EL CAMINO COMMUNITY COLLEGE : Board OKs Austere Budget Without Raises

Academic and administrative departments have been asked to cut back to help balance a budget that has shrunk $2 million over the last two years. The college’s board passed the 1994-95 budget unanimously at its meeting Monday.

More than 100 faculty members attended the meeting to hear a discussion of wage rates. Teachers have complained that the $54.6-million budget does not include raises for the faculty, who have not received increases in three years. Contract talks have been held for nearly two years, including sessions with a state mediator, but administrators say raises are impossible due to dwindling state funds.

College spokeswoman Mary Ann Keating said the school would not lay off any employees, but that workers who leave may not be replaced. Departmental cutbacks should be enough to balance the budget, Keating said.