Education, Cont’d
The recent Santa Barbara Continuing Education cuts affecting the Schott Center courses are alarming a lot of us who use this program to further our skills. This program has been in place for decades, giving adults a chance to explore different options separate from our day jobs. And these courses are not just limited to vocational training, never have been. Over the years, they’ve offered a rich assortment of arts, crafts, culinary courses, etc., allowing adults to explore their creativity and, and in many cases, go on to become the foundation of Santa Barbara’s thriving artistic and culinary community.
We realize that state funding is a factor in these cuts. As a populace, we’ve all suffered already as taxpayers “in this economy” by bailing out banks, losing our stock portfolios, our retirement benefits, and, in some cases, our houses. It’s been refreshing, up until now, to see that our tax money is being used for something we can actually use and enjoy, the Adult Ed classes. Cutting more of these courses is a bad idea. – Ann Shelton Beth
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As a student of adult education classes I am concerned that the excellent program of Arts, Crafts, and Humanities classes that we have been enjoying for many years at a very low cost has been severely cut. Last semester 100 adult education classes were cut and we have heard that there will be a similar cut of 100 more classes to the winter semester.
I am aware that state funding is the reason for these class cuts. My current classes are free or only charge minimally for materials. I would be willing to pay more for classes.
I ask the administration to be aware of the importance of these classes to Santa Barbara’s community. I also ask them to look for partnerships with local nonprofits in its efforts to keep this program the strongest adult education program in California.
There will be a public meeting about this issue on October 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Schott Center, Tannahill Auditorium. I urge anyone concerned about this issue to attend.– Sally Hamilton
