A recently commissioned independent survey of voters served by Long Beach City College (LBCC) shows that residents approve of the job LBCC is doing but perceive that upgrades must be made so that the college is able to continue to serve the needs of residents with quality, affordable education, job training, and preparation for transfer to four-year universities.
The survey, conducted Dec. 6-17, 2015 by the independent opinion research firm of Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3), provides insight into constituent opinions regarding LBCC and its facilities’ needs, including evaluating interest in a potential college bond measure.
Respondents are highly satisfied with LBCC and believe that it provides an affordable pathway for college, with two-thirds of respondents giving the college an “excellent” or “good job” performance rating, according to the community college. However, an equal number, 66 percent, perceive that the college has a need for additional funding.
“Long Beach City College offers an affordable alternative to the skyrocketing cost of a college education, which is why more local students and families are choosing to attend,” said LBCC Superintendent-President Eloy Ortiz Oakley. “However, additional funds are needed to increase opportunities for local students to earn college credits, certifications, job skills, or transfer to a four-year university.”
Residents value improving the college’s educational resources for veterans, expanding job-training opportunities and better preparing students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
“Improving facilities to specifically address the unique challenges faced by our veterans and increasing classroom space for innovative programs like our College Promise program which provides a pathway to higher education for local high school students are top priorities,” said Vice President of Administrative Services Ann-Marie Gabel.
Many of LBCC’s classroom buildings were built in the 1950s and are outdated. The survey shows residents strongly prioritize repairs and upgrades for the college, including: upgrading science, engineering and technology classrooms and labs; repairing gas, electrical and sewer lines and leaky roofs; and improving earthquake safety, campus security and handicapped accessibility, among other items.
“Many of our classrooms are deteriorating and require improvements to support 21st-century student needs,” added Gabel. “With current funds, we are simply not able to address these urgent and basic repairs.”
When asked about a potential college bond measure, 65 percent of likely June voters are supportive of a bond to make repairs and upgrades to the college in order to continue to prepare students for jobs and to transfer to universities, well above the 55-percent threshold needed for passage. Any potential bond measure would be subject to strict accountability requirements, including independent annual financial audits and a Citizens Bond Oversight Committee.
“We are encouraged by the support we see in the community for continuing to improve our local community college, and this feedback will help the Board of Trustees in evaluating how to address our repair and upgrade needs,” Oakley said.
