College News
College Presidents’ Board Report
At each Board Meeting, the college presidents give a report on their college, highlighting events and news around the college.
You can view Woodland Community College President Navarette’s report here.
You can view Yuba College President Dotson’s report here.
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Woodland Community College News
Join Woodland Community College for the Strategic Planning Gallery Walk & Luncheon
WCC’s Strategic Planning Steering Committee has been hard at work shaping a plan to guide the college into its 20th year and strengthen student success. Come explore our draft goals, share your ideas, and celebrate the semester with lunch and music.
Event Details:
✨Woodland Campus: December 2, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Community Room 800
✨Lake County Campus: December 11, 12:00–1:30 PM
WCC Festival of Arts – December 3
Celebrate student creativity at WCC’s Festival of Arts! Starting at 5:30 p.m. in the 900 Building, enjoy a Culinary and Visual Arts Showcase with student-prepared dishes and original artwork. At 7:00 p.m., the Concert Choir and Symphonic Band take the stage for cultural performances and a festive holiday sing-along.
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Yuba College News
Trustees Attend Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Event
On November 10, Trustees attended the grand opening of the 24/7 Sports Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sacramento Kings coming to California, where the team held its 1985 and 1986 training camps at Yuba College.
Yuba College men’s basketball coach Doug Cornelius joined Trustees and college leaders to receive a $10,000 donation from Hard Rock in recognition of the Kings’
40-year legacy and their historic connection to Yuba County. This support will further strengthen opportunities for student-athletes and the Yuba College athletics program.
Happenings Around the College
Dec. 5: Fall Instrumental Concert, YC-Marysville, Theatre, 7 pm
Dec. 6: Music Extravaganza, YC-Marysville, Theatre, 7 pm
Dec. 18: Men’s Basketball vs. Mendocino College, 7 pm
Dec. 18: Women’s Basketball vs. Mendocino College, 5 pm
Dec. 20: Women’s Basketball vs. American River College, 5:30 pm
Full Yuba College sports schedules are linked here.
Theatre schedule can be found here.
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District Office News
Meet Our Staff: Robert Stoddard, Fire Technology Coordinator and Instructor
If you’ve ever walked through the Yuba College Fire Technology program, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Robert Stoddard in action—guiding cadets through drills, sharing hard-earned wisdom, or simply encouraging the next generation of firefighters to reach for their full potential.
Robert has been a dedicated member of the Yuba College community since 1988, serving as the Fire Technology Coordinator and Instructor. Over the years, he’s trained countless students who have gone on to serve in fire departments across the region.
He enjoys preparing future firefighters for a career in the fire service and helping both volunteer and career firefighters enhance their skills and prepare for promotions. Robert’s passion for teaching mirrors his lifelong connection to the fire service and his belief in the value of hands-on learning.
Outside the classroom, Robert’s interests might surprise you. A self-proclaimed LEGO enthusiast, he not only collects them but also builds elaborate creations in his dedicated LEGO room! When he’s not building or teaching, you’ll often find him tending his garden or spending time with family and friends.
Robert’s favorite book is The Hunt for Red October, his go-to movie is the original M.A.S.H., and his favorite TV show is the classic NCIS. After a long day, he enjoys winding down by planning his next vacation with his wife.
When reflecting on his career and the wisdom that’s guided him, Robert recalls advice from his father:
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” 
That advice has clearly served him well. Today, Robert says he’s most excited about continuing to invest in the future of the fire service—something he does every day through his students.
He also carries with him a favorite quote that he shares with every new academy class:
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — William Shakespeare
And in true Robert fashion, he continues to live by that philosophy, giving back to his community in new ways. Most recently, at age 61, he took on a new challenge—becoming the Fire Chief of the Meridian Fire Protection District.
With a lifetime of service, passion, and a few LEGO builds along the way, Robert Stoddard is a true example of what it means to find your gift—and share it generously.
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Honoring Board President Ric Teagarden
At the November 13 Board Meeting, Board President Ric Teagarden was presented with a plaque by Board Vice President Cornelius to thank him for serving as the Board President for 2024-2025, which was his third time as the Board President. The rest of the Board and Chancellor Pan joined in to thank Trustee Teagarden for his outstanding dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to both the Board and the District. His strategic and thoughtful guidance continues to make a meaningful impact on the District community, shaping policies and initiatives that support student success and the District’s mission.
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Chancellor Pan’s Monthly Virtual “Open Door” Sessions
Chancellor Pan offers monthly virtual Chancellor’s Open-Door sessions. As a reminder, these informal gatherings provide faculty, staff, and students across the Yuba Community College District an opportunity to engage directly with the Chancellor. Have a question, idea, or just want to say hello? Stop by virtually and join the conversation.
The sessions will be held via Zoom meeting link and the schedule is as follows:
- Friday, December 12: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 22: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 18: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Monday, March 16: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 17: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
*dates are subject to change
District Holiday Closures
December 24th through January 1st – Winter Holiday Closure
January 19th – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Next Regular Board Meeting
The Board of Trustees will meet for their regular meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Yuba College. The agenda will be released 72-hours prior to the meeting here.
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Fiscal Update
State Fiscal Outlook and Implications for Community Colleges
The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) recently released its 2026–27 Fiscal Outlook, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for California’s state budget. This outlook has significant implications for schools and community colleges, particularly as the system experiences growth and rising costs.
Key Highlights
- $18 billion budget shortfall projected for 2026–27, about $5 billion higher than the Governor’s June estimate.
- Structural deficits could reach $35 billion annually starting in 2027–28, posing long-term challenges for the state.
- Revenue growth is heavily influenced by AI-driven stock market gains and high tech-sector earnings, which may be temporary.
- Proposition 98 funding will require a $5.1 billion increase for schools and community colleges, with $7.4 billion in one-time funds also projected.
- Community colleges are expected to see ~2.9% enrollment growth in 2026–27, driven by demographic trends and dual enrollment programs.
- A 2.51% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is projected for schools and colleges.
- Ongoing funding gaps of $1.7 billion remain as one-time funds continue to support recurring educational programs.
- Rising statewide costs—including pensions, retiree health care, corrections, Medi-Cal, and CalFresh—add additional pressure.
- State reserves are lower than in previous years, reducing the state’s ability to respond to economic downturns.
Implications for Community Colleges
While Proposition 98 funding is projected to increase next year, the anticipated growth across the community college system presents a challenge for the state to fully fund the increases expected by individual districts. Rising enrollment, operational costs, and reliance on one-time funds for ongoing programs emphasize the need for careful financial planning.
We will continue to monitor state budget developments closely and keep colleges informed as the process unfolds, ensuring districts have the information needed to plan for growth and maintain student success.
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—– For current open positions, visit our hiring webpage for more information. —–
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Mission Statement: Yuba Community College District provides all individuals in our diverse communities access to high-quality, affordable higher education that is responsive to student needs. Our mission is to inspire and advocate for student success through our passion and commitment to teaching, learning, and social justice.
Vision: Our vision is to empower our students and strengthen our communities by providing equitable, student-centered learning opportunities.
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Would you like to have an event highlighted in a future newsletter? Email dwilliam@yccd.edu for consideration.