PROPOSAL WOULD ELIMINATE DISTRICT.

Byline: Sharline Chiang Daily News Staff Writer

The California Citizens Commission on Higher Education proposes eliminating all community college districts - their central offices, administrators and payrolls - so more money can go into classrooms.

The group's reform proposal comes at a time when the Los Angeles Community College District is being racked by fiscal and personnel problems.

Eight of nine campuses trimmed classes by as much as 20 percent in the fall and spring semesters to close the district's budget shortfall, now expected to grow to $13 million by the end of June. Faculty and staff won raises, but the colleges' spending cuts led to reductions in part-time instructors, fewer supplies, reduced student services such as tutoring and shorter library hours.

Officials from the California Community Colleges State chancellor's office plan to visit the district Tuesday to discuss the district's financial troubles. Also, the commission that grants accreditation to community colleges issued a warning of ``extreme alarm'' because of the deficit. In January, the district moved to a more serious spot on the chancellor's fiscal watch list after its general fund balance dipped below 3 percent of total expenditures.

By the start of spring semester, the district's overall enrollment was down 4 percent compared to the same time last year. Mission College in Sylmar was down by 13 percent and Pierce College in Woodland Hills was down by 8 percent.

While most Los Angeles community colleges struggle, the Santa Clarita district's sole campus is experiencing far better times:

Since 1995, College of the Canyons's student enrollment surged by 15 percent, making it one of the fastest growing two-year college district in the state, officials said. This spring, enrollment is expected to climb 9 percent, and course offerings are up 25 percent.

College of the Canyons is adding football and women's soccer in the fall to a roster of more than a dozen other sports already offered. By contrast, Mission College cut its sports program last fall.

Last summer, the College of the Canyons received a six-year accreditation renewal, the highest level of accreditation possible. That same year, the school opened a new media and fine arts building and expanded its photography program to add digital photography.