PORT ANGELES – Peninsula College announced Tuesday a series of instructional program changes and cost-saving measures as part of the college’s ongoing efforts to address what school officials describe as significant financial challenges.
President Suzy Ames shared the update with employees and students following months of review and discussion involving the Board of Trustees, President’s Cabinet, faculty leadership, and employees of the college.
Ames said, like many community colleges across the state, Peninsula College is facing a budget shortfall driven by rising operating costs and state funding challenges affecting Washington’s community college system. Over the past year, the college has already reduced its overall budget by about seven percent through various measures, including the closure of the Fort Worden campus.
As part of the next phase of budget balancing for the 2026–2027 academic year, Peninsula College will discontinue 3 programs: Administrative Office Systems, Paralegal, and Multimedia
The Automotive Service Technician program and the Family Life Education program will be paused beginning in the Fall while the college explores strategies to strengthen enrollment and long-term sustainability.
Ames noted that not all programs initially identified for review were eliminated. The Construction Trades program, which had previously undergone additional evaluation, will continue and remain open for enrollment in Fall 2026. The program will debut this fall with updated curriculum, expanded lab space and new equipment. Members of the community are contributing through donations to support the college in retaining Construction Trades.
The college also announced additional budget-balancing measures, including temporary furloughs for exempt and classified employees earning $90,000 or more annually beginning in July 2026. The furloughs are currently planned as a one-year measure intended to help stabilize operations while the college continues identifying long-term efficiencies.
Peninsula College leaders acknowledged that questions have arisen about the college launching new programs while reducing others. Newer initiatives such as Dental Hygiene, K–8 Teacher Education, and mobile workforce training programs were developed in response to documented regional workforce shortages. Dental Hygiene and mobile training programs are supported with external funding sources such as grants, community partnerships, and philanthropy, including support from the Peninsula College Foundation.
“Community colleges are being asked to respond to changing workforce needs while also navigating serious financial pressures,” Ames said. “This requires us to think carefully about sustainability, enrollment demand, and how we best fulfill our mission moving forward. Peninsula College is committed to making strategic investments in instructional programs that offer livable wage jobs on the Peninsula.”
General education instruction, workforce education, advising, tutoring, financial aid support, and transfer pathways remain central priorities as Peninsula College continues serving students throughout Clallam and Jefferson counties.