Highline Community College said Friday that it will close its Federal Way branch campus by August because of expected state budget cuts.
The shutdown will eliminate noncredit classes for more than 600 students each quarter and a college credit program for 77 high school students. Noncredit classes include English as a second language, computer skills and GED courses.
Highline will close its classrooms in 17,000 square feet of leased space in the Campus Square office park at 33320 First Way S. The cut will save Highline $390,000 a year in rent and utility costs, said Lisa Skari, a Highline vice president. The college’s lease ends in October, one reason for targeting the Federal Way branch, Skari said.
The Federal Way campus closure was part of $2.1 million in budget cuts Highline announced Friday. Officials said they were made necessary by Gov. Chris Gregoire’s 2009-11 budget.
Though the Legislature won’t finalize the budget until April, Highline administrators decided to make reductions now because “there’s no indication this number is going to get any better,” Skari said.
Highline, whose main campus is in Des Moines, has offered classes in Federal Way since the early 1990s, Skari said.
She said Highline is talking with city leaders to determine if there are other places it could offer some classes rent-free.
In June, Highline will shut down the Puget Sound Early College program in Federal Way, where high school juniors and seniors earn high school and community college credit.
Skari said a few classes for English as a second language and GED credentials will be offered this summer at the Federal Way campus. They will end in August.
Highline will have two forums on the closure at the Federal Way campus. A session for students enrolled in Puget Sound Early College and their parents will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday. A second forum for the broader community will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 11.
Steve Maynard: 253-597-8647
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