A revised budget issued last month by College of Marin revealed the institution now faces an $802,000 shortfall, due largely to falling property tax and state revenues that fund the school. The development is particularly troubling for students like Mary Ruiz, who uses a mobility scooter because of multiple sclerosis.
No one works here anymore. Trees and vines creep along its corners, threatening to engulf the building. Its once white walls are slowly turning gray and the wood structure swells from rain, bloated to the breaking point. A few more years would see nature reclaim this one-time research facility, which served as College of Marin's little-known third campus.
Thousands of students, parents and teachers congregated at a number of sites around California on March 4 to voice their anger with cuts to the state's education budget. College of Marin remained quiet during the protests, although a few people turned out to show support for the marchers at the Kentfield campus.
College of Marin President Frances L. White received the 2010 Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award last month from the Association of California Community College Administrators. ACCCA officials said they were recognizing White for restoring the Marin Community College District from its previous state of financial insecurity, insufficient enrollment levels, and accreditation issues.
College of Marin officials announced a forum will be held on March 30 and April 1 for students, staff and community members to discuss proposed designs for the Kentfield campus' new Academic Center. Both meetings are both scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Deedy Lounge in the student services building and will be attended by architects from ED 2 International and Mark Cavagnero Associates, the two finalists in the college's design contract competition.