SARATOGA, CA – February 7, 2011

 “The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to place a local higher education funding measure on the June 2012 ballot to ensure local students continue to have access to high quality, affordable higher education.” said Chancellor John E. Hendrickson. “A local bond measure will address critical needs and priorities at West Valley and Mission Colleges.”

The West Valley-Mission Community College District serves a vital role in providing local, high quality, affordable higher education at West Valley and Mission Colleges. Every semester over 20,000 students enroll in courses at West Valley College in Saratoga and Mission College in Santa Clara.

West Valley-Mission Community College District serves students throughout the region including Campbell, Los Gatos, Monte Sereno, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale among others.

“With the U.C. and Cal State systems becoming increasingly expensive, more and more students are relying on local community colleges.” said West Valley-Mission Community College District Board President Adrienne Grey. “We must invest in our colleges so we can continue to provide local students with a high-quality, affordable education and the job training programs they might not otherwise receive.”

“Ensuring students are prepared for transfer to universities and for 21st Century jobs is a major focus of West Valley and Mission colleges. We need to update academic facilities and technology so we can continue to prepare local students for transfer to 4-year universities and provide them with the education they need for the high demand jobs of the 21st century.”

Additionally, many academic facilities at West Valley and Mission colleges are in need of basic maintenance and repairs.

“West Valley and Mission colleges face significant challenges with aging and deteriorating classrooms and buildings that need basic maintenance, repairs and technology update.” said Chancellor John E. Hendrickson. “A local bond measure will help repair and replace leaky roofs, heating, cooling, plumbing and electricity throughout the aging college campuses.”

The measure includes a Citizens' Oversight Committee and independent annual audits to ensure all funds are being spent as promised with no money for administrator’s salaries.