SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif- Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo is facing trouble as the state evaluates the schools accreditation. For several years colleges like Cuesta have seen large cuts placing them in a financial hole.
"We've gone from a 52-million dollar budget to now down to a 44-million dollar budget," says President Dr. Gill Stork. Earlier this year Cuesta College had to cut 30 part-time faculty jobs and in the last 3 years over 350-classes.
Now the school could lose their accreditation because the school says without the funding it can't keep up with the student need, in turn state standards. That's a concern for students like Cayce Richardson. "Why put forth the hard work if you can't transfer, it is a little scary and concerning," says Richardson. Dr. Stork says the school is working hard at making sure the school is up to accreditation standards. "There's been a great deal of focus and energy and staff time allocated for this process," says Stork.
Many Students and former employee Cindy Richards think the school will get back on track and Dr. Stork will lead that effort. "He's the one that's able to put together a good team to find a solution to the problems that have arisen over the years," says Richards.
Jedidiah Williams, a student, said he isn't leaving Cuesta just yet. "I'm going to continue to think positively and pray for them, and pray for the people in charge of the school that they make the right decisions to get accredited." The school is submitting their report to show they have complied with accreditation standards in October. The earliest they will hear back is February.
