The South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Board of Trustees on Tuesday unanimously approved the closure of three academic programs and a reduction in force.
The Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry Arts, and Paralegal programs have been officially discontinued, and three faculty positions in those programs have been cut.
Students currently enrolled in the affected programs will be supported through a teach-out process, allowing them to complete their degrees or certificates.
SPSCC is also working closely with impacted employees to provide resources and support during the transition.
SPSCC announced its intention to close the three programs in February.
The Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget passed by the SPSCC Board of Trustees on Tuesday reflects the program closures, along with other cost-saving measures implemented over the past year.
Other cost-saving measures include travel and hiring freezes, reductions in force (RIFs) and layoffs.
These actions are part of a broader strategy to stabilize the college’s finances in the face of ongoing structural funding challenges, SPSCC said in a news release.
“These decisions have been incredibly difficult,” said SPSCC President Timothy Stokes. “They reflect a careful and thorough evaluation of our programs, finances, and responsibility to ensure the long-term sustainability of the college in service to our students and community.”
The program closures were recommended following a comprehensive review of enrollment trends, regional labor market demand and student outcomes, according to SPSCC.
“The college determined that these programs face challenges in long-term viability and alignment with employment opportunities in the region,” SPSCC said in a news release.
The decision to cut the three programs and their associated staff came after months of campus engagement, including forums, discussions with faculty and staff, public comments at board meetings, and a formal Reduction in Force hearing held earlier in the day, according to SPSCC.
“These decisions weigh heavily on us,” Stokes said. “I am deeply grateful to our faculty and staff for their professionalism, advocacy, and commitment to students throughout this process.”
The Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget also reflects continued efforts to address structural budget pressures, including rising operating costs and ongoing statewide funding challenges affecting community and technical colleges, according to SPSCC.
