For 13 years, I had the privilege of leading the Career Technical Education Foundation of Sonoma County, working with educators, employers, community leaders and students to strengthen pathways from high school into college and careers.
That experience shaped my understanding of what it takes to build a strong local workforce: students need to see a clear pathway from education to opportunity, and our community needs institutions capable of providing the education and training those careers require.
That is why I support the Santa Rosa Junior College bond Measure AB .
SRJC is one of the most important links in Sonoma County’s education-to-career pipeline. It provides an affordable pathway to higher education for thousands of local students while preparing young people for the high-skill careers our community depends on.
Consider the workforce we need right here in Sonoma County: nurses and healthcare professionals, firefighters and first responders, skilled tradespeople, builders, agricultural professionals, engineers, technicians and many others. These careers require more than a diploma. They require hands-on training, specialized equipment, technical knowledge and opportunities to learn in environments that reflect today’s workplaces.
SRJC plays a critical role in providing that preparation.
During my years in career technical education, I saw how powerful it can be when young people can connect what they are learning in the classroom with a real career and a real future. A student who discovers nursing, engineering, agriculture or the skilled trades as a viable career option is more likely to have a reason to stay engaged in education — and ultimately to become part of the local workforce our community needs.
Just as importantly, students should not have to leave Sonoma County to find those opportunities.
When we can provide high-quality education and career training close to home, we create a stronger connection between students, employers and our community. Students can build their futures here, and local businesses have a better opportunity to find the skilled workers they need.
That is why I don’t view this measure simply as an investment in buildings.
Facilities are the tools. Student opportunity and workforce preparation are the outcome.
Modern career education requires modern learning environments. Nursing students need appropriate instructional and clinical spaces. Skilled trades students need access to current equipment and training facilities. Students preparing for technical and professional careers need learning environments that reflect the skills and technologies they will encounter in the workplace.
At the same time, responsible stewardship matters. The proposed measure maintains the current SRJC bond tax rate, according to the campaign’s measure information, while providing local accountability through independent audits and citizen oversight.
We now have an opportunity to continue that partnership.
As…
Read More: Investing in SRJC means investing in Sonoma County’s workforce
