Parents Voice Concerns at CCCD State of the District Meeting

A sizable group of supporters showed up to spread awareness this morning at the Coastline Community College District "State of the District" meeting. Among them were student-parents from OCC (those who use the children’s center for both academic advancement and childcare), non-student parents whose children attend the Center (considered "community members"), and select OCC staff whose children are enrolled in the Center. Five representatives were given time to speak directly to the board as well as OCC administrators, including OCC President Angelica Suarez, to raise our concerns and request more transparency surrounding what went into the decision-making process. 

We have requested that for more time/energy to be spent on devising collaborative solutions together, an opportunity we do not think we have yet had. We are hoping for more budgetary transparency as well that has been lacking up until this point. They have yet to provide us with more detailed financial statements that that are referencing led to these downsizing decisions. They have sited "fiduciary responsibilities" are driving their decisions but have not been able to back up these claims with substantial evidence.

They are listening, we are showing up, and we want to keep the momentum up. If you are available, please come and show support at the big board meeting, next Wednesday, March 5 at 4pm, 1370 Adams Ave, Costa Mesa, 92626. We need them to see the plethora of people supporting this movement. We need them to know the sweet children behind this MATTER. They are worth this fight. 

 We will continue to press key decision makers and fight for our students, parent community, and staff at the Harry & Grace Steele Children’s Center.