Budget Planning

Budget Planning

Since 2008, over the course of the national and state fiscal crisis, South Puget Sound Community College has undergone a 12 percent reduction, and watched its operating budget shrink by more than $4 million.  The college has managed those reductions through efficiencies and belt tightening and other relatively painless steps.  We have done what we could.

Yet, today lawmakers and the Governor struggle in the midst of a Special Legislative Session to fill a still yawning gap in the state budget.  And higher education sits prominently on the chopping block.  We face the prospect of a further 13 percent cut at a minimum, quite possibly even more.

Given this reality, the college has started the critical work of thoughtfully planning ahead for the inevitable cuts that will come our way.  The college has called upon its community — both internal and external — to help with this difficult work.  A committee of 41 members begins its work Dec. 2.  The committee is tasked with identifying and prioritizing recommendations for potential reduction to the college’s biennial budget of approximately $2 million.

The college has created a logical budget planning process with a clear and reasonable timeline.  The committee’s work will be framed by established guidelines, and communicated in a timely and transparent manner.

It’s clear that the state’s budget woes are not a temporary crisis. The college must be clear-eyed in its approach and resolutely focused on positioning itself in a way that sustains our mission for the community and the students we serve.

Relative Links:

Budget Committee SharePoint Site Click on "Budget Committee,"  then enter your college e-mail address and password.
Planning Targets
Service Evaluation and Criteria Form
Program Analysis Form
2011-12 Budget Reduction Proposal Form