SMC BOARD PUTS MODERNIZATION BOND ON NOV. 4 BALLOT

Recognizing the need to modernize training opportunities at the college, improve sustainability, and make needed safety improvements, the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees voted unanimously July 7 to place a $295 million bond measure on the November ballot.

The measure would fund capital projects designed to improve the teaching of science, nursing, math, technology, media, and emerging high tech fields.

The measure, which will be submitted to Santa Monica and Malibu voters on Nov. 4, will need a 55 percent approval for passage.

“Community-based education is critically important for people to sustain and improve their lives,” said SMC Board of Trustees Chair Rob Rader. “With this safety and modernization measure, the college will have the infrastructure needed to fulfill its educational mission.”

“The college has a strong record of responsible spending of bond funds,” said SMC President Dr. Chui L. Tsang. “The new support will allow us to provide important needed renovations to our building facilities so that we can continue to be the No. 1 community college."

The Board’s action comes after the College conducted an extensive facility needs assessment and internal educational needs review. The review identified a number of building deficiencies and a critical need to meet new safety, energy, and technology standards.

A survey of Santa Monica and Malibu residents taken earlier this year shows that SMC is well used by the community and is highly regarded. Ninety-four percent of respondents consider the college an important part of the community; 85 percent say the college’s performance is excellent or good; and 58 percent report that they or someone in their immediate family have attended the college.

The survey also shows that 68 percent of respondents would likely vote yes on a $295 million bond measure to construct and equip math and science laboratories; improve student training in science, technology, media, communications, computers, and emerging high-tech fields; replace deteriorating buildings; upgrade fire safety; achieve energy savings; and complete earthquake repairs.

The major projects to be funded by the bond measure include:

    • A replacement Math and new Science Wing on the main campus: The math department currently operates in a temporary facility that is nearing the end of its life cycle and lacks the infrastructure to support modern classroom technology. In addition, the earth, life and physical science programs are operating in spaces that are too small and scattered around the campus. Also, there are insufficient science lab classrooms to offer needed course sections for the allied health and nursing programs.

    • A new Career Opportunity and Job Training Building on SMC’s satellite Bundy Campus: The new facility would provide career training programs operated by SMC’s Office of Workforce & Economic Development – considered one of the most successful in California – and by city, county and other agency providers.

    • Media and Technology-Driven Programs Complex: The college operates a variety of programs in media and the digital arts in 1950s-era buildings that cannot support the modern infrastructure necessary for digital and online programs. A new Media and Technology complex at the SMC Academy and Entertainment Technology satellite campus would have the necessary infrastructure for classes in broadcasting, television, video, electronic media, and related digital programs. College officials say they plan to move KCRW – SMC’s radio station and nationally recognized leader in new media and online delivery – to the site, which would provide a “dynamic asset to SMC’s current and future media and technology-driven instructional programs.” The academy is located in the heart of Santa Monica’s media and entertainment district.

    • Replacement Corsair Stadium: The 1948 concrete structure is deteriorating and does not meet current seismic standards.

    • New Bus Pullout and Shelter on Pico Boulevard: This facility, in front of Drescher Hall, will help reduce traffic congestion.

    • Sustainability: The bond measure calls for putting aside 2.5 percent of the money toward energy-efficient features.

    • Joint Use Library and Educational Improvements in Malibu: SMC, the City of Malibu and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District are working to develop a college-level library that could be used by SMC students who live in Malibu, as well as local high school students and residents.

    Other projects include safety upgrades and improvements to the Health and Fitness and the Drescher Hall buildings on the main campus; seismic upgrades to the east wing of the Madison Campus; and infrastructure improvements for business and facilities, utilities, and technology.

    In approving the bond measure, the Board noted that SMC’s bond program was in line with the effort underway at 10 other area community colleges and that the cost of the bond would be approximately $1.12 a month for renters and $7.34 a month for the average homeowner or condominium owner in Santa Monica and Malibu.