San Mateo, CA  – Chancellor Melissa Moreno today released a statement addressing a board-approved strategy to explore ways to tackle the San Mateo County Community College District’s (SMCCCD) long-term fiscal needs, including significant investments in campus infrastructure and maintenance over the next decade. The Chancellor plans to periodically release statements to the community as part of a new communications plan, in the spirit of fostering greater communication, transparency, and accountability. 

“As Chancellor, I am committed to ensuring that SMCCCD remains a beacon of opportunity for all residents of San Mateo County,” said Chancellor Moreno. “This enhanced communications plan represents our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our students, the district, and the community with improved oversight and transparency.” 

The key elements of the Chancellor’s first statement about a long-term fiscal planning strategy include: 

• Identification of Long-Term Fiscal Needs: $595 million in long-term capital improvement needs and $223 million in scheduled maintenance requirements over the next ten years. 

• Enhanced Transparency and Accountability: The SMCCCD has established an internal performance audit unit and is adopting rigorous internal controls, becoming the first California community college district to adhere to federal “Green Book” standards. 

• Exploring All Funding Options: The District is actively exploring a range of funding options, prioritizing private financing over public options. 

“Public financing will only be considered as a last resort and after thorough exploration of all alternatives,” emphasized Chancellor Moreno. “If such a step becomes necessary, we are committed to a transparent process with extensive community involvement.” 

The District’s Chancellor will continue to provide regular updates to the community on its fiscal planning progress.  Read Chancellor Moreno’s complete statement.

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu  

About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students. For more information, see: smccd.edu   

District honors SB 893 authors for their impact on improving access to higher education. 

San Mateo, CA – Enrollment continues to grow at San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD), with a 24% increase linked to the implementation of the District’s Free Community College initiative, a 5-year pilot program allowing San Mateo County Community College District to pay for San Mateo County residents’ total cost of education (including tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses) or to reduce fees.  

“Free College has changed the life trajectory for thousands of families in our county,” said SMCCCD Board President John Pimentel. “With Free College, enrollment is up 24% countywide – three times the statewide average.  Enrollment from East Palo Alto is up 32%. Over half of our students using Free College are the first generation in their families to attend college. Free College is an efficient investment to enable equitable economic opportunity.” 

Senator Josh Becker (13th CA Senate District) introduced SB 893, co-authored by former State Assembly member and current U.S. Congressman Kevin Mullin and State Assemblymember Marc Berman, in January 2022. The bill was signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 31, 2022. Since it took effect on January 1, 2023, SB 893 has benefited more than 26,650 members of the San Mateo County community.   

In recognition of the authors of SB 893 and the empowering impact this legislation has had on the community of San Mateo County, the SMCCCD Board of Trustees presented a resolution to Senator Becker, Congressman Mullin, and Assemblymember Berman last week as a token of gratitude for their exemplary service and dedication to higher education, honoring them as “Free College Champions.”  

“We celebrate Josh Becker’s leadership authoring SB 893 which enabled Free College in San Mateo County.  We also appreciate Marc Berman and Kevin Mullin whose efforts were critical in SB 893’s passage.  San Mateo County is blessed to have this ‘Dream Team’ of legislators who enabled SMCCCD to make Free College happen,” said Pimentel. 

Most students benefiting from the Free College support at SMCCCD came from historically marginalized communities in San Mateo County, with more than 41% of students in the Assessment Year 2023-2024 identifying as Hispanic/Latino/a/x, 10% as Filipino/a/x, and another 2.2% as Black/African American.  

Additionally, most of the students (53%) who benefited from Free College support were the first in their family to attend college.  

“The success of Free College emphasizes the significant imperative to invest in our students and remove the financial obstacles to higher education,” notes SMCCCD Chancellor Melissa Moreno. “Our efforts to make Free College permanent will serve generations of students, ensuring their future in San Mateo County.” 

Media Contact: David McLain, Executive Director, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu    

About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students.  Learn more at: https://smccd.edu/  

San Mateo, CA – San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) today reconfirmed its ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and student success with the announcement by the Criminal Grand Jury in the case of former chancellor Ron Galatolo. The District has cooperated and will continue to cooperate with the criminal investigation into Galatolo. 

SMCCCD will also continue to pursue its civil lawsuit against construction firms and contractors, alleging that these firms gave Galatolo gifts in exchange for lucrative District contracts. The law firms of Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy, LLP and Goethals & Stone, PC have been pursuing the case for nearly two years, and trial is currently set for June 23, 2025. 

“We believe San Mateo County taxpayers and the community college district are the victims of fraud,” said SMCCCD Board President John Pimentel. “Our civil suit is designed to hold those alleged to be involved in fraudulent acts responsible for their actions.” 

Media Contact: David McLain, Interim Executive Director, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu  

About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students.  Learn more at: smccd.edu.

San Mateo, CA – The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) is excited to announce the distribution of 5,000 free SamTrans Way2Go passes to high-need students at Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College this fall. This initiative aims to alleviate transportation barriers for our community’s low-income learners and ensure they can pursue their studies. 

This significant program is made possible through the generous support of a City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) Lifeline Transportation Program Cycle 7 Grant, totaling $730,000. The grant provides 10,000 passes over two years, with half slated for distribution this academic year. The grant was supplemented with a $109,000 match from the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation and a $36,000 match from SamTrans. 

“Our commitment to supporting our students extends well beyond the classroom, and we know that free college coupled with reliable transportation is key to their success,” said Melissa Moreno, J.D., Chancellor of SMCCCD. “Thanks to C/CAG, SamTrans, and our Foundation, we can have a collective impact—one that eases access to the only public institution of higher education in our County.” 

“This collaboration with SMCCCD and C/CAG will provide an economic lifeline to low-income students, giving them access to reliable transportation and the opportunity to pursue their educational goals,” said SamTrans Deputy General Manager/CEO David Santoro. “We are proud to be a part of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our community.” 

The Way2Go passes will be distributed through college SparkPoint centers, which offer low-income people resources for meeting their basic needs and increasing their income. Students who demonstrate high financial need on a SparkPoint application will get free, unlimited travel on SamTrans buses seven days a week.  Distribution of passes will begin over the next week following outreach to qualifying students.   

“This grant is a fantastic opportunity for our students,” said Megan Barber Allende, Executive Director of the San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation. “By alleviating transportation costs, we are helping our students focus on their studies and achieve their academic goals.” 

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu 

About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD)
SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s three colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students.  For more information, see: smccd.edu 

About SamTrans 
The San Mateo County Transit District operates 74 routes and two on-demand service areas. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the district also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.   

About City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) 
The City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG) is a regional agency dedicated to coordinating local transportation, land use, and environmental planning efforts. The Lifeline Transportation Program provides critical funding to improve transportation access for low-income communities. 

About San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation 
The San Mateo County Community Colleges Foundation supports the San Mateo County Community College District by raising funds to provide scholarships, grants, and resources to enhance educational opportunities and foster student success. 

SMCCCD moved its recent board meeting to East Palo Alto and emphasized community engagement and fiscal accountability. 

San Mateo, CA –  The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) Board of Trustees convened in East Palo Alto (EPA) on October 23, 2024, to foster deeper community engagement in North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, and EPA. The meeting featured presentations on pressing issues in EPA from the Mayor, community partnerships by Cañada College President Kim Lopez, enrollment surges across the District’s campuses, and vendor oversight and accountability. 

SMCCCD Board President John Pimentel reflected afterward that “our meeting in EPA reflects our ongoing commitment to serve specific communities where our programs and services can change the trajectory of people’s lives. Free College and the partnerships, personal relationships, and operational improvements discussed today build on incredible 24% districtwide enrollment gains to support upward economic mobility for all San Mateo County.” 

Antonio Lopez, Mayor of EPA, welcomed the SMCCCD Trustees with a vision for the city’s future: a new library and initiatives to address the City’s 30,000 residents’ educational needs. Mayor Lopez remarked: “EPA is a city of entrepreneurs and untapped potential. Collaborations with Cañada College and JobTrain are fundamental steps for this resilient community to achieve broad educational and workforce development goals.” 

President Kim Lopez presented on Cañada College’s strengthened ties with community organizations in various South San Mateo County communities, particularly North Fair Oaks, Belle Haven, and EPA. “Our goal is to create pathways to success for all students, especially those who have been historically underserved,” President Lopez stated. “We’re seeing remarkable results, with attendance from these areas well-exceeding expectations.” 

President Lopez also highlighted how the College’s shuttle and Lyft Ridership programs increased accessibility for 132 students from EPA, North Fair Oaks, and Belle Haven last school year. Looking forward, she announced plans to expand degree and certificate offerings at the College’s Menlo Park site and deepen its partnership with JobTrain. “The College will create a Center for Economic Mobility in EPA to “bring college to the people in South County,” she emphasized. 

Building on the success of Cañada College’s community partnerships, Dr. Richard Storti, Executive Vice Chancellor for SMCCCD, presented an enrollment report to the board which highlighted a 24% increase in SMCCCD’s domestic student headcount from Fall 2022 to Fall 2024. This is threefold the nationwide two-year college average increase during the same period. This growth in new students reverses a decade-long decline and puts the District on an upward trajectory. The Executive Vice Chancellor cited the Free College initiative and strategic marketing campaigns as reasons for the welcomed surge. Specifically, that EPA residents drove a remarkable 32% increase in enrollment over two years, with significant gains among Latinx (24%) and first-generation students (32%).  

SMCCCD Board members also heard a first-ever report from the District’s newly established Performance Audit Unit. The report, focused on vendor management, included recommendations that would create internal controls to improve vendor record management. 

Board President Pimentel commented that the Auditor’s report “marks a significant step in SMCCCD’s commitment to improving fiscal and program accountability and transparency. The District is the first in Northern California to implement such a unit and hire an internal auditor. We look forward to working with the Chancellor to review these recommendations at the next regular meeting with the intention of approving an implementation plan.”   

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu

About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students. For more information, see: smccd.edu

A ballot drop box now sits on all three campuses to encourage broad civic participation.

San Mateo, CA – The San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD) is proud to announce a partnership with the San Mateo County Elections Office to install secure ballot drop-off boxes at all three of its colleges: Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College. These drop-off boxes will be available for use by students, faculty, staff, and the entire community, increasing accessibility and encouraging civic engagement during the current election season, which will end on November 5, 2024.

“We are deeply committed to the democratic process,” said Melissa Moreno, J.D., Chancellor for SMCCCD. “By offering convenient ballot drop-off locations on our campuses, we are making it easier for our students and the broader community to participate in their right to vote. This collaboration with the San Mateo County Elections Office reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and civic engagement.”

The ballot drop-off boxes will be available for use and remain accessible to the public at all hours up until 8:00 pm on Election Day on November 5, 2024. Specific locations of the ballot drop-off boxes can be found on the SMCCCD voter registration webpage: smccd.edu/registertovote.

This partnership between SMCCCD and the San Mateo County Elections Office ensures a safe and secure way for voters to cast their ballots, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Media Contact: David McLain, Community & Government Relations, SMCCCD, (650) 730-8049 or mclaind@smccd.edu.

About San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD): SMCCCD operates three colleges, Cañada College, College of San Mateo, and Skyline College, that provide community college educational services to the residents of San Mateo County. The District’s colleges serve over 30,000 students annually and offer the first two years of college-level instruction in various transfer and career-technical programs. The District is governed by a six-member Board of Trustees, with five voting members elected by voters from designated areas of the County and one nonvoting student member elected by students.