District-wide budget cuts may cause a bigger mess than was originally anticipated, especially on the locker room floor. Due to a combination of budget factors, five federal work-study students in the maintenance department have had their hours cut. The result is the loss ofapproximately 35 hours of washing football uniforms, setting up for volleyball games, mopping, laundering and sanitizing.
Funds may be getting cut, but the work to keep Southwestern College's sports facilities up and running is not. Stephen Ashabraner, athletic equipment/physical education attendant, said recent cuts have put a strain on himself and his workers.
"There have been days of pure chaos," said Ashabraner. "At times, you almost have to be two or three places at once."
With a full staff of workers that is possible, he said, but cuts make managing the myriad of responsibilities much more difficult. Work-study students are feeling the heat as well.
"Before, I had peace of mind knowing that I was going to get a certain amount of hours," said Daniel Razzo, a work-study student who plans to transfer. "With these cuts, things are definitely less stable. Keeping up with bills is tough."
The implications of this recent decrease in hours goes beyond economics. Sanitation is a primary concern.
"We're very concerned over any kind of microbes," said Ashabraner. "We try to be as vigilant as we can but areas might be neglected if it gets much busier."
Keeeping up with sports-related tasks is getting more difficult, Ashabraner said, and fall marks the arrival of football season and the many responsibilities that accompany the colleges biggest sport, including hours of uniform washing.
"I am concerned about football season," he said. "By fall, after the new budgets are created, I hope there will be enough funding to reinstate hours. If not, we've got to wing it with whatever we've got."
Times are tough but members of the maintenance team are keeping their heads up.
"You have to stay positive - everyone is tightening their belts," said Ashabraner. "It's like a storm. It's not very fun, but in the end I'm sure everything will work out."
Recently, district work-study funds were cut. Rather than cutting workers, SWC is trying to supplement lost income through federal work-study funds, said Nelson Riley, supervisor of student employment services. Unfortunately, federal funds are limited and the work-study pot can only serve so many.
"What do you do? You either reduce the number of people, or you reduce the hours," said Riley.
A decrease in hours is no one's first choice, but something is better than nothing, he said.
In addition to a limited budget, the nation-wide economic crisis is compounding matters. With more students unable to find work, and enrollment at record levels, more students than ever are asking for assistance.
"I really want to provide people with work," said Riley. "That's my passion. But the pie is only so big."
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