Dear Colleagues,

                I would like to introduce myself to you.  My name is Rhody Hayes and I have been the lead instructor at Columbia Basin College in the Auto Body department for the past twenty-eight years.  I have also been an I-Car instructor for the last ten years and am qualified to instruct in over 30 I-Car classes.  I was voted Western I-Car instructor of the year in 2007 and selected Instructor of the Year for 2008 at Columbia Basin College.  My certifications include: ASE Master, BMW 5,6, and 7, Aluminum repair expert, PPG Paint, and NGA Auto Glass Technician.

                The reason I am writing to you today is that Washington state community colleges, like most of the nation, are currently experiencing significant budget shortfalls.  In response to the budget crunch, Columbia Basin College is ending the auto body program at the end of the 2009/10 school year.  This program was established in 1952 and has continued for 57 years.  It has been a very successful program with 35-40 new students every year. Students are exiting the program to a regional area that includes over 40 communities in 3 states.  Our industry depends on the auto body programs for its technicians.  All of the auto body shops have voice their concern at the reality that there will be no more trained technicians.  To continue this program it will require an operating expense of $75,000.00 each year. Our college has stated that if we are able to secure a grant or funding in this amount annually for a period of three years, we would be self sustaining and possibly weather this financial storm.  

                I would like to give you a view of our current shop, which we hope to sustain.  We have a 10,000 square foot shop space, one downdraft booth and 2 prep stations.  There are 3 drive on frame machines, one split post lift, UMS measuring system, velocity genesis computerized measuring system, two mixing systems PPG & Sikkens, working area for 25 vehicles, and a complete metal fabrication shop with the following:  12 foot metal break, (2) 4 foot metal breaks, (2) 4 foot metal sheers, Beverly sheer, and a large sand blasting cabinet. 

                Thank you for considering supporting our program at the college.  We have very qualified and experienced auto body staff and a community that has a high demand for our auto body technicians.  Please feel free to contact me if you might be able to provide any assistance to continue this very worthwhile program at Columbia Basin College.

Sincerely,

Rhody Hayes

Assistant Professor of Autobody Technology

Career & Technical Education

rhayes@columbiabasin.edu

Tel: (509) 544-2269

Fax: (509) 544-8791

Cel  (509) 302-1152

Columbia Basin College

2600 N. 20th Ave

Pasco, Wa 99301