CAMARILLO : Budget Cuts May Close College Center

Oxnard College’s Camarillo Center may be closed because of $4.6 million in budget cuts facing the Ventura County Community College District.

But Oxnard College President Elise Schneider said administrative services and classes offered at the Camarillo Center still will be provided to the community, perhaps through donated office space. The current lease runs through Sept. 30.

The lease for the building at 333 N. Lantana St., which contains one classroom and office space, costs the district $8,400 a year, she said.

Board President Timothy Hirschberg said he wants the district to notify board members before the lease is terminated.

“I’m hoping I can block any major off-campus cuts,” Hirschberg said.

A March 14 report by the district shows that off-campus classes serve more students than on-campus classes.

“The report showed virtually all off-campus classes are larger, serving more students per class,” Hirschberg said. “I’m arguing that off-campus classes should be cut last, not the first thing on the budget.”

The report shows an average of 27 students per class attending Oxnard College, while the Camarillo off-campus sites generate an average of 35 students per class.

Oxnard College’s off-campus sites are at the Camarillo Center, Camarillo High School, Camarillo Springs golf course, Camarillo State Hospital, Leisure Village and at the Pleasant Valley Pool.

Most classes are geared toward working students who need to learn business skills, computer training or language proficiency, Hirschberg said.

There are also classes for fire and police officers.

“Not everyone can participate in traditional college life. The community college is there for working students,” he said.