By Darlene Montgomery
Last week I was given notice by the (Shasta Community) college president that our floral program is scheduled to be eliminated.
Now, I understand that we are not the only ones on this list, but we offer a very viable educational program that leads to employment in the community itself.
Also, interestingly enough, the floral program is very inexpensive to run. Students pay their own materials fees, and instructors’ salaries are funded by enrollment.
Our floral program is not being reduced in reimbursement by the state, so it really is confusing as to why we share this doomsday list.
Our Master Floral Certificate Program is not a hobby. It is a bona fide certificate program that includes business courses and work-site learning.
Many of our students have become employed at floral shops, nurseries, such craft centers as Michael’s and such mass markets such as Raley’s and Safeway.
Our program has a reputation for offering a complete and thorough education in this wide-reaching industry. It is the very foundation of what a community college is all about.
It would seem that the goal of our current administration would be to eliminate vocational education in favor of transfer students.
I personally would like to see the local students find employment in their own communities and keep our city and counties healthy and viable.
Not only are the florists gatekeepers of tradition – births, funerals, birthdays and almost every celebration in-between, they also are a huge part of every memorable event in life.
My request to the community of Redding is this: Help us preserve our program and others like it.
Help the Master Floral Certificate Program reach its final goal in its vision for the future: a Shasta College Floral/Horticulture Gift Shop for students to work in.
Please send letters of comment and support to: Darlene Montgomery, Instructor, Master Floral Certificate Program, via email at stormy4916@hotmail.com or you may send your comments to Gary Lewis, President, Shasta College, via email at GLEWIS@shastacollege.edu
