coalinga.  There were actually more yes votes in Fresno County than in Kings County for our bond last November. 

The real answer is a simple matter of economics.  If you raised $20 million from Coalinga the tax rate would be higher than it is for the current bond.  In addition, members of the board of trustees represent the entire district (not just the town in which they live) and it is their thinking that everyone benefits therefore everyone should contribute.

Finally, any objective look at what has happened in Coalinga in the past ten years can only be characterized as extremely positive.

Is there any chance that WHC Lemoore can become a four-year CSU some day?

This question is interesting.  About eight years ago we had explored the possibility of this occurring in Coalinga.  However, we had more pressing issues facing us at the time.  Today, this question is not out of the realm of possibility. 

There are three states that have allowed community colleges to offer a four-year degree in certain disciplines—Florida, Texas and Utah.  There are many more looking into it and Assembly member Maze from Tulare has introduced a bill to allow just such a thing for rural colleges.  There is now a national association to promote this kind of transition. 

The traditionalists in our profession would argue that we should not entertain these ideas and there are others who believe that the mission of community colleges has changed and we should adjust with the times.