Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1546952
CCFA President David Rentz, third from right, marches with members, classified colleagues and students. Chaffey College Faculty Association (CCFA) PRESIDENT DAVID RENTZ (Funding at risk: $31.8 million) Why is Prop. 3 so important? " This funding provides our college about 15% of our budget, which essen- tially means the difference between being able to offer the classes our stu- dents need and not. We won't be able to compensate our instructors at levels that honor their skills and work, and a lot of part-time faculty would lose their jobs entirely. And our TKâ12 partners stand to lose hundreds of millions, which is a tsunami that would hit us." What's at risk in your community college if this funding expires? " The biggest is a reduction in the number of classes we're able to offer and that means longer waitlists and a draconian reduction in access to edu- cation for our students, many of whom are from underserved populations. They rely on these classes to be able to get through college in two or three years to move on to university or get a job." What are you doing to ensure Prop. 3 passes? "We are participating in CTA-organized canvassing throughout the campaign. I drafted a Chaffey-specific resolution, sent it to our governing board and urged them to adopt it. We also sent representatives to division meetings at the beginning of the academic year to share a video we made and talk about Prop. 3 â and not just the importance of voting oneself but for families, neigh- bors and friends. It's really important that we focus on educating that this is extending a tax on the wealthiest because details about different propo- sitions can get conflated." Thoughts as we push onward to victory? " This is an existential push for the students we serve, their families and for the dignity and viability of our profession." " This is an existential push for the students we serve, their families and for the dignity and viability of our profession." Southwest Teachers Assn. President Vanessa Barrera (at bottom) canvasses with members â note the Prop. 3 balloon! 23 F A L L 2 0 26