Chancellor gives State of the District Address Francisco Rodriguez updates Trustees during board meeting

BY CHRISTIAN CASTELLANOS & MADELEINE CHRISTIAN Reporters

Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD)

Chancellor Francisco Rodriguez reflected on the past and potential future of the district in his State of the District address Wednesday.

In his opening remarks, Rodriguez described his report as a snapshot of the work happening in the district, with particular topics being “pillars of a well-functioning educational institution.”

“We are now transitioning, thankfully, out of the global health crisis and adapting relatively smoothly to our new educational environment. Not without its challenges, however, but what remains, members of the board, is our enduring institutional commitment and professional dedication to ensuring access to our nine colleges, identifying and breaking down the historical barriers to our most vulnerable student populations, safeguarding LACCD's ability to continue to offer high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities for all the students that we probably serve,” said Rodriguez. “As we build for the future, there are changes on the horizon, at the state level, national level, clearly local levels that will have significant implications for our institutions. Being able to anticipate what those changes are and lead some of those changes is what we will do.”

Second Vice President Nichelle Henderson congratulated the chancellor for his thoroughness on the report and acknowledged everyone who helped make it happen.

“I'm very pleased to see the growth in student enrollment and the discussions that we have had regarding outreach, regarding the importance of increasing our numbers to previous standards, and we've been doing that,” Henderson said.

Rodriguez noted a recovery in LACCD’s student populations and enrollment this fall with the recent data showing an increase of 1% and 3%, respectively.

“While not all student populations and groups are experiencing the same recovery, it's encouraging–members of the board, colleagues–to see some key student populations that have previously been in decline since the Fall of 2019 now displaying increases for this fall compared to last year,” Rodriguez said. “For example, first time students up 18%, returning students up 13%, dual enrolled and concurrent high school students up 13%. Students under the age of 20 up 5%, male students plus 3%, full-time students overall, plus 8%. Black students, AfricanAmericans students plus 11%, and Latino, Chicano students plus 5%. That's a reason to be optimistic about some of the work, some of the recovery that is going on.”

Rodriguez said that dual enrollment among high school students is helping the recovery in student enrollment.

“It fosters a sense of belonging within a college community,” Rodriguez said. “It provides access for students, especially those who have limitations in their high school curricula or who are not prepared for college level work, and we have seen that also can help close equity gaps. There's been a steady increase in the number of concurrently enrolled students, high school students at the LACCD and our colleges have increased outreach efforts to local high schools.

Acting President of Teamsters 911 Deborah Harrington shared her appreciation for how LACCD conducts itself in light of the behavior of higher-ranking officials.

“While this week has surfaced a lot of anger, disappointment, and disillusionment with several leaders in this city, our LACCD leadership has demonstrated their commitment to stand for inclusion, representation, respect, and stand against hatred, racism, and homophobia,” Harrington said.

She continues on to support the board in continuing this trend of positive role modeling, especially during LGBTQ+ History Month.

“I strongly encourage the board to be at the ready to push against attempts by local or national entities to roll back the progress we've made in securing greater rights for the LGBTQ+ community and other minoritized communities,” says Harrington.

The board passed a resolution to declare Oct. 2 as National Custodial Worker’s Recognition Day in the Los Angeles Community College District “in honor of the hardworking custodians of the LACCD.”

Chris Ozan spoke on behalf of custodians in the LACCD system and their lack of mention.

“We don't get the recognition and support we deserve,” Ozan said. “Custodial work is a thankless job, it's hard work, and we are essential workers. We work in environments that are hostile and we don't make the pay we should as inflation rises.”

Pierce representative and Interim President Ara Aguiar shared some big news from the Pierce campus at the meeting. Pierce College received a grant for $3 million last week for their dual enrollment work with high schoolers, continued support of Pierce's multicultural center, and program for Latin X students on campus. Aguiar announced a celebration on Oct. 20 for Pierce celebrating 75 years since its doors first opened in 1957. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Advanced Automotive Technology building.

“It will be an exciting event,” Aguiar said. “Many community members will be participating and are looking forward to a wonderful event.” ccastellanos.roundupnews@gmail.com mchristian.roundupnews@gmail.com