A new chancellor was selected to head the University of California system. The Californian reported, "[He] will be paid $395,000 a year." He was also quoted as saying, "[he felt] honored and humbled to take the helm at this very exciting time." I was thinking how humble I could be for less than half that amount.

Recently, we learned the president of Cal State Bakersfield would be retiring. However, he will continue to receive his $204,000 salary for consulting work. A few years back, the California State University board of trustees wanted to give an additional $20,000 a year to the CSUB president for entertainment costs.

Entertainment costs! What happened to educational costs?

Evidently, the philosophy of paying high administrative salaries for the notion that we are receiving high-quality services is running rampant. If we are paying big bucks for sustaining quality administrators, why is our educational system falling apart? Maybe taxpayers are not getting the expected bang for our bucks?

Bakersfield College has been in a financial crisis for a number of years. Even after passing two bonds one bond to relieve the financial burden on stadium upkeep and another to cover the costs of much-needed classroom renovations it is still in a mess. Note there have been two grand jury investigations into questionable administrative practices. And BC is in the process of making major cuts.

A recent letter to the editor explained a young woman's frustration because she couldn't get the classes she needed to continue her education. She is not alone; she is just one of many students who are sharing the same frustrations.

Students are not the only frustrated ones. Chaos is taking place within the staff's lower ranks as the domino effect bumps employees in and out of jobs. Some staff members are moving into positions that are completely foreign to what they have been doing. Others are being told their positions have been eliminated. They face a move to another campus.

Full-time teachers are bumping adjunct teachers as classes are cut from the schedule. Many adjunct teachers do not know if they will be back this fall. If they come back, they will be facing a big rush to complete necessary paperwork, not to mention time needed to develop or update curriculum.

As a token of good faith, the staff was asked for suggestions to solve the financial problems. Someone suggested everyone take a salary cut. This would have saved some jobs and kept more classes open. For whatever reason, the idea was ruled out.

Another suggested across-the-board personnel cuts. Instead, administrators, with the board's blessings, decided to cut the working staff to bare bones, cut working hours and cut classes. However, all will not be lost. Our well- paid and untouched administrative staff will be collecting a 15 percent pay raise over the next three years.

What is happening at Bakersfield College is a travesty. It is not in the best interest of students, staff members or the community.

Marlene Bursell of Bakersfieldis an adjunct teacher at Bakersfield College