Harper College cuts under fire
To the editor: I wish to comment on a recent vote to eliminate the plant science technology program and the park and golf maintenance program. As a taxpayer, I applaud your efforts to reduce deficient spending; however, in reviewing the 2002-2006 Operational Analysis Cost Comparison, I question the wisdom of these cuts.
In fact, it might be wise to expand these courses to include instruction on green methods and 21st-century technology, for the degree program as well as continuing education. This program falls in the middle of the identified programs that are in deficit spending. The largest deficit is adult education of $830,000 and the lowest is physical education at $10,000. Why drop a program that falls in the middle of the deficit? As a taxpayer, I would like to know why!
The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement endorsed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2005 acknowledges the need for local action to support policies and programs. Several communities including Schaumburg have endorsed the policy, hired a staff to monitor and move the community forward in "green initiatives." The programs are essential to train for declining water supply, reduced chemical use through appropriate planting, soil suitability and stability.
The job market is ripe for planning landscapes, installing and caring for our green space.
As a high school career teacher, I observed over the past 30 years that graduates from local high schools have found their life work as owner/operators of such services. Many of these students could not or would not choose a four-year college program. Yet, they are able to raise their families and make a living in this business.
In keeping with the tradition of a community college, this program has a place at Harper Community College. Harper's own strategic long-range plan includes this cluster of occupations in the top 20 emerging fields.
As a taxpayer, I believe public education is charged to offer and expand programs to meet environmental needs of the 21st century. Your desire to expand four-year programs should not leave the associate degree classes without funding.
Sue Walton
Rolling Meadows