At their regularly scheduled June 10 meeting, the Rancho Santiago Community College District Board of Trustees unanimously approved a recommendation to call for a $720,000,000 general obligation bond election on the November 2024 ballot.
If approved by local voters this November, funds from the proposed bond measure will authorize local funding to renovate aging campus buildings, repair leaky roofs and deteriorating gas, electrical, and sewer lines, upgrade computer technology, improve access for disabled students, construct new classrooms to relieve overcrowding and expand the educational and training programs at Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, the regional education centers, and the district operations center of the Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD). To pass, the measure must receive at least 55% voter support.
“The funds from this bond will be tremendously timely and significant,” said RSCCD Chancellor Marvin Martinez. “As one of the fastest growing community college districts in the State, we desperately need to upgrade classrooms/labs, prepare students/veterans for university transfer, and equip students for jobs in nursing, emergency response, and the building trades.”
The decision from the RSCCD Board of Trustees came after a comprehensive review that included interviews with community members, surveys of past and present students, and a study of industry trends and needs.
“The Board of Trustees were adamant that we must keep college education at Santa Ana College and Santiago Canyon College affordable,” Martinez added. “Furthermore, we must provide the type of job training to prepare our students and workers for good-paying jobs in emerging industries such as nursing, paramedics, first responders, automotive welding, and the building industries. This is in addition to our commitment to preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.”
