Good News About Our Friends and Colleagues
March 25, 2010
As we conclude winter quarter, I would like to share some good news about several of our friends and colleagues.
A review of the district's fund balance has enabled both De Anza and Foothill to propose extending for a time the employment of some staff members whose names were on the list of reductions for this June 30. Based on several criteria (importance to accreditation, work on Banner implementation, direct student support and program maintenance), our campus Planning and Budget Teams determined a ranking of affected positions. As has been the case throughout these wrenching months, the PBTs worked thoughtfully and carefully. We have been able to pull seven additional names from the layoff list being prepared for the board of trustees meeting on April 5.
All of this is cold comfort in light of the reductions we have had to make across the campus, but good news nonetheless—for students and for ourselves. On Monday I was with many of our students in Sacramento, where thousands of their fellows came together from across the state to protest the devastating cuts to community colleges. It was very moving to see the passion and commitment our students bring to this fight on behalf of us all.
Thank you for your dedication to the students in return. My very best wishes and deep respect to you all as we anticipate the beginning of the spring quarter.
Sincerely,

Brian Murphy