Campus News

Another strong financial rating for Delta College

STOCKTON — Delta College has earned another strong vote of confidence from the financial community, positioning the College to make the most of taxpayer dollars as the voter-approved Measure K bond program moves into the construction phase. Moody's Ratings recently assigned Delta College an Aa2 credit rating with a “Positive” outlook, a designation that can help the College borrow at lower interest rates and stretch Measure K bond dollars further. The rating comes just months after Fitch Ratings reaffirmed Delta College's AA- credit rating with that agency, providing additional independent validation of Delta’s fiscal strength. The most recent Moody's Aa2 rating is among the highest ratings awarded to public institutions and reflects the agency's assessment of Delta's strong financial position, healthy reserves, growing enrollment, and sound management practices. The new rating applies to approximately $130 million in upcoming Measure K bond issuances, as well as the refinancing of $38 million in existing debt from the previous Measure L bond. The refinancing alone is expected to save taxpayers approximately $3.6 million. "This rating once again affirms the strong financial foundation of Delta College and the responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources," said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. "Receiving recognition from two independent...

Rep. Harder delivers $850,000 for Delta cybersecurity hub

MOUNTAIN HOUSE — Calling community colleges "the ladder to the middle class," U.S. Rep. Josh Harder this week formally presented Delta College with $850,000 in federal funding to support the creation of a new cybersecurity hub at the College's South Campus at Mountain House. The investment will build upon Delta's existing Cisco networking program and help expand training opportunities in one of the nation's fastest-growing and most in-demand fields. The College aims to position itself as the Central Valley's leader in cybersecurity education and workforce development, creating new pathways into high-paying careers for students and working adults. The cybersecurity hub is expected to feature simulation technology, cloud security environments, digital forensics tools, and other advanced training infrastructure designed to prepare students for real-world cybersecurity challenges. "As soon as I heard about Delta’s plans to expand cybersecurity, I thought, 'Oh my gosh, that is just going to be a perfect fit for Mountain House,'" said Rep. Harder. "There is so much good that is going to happen at Delta, especially at this Mountain House campus. I cannot be more excited to see how quickly this program is going to move forward." The funding arrives as Delta continues planning for a permanent...

Fitch affirms Delta College’s financial strength

STOCKTON — In good news for local taxpayers, Fitch Ratings recently reaffirmed Delta College’s strong AA- credit rating and improved its overall outlook to “stable.” The announcement means Delta can sell its voter-approved Measure K bonds at lower interest rates, helping maximize taxpayer dollars. An AA- rating is Fitch’s second-highest category and signals “very high credit quality.” The improved outlook reflects Delta’s continued fiscal strength, including healthy reserves, stable-to-growing enrollment, and overall financial stability. The news comes as Delta College presses forward with the implementation of Measure K, a $598 million bond approved by voters in November 2024. The Board of Trustees has identified priority projects, and planning is well underway, with a parking lot repair project anticipated to break ground this summer. “This independent review highlights the careful financial stewardship of Delta College and the strong leadership of our Board of Trustees,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “It shows the College is on solid footing as we move forward with improving our facilities and supporting students. We’re grateful to local taxpayers for their continued support.” “We take seriously the trust our community has placed in us,” said Board of Trustees President Dr. Charles Jennings. “This rating reflects careful...

'Historic': Voters approve Delta College bond measure

STOCKTON – In a decision that will benefit local students for generations to come, voters have approved a bond measure to upgrade Delta College classrooms and facilities. Measure K has earned 58.5 percent of the vote, above the 55 percent threshold required for passage, according to semifinal election results released this week. “We’re extremely grateful that voters recognized the importance of Delta College for creating local opportunities, supporting our local economy, training nurses and other skilled professionals who serve our community, and opening doors of opportunity in an affordable way,” said Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson, superintendent/president of Delta College. “Passage of Measure K will make a massive impact on the lives of thousands of families for decades into the future.” The $598 million bond will help address the most urgent improvements needed across all Delta College campuses, such as fixing old plumbing, repairing leaky roofs, upgrading classrooms and labs, and improving student safety. “This is a historic moment for Delta College and we cannot express strongly enough our thanks to community members for their support,” said Dr. Charles Jennings, president of the Delta College Board of Trustees. “We understand the trust you have placed in us, and we’re determined to...

Delta College seeks bond oversight committee members

STOCKTON -- San Joaquin Delta College is searching for members of the public to serve on a committee that provides oversight for the College’s taxpayer-funded Measure L bond. The Citizens’ Oversight Committee is key to ensuring that the $250 million bond, approved by voters in 2004, is being spent properly. Applications are open until April 1 or until committee vacancies are filled. Candidates are invited to apply in the following categories: One member of a taxpayers’ organization. One senior citizen who is active in a seniors’ organization; One person who is active in a support organization for Delta College; and One member of the community at large. Members must reside within Delta College’s district, which includes most of San Joaquin County and portions of Calaveras, Sacramento, Solano, and Alameda counties. Committee meetings are held on one Thursday evening during February, May, August, and November. Measure L has been critical as Delta builds new facilities while also upgrading older buildings on the College’s main Stockton campus. The Committee’s role is to review and report on the proper expenditure of bond money. The Committee also ensures that bond money is spent only on the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, or replacement of school facilities...

Taxpayers to save $3.5 million after bond refinanced

STOCKTON — Delta College's latest Measure L bond refinancing initiative, finalized this week, will lower property taxes and save the community approximately $3.5 million in future debt payments. The $69 million refinancing addressed portions of the District’s Series 2015A GO Bonds. No new money was generated as the bonds were sold solely to benefit taxpayers. Approved in 2004, the Measure L bond was the first major investment in Delta’s facilities since the Stockton campus was established in the early 1970s. Major completed projects include the signature Science and Math Building, the DeRicco Student Services Building, the renovated Goleman Library, and many others. The refinancing, approved by Delta College trustees in March, is the latest in a series of efforts to save taxpayers money. Taxpayers across the College's service area have funded the bond, including residents in San Joaquin County and parts of Alameda, Calaveras, Sacramento, and Solano counties. "We remain deeply grateful to voters for their generosity in approving Measure L, and we want to do everything we can to be good stewards of their resources. That's why we're so pleased to have completed this refinancing which will result in millions of dollars in savings for our taxpayers," said Delta...

Another round of savings for Measure L taxpayers

STOCKTON -- Taxpayers are expected to save between $3 million and $4 million after the Delta College Board of Trustees this week approved refinancing portions of the voter-approved Measure L bond. It's the latest in a series of moves to ensure that the public's money is being spent as efficiently as possible. In 2018, the College announced that it would save taxpayers about $20 million by paying off the last installment of Measure L money over a shorter period of time. A separate refinancing in 2020 was expected to save taxpayers an additional $5 million to $7 million. "The Board's latest action this week will lower the interest rate on our bond payments and save millions more," said Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Omid Pourzanjani. "We remain deeply grateful to voters for their generosity in approving Measure L. A vote for this bond was also a vote for our students, and when they succeed, our entire community succeeds." Approved in 2004, the Measure L bond is the first major investment in Delta’s facilities since the Stockton campus was established in the early 1970s. Major completed projects include the signature Science and Math Building on the northeast corner of campus, the DeRicco...

Taxpayers to save millions after Delta refinances bond

STOCKTON – Taxpayers are expected to save between $5 million and $7 million after San Joaquin Delta College refinances its voter-approved Measure L bond this spring. Delta trustees voted unanimously earlier this month to move forward with the refinancing. The decision comes on the heels of a separate action in 2018 that saved taxpayers an additional $20 million. Approved in 2004, Measure L has allowed Delta College to build a state-of-the-art science and math building, establish the first phase of South Campus at Mountain House, and substantially renovate the Goleman Library, among many other projects. “We are forever grateful to voters for approving Measure L, and we are thrilled to refinance and save taxpayers millions of dollars,” said Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Omid Pourzanjani. “The public’s support for the bond is also a show of support for our students, who work so hard to improve their lives and better the community.” In 2018, the College approved a plan to pay off the final installment of bond money in 10 years rather than 25 years, saving taxpayers $20 million in interest over the long term. The recent refinancing will take advantage of low interest rates to save an additional $5 million...

Measure L bond savings exceed $20 million

STOCKTON — San Joaquin Delta College will save taxpayers more than $20 million by paying off the college’s last installment of Measure L bond money over a shorter period of time. The agreement, finalized earlier this year, means property owners will pay a little more now but will save a lot more later. The arrangement is roughly comparable to a homeowner who decides to pay off a 30-year mortgage in 10 years, saving a substantial amount of interest as a result. In Delta’s case, the final installment of bond money will be paid off in 10 years instead of 25 years, saving about $20.3 million in interest. “We are extremely pleased that our recent Measure L bond sale has resulted in significant savings to our taxpayers, and, on behalf of the students of the district, we remain grateful to the voters for supporting Measure L,” said Delta College Superintendent/President Kathy Hart. Meanwhile, Delta’s credit rating has been upgraded from an A-plus to an AA-minus, signifying the college has a “very strong” ability to meet its financial commitments. Approved by property owners in 2004, the Measure L bond is the first major investment in Delta’s facilities since the Stockton campus was...