Swell

Well, now the LA Times is getting in on the act. In this morning’s Times (California's community colleges having a swell time), we’re told that “Recent high school graduates and mid-career adults are flocking to community colleges this fall as California campuses report enrollment jumps tied to the weak economy.”

Yep, when the economy goes south, community college enrollments go north.

Apparently, “returning adults” are a part of the story, or so says a counselor at Santiago Canyon College, which is experiencing a 9% enrollment increase. 

“Officials,” we’re told, “are estimating enrollment jumps of 6% to 15% this fall at California's 110 two-year campuses….”

According to state official Erik Skinner, districts say that “high unemployment rates” are helping drive this sudden swellage.

Naturally, not all the news is good. The governor’s proposed budget only allows for a 2% growth, and so, soon, colleges will experience shortfalls.

‘Cause community colleges don’t turn people away.

Naturally, the situation is different for the South Orange County Community College District, whose funding comes largely from local property taxes and not from Sacramento.

On the other hand, local property values have been declining significantly, and that means that fewer tax dollars will be collected, right?

Does anybody know how this works? When it comes to money and such, I'm a dolt.