Gavilan College shares bond measure survey

This article was provided by Gavilan College administration.

The community-wide survey, by True North Research, was conducted on behalf of Gavilan College. The survey was administered in both English and Spanish by telephone and email.The survey has a statistical margin of error due to sampling of  +/- 4% at the 95% level of confidence. Among a cross section of over 600 adults ages 18 and over it found:  

64% of likely voters would support a  $248 million local bond measure that would upgrade Gavilan College classrooms, labs and career training facilities for science, healthcare, technology, public safety, cybersecurity,and other growing industries, improve counseling, job training, and support facilities and services for returning veterans, and develop a campus in San Benito County.

Over 80% think that Gavilan College needs upgrades to classrooms, labs and career training facilities for science, math, engineering and technology.

85% favor using bond funds to repair or replace leaky roofs, old rusty plumbing, and faulty electrical systems where needed.

81% think that because of the cost of attending a University of California and State University system has become expensive, many more students are starting their education at community colleges, and it’s important to ensure local access to affordable higher education in all parts of the district.

 “The public understands that Gavilan opens up doors for students in our community to find good jobs or save money and transfer to a four-year college,”said Dr. Kathleen Rose, President of Gavilan College. “We need to make sure that lower and middle-income students who can’t  afford the high price of a university still have an opportunity to succeed in college and careers. A local bond measure could provide the affordable, high quality education that all students deserve.”

Gavilan is seeking community input on a potential measure and plans on doing community outreach in both Santa Clara County and San Benito County. No final decision regarding a potential bond measure election will take place until 2018. 

Gavilan College is one of California’s 114 community colleges, serving a 2,700- square-mile area from South San Jose through most of San Benito County. The main campus, with a park-like setting, is located in Gilroy, CA. Additional instructional sites are located in Coyote Valley, Morgan Hill, San Martin (Aviation Maintenance Technology), and Hollister. Gavilan College offers courses and programs that satisfy the transfer requirements of four-year colleges and universities; job skill and career training programs; Basic Skills and English as a Second Language (ESL); Noncredit and Community Education.