July 21, 2025

Dear Colleagues:

 

I want to share a significant and transformative development for the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. With the release of the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Advance Recalculation Apportionment Report, our District has officially transitioned into community-supported or “basic aid” status.

 

This shift marks a new chapter in how we fund ourselves. As a community-supported district, we will no longer rely solely on state general apportionment. Instead, our core revenue will be derived from local sources, primarily property taxes and student fees. This provides us with greater control and flexibility in how we invest in our colleges and support our students.

 

While this new status offers opportunities, it also brings additional responsibilities. We will use this Fiscal Year (FY 2025-26) as a transition year to ensure we remain grounded in thoughtful planning and inclusive engagement.  

 

Our fiscal priorities during this period include:

 

•     Developing a resource allocation model that is responsive to the distinct needs of the colleges (Foothill College and De Anza College)

•     Enhancing fiscal management practices to ensure continued stewardship of public funds

•     Sustaining and strengthening student services and support

•     Maintaining compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing California Community Colleges

 

As a community-supported district, we are entrusted with local taxpayer dollars and must continue to demonstrate the effective and efficient use of these resources. This includes making strategic decisions that balance access, while maintaing quality and productivity. While this new funding structure affords us greater autonomy, it does not mean unlimited spending or expansion. Maintaining prudent fiscal discipline remains essential to ensuring long-term sustainability and public trust.

 

It is essential to recognize the efforts we have made districtwide to restore enrollment over the past two years. While we made significant progress, we fell short of our projections. As a result, the increase is not sufficient for the District to exit the State’s “Hold Harmless” funding floor in FY 2025-26.  

 

Transitioning to community-supported status does provide us with greater financial flexibility, but it also comes with new responsibilities and heightened expectations. We must be mindful of the volatility of nonresident tuition revenues, which remain a significant but unstable component of our overall budget. This adds further urgency to develop a resource model that is resilient and adaptive to future changes in enrollment and funding conditions using nonresident revenue sources for short-term strategic investment opportunities.

 

In Fall 2025, we will launch the Somos Uno Task Force on Resource Allocation, led by Co-Chairs President Torres and President Whalen. The task force will also include representatives from all constituency groups following the interest-based approach.  

 

This task force will work to:

 

•     Recommend a new resource allocation model

•     Propose revisions to relevant board policies and administrative procedures

•     Develop a framework for sustainable fiscal management aligned with our mission and values

 

The task force’s efforts will be informed by the strategic guidance and values of the Board of Trustees, helping ensure that our work reflects a shared vision for equity, transparency, and long-term stewardship.

 

The Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative – Partnership Resource Team (IEPI-PRT) will serve as a valuable external partner, providing guidance and structure to our efforts.

 

I want to express my sincere appreciation to Vice Chancellor Christopher Dela Rosa and his team. Vice Chancellor Dela Rosa and Business Services coordinated with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the County of Santa Clara to achieve basic aid status. Their diligence, expertise, and commitment have been crucial in ensuring a smooth transition to a community-supported district.  

 

This is a pivotal moment in our District's history. Our move to community-supported status offers us an opportunity to be more innovative, responsive, and strategic. Together, we will build a model that upholds our commitment to students, equity, and educational excellence while continuing to safeguard the public resources entrusted to us.

 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our mission and the success of our colleges and students.

 

With appreciation,

Lee D. Lambert, J.D.

Chancellor