Associated Students Inc. approved three measures it hopes will assist in finding alternatives to the closing of the evening program at the Children?s Center.

“I?m looking for alternatives and I?m willing to listen” said ASI President Jason Bryan.

David Phinney, a member of the Graduate Social Workers Association, who two weeks ago reprimanded the board for approving the closure of the evening program, this week offered praise and support of ASI?s efforts to find solutions.

The first of the three measures passed gave the Center?s Parent Advisory Council power to recommend possible options to ASI other than closing the Center?s evening program . PAC?s recommendations must consider the $20,000 reduction in the Center?s operating budget and must be a long-term solution Bryant said.

The second measure will allow Chris Missick, vice president of Student Affairs, to create a work team or taskforce made up of interested students to address more general needs of student parents. Anyone interested in joining the task force should contact ASI at (916) 278-6784.

One proposed solution to this dilemma has been to change the program?s focus from education to care. Currently the Center operates an education program until 6:30 p.m. that is very costly because of the necessary licenses and teacher salaries. Replacing the Center?s education program with an evening care program would be far less expensive, according to ASI Executive Director Carol Ackerson.

Both Bryant and Ackerson said this solution has real potential, but because of the legalities of it they cannot be certain.

ASI Associate Director Pat Worley, former Children?s Center director, has been assigned the task of looking into the legal requirements of transitioning the educational program into a care program.

When asked to comment about his outlook on the situation, Bryant said, ” I?m confident that the people on PAC will get creative and find a solution as soon as possible.”

Budget matters were brought up again when former ASI presidential candidate Samuel Egar presented the board with a request.

“As a current member of ASI, I am requesting a copy of the two most recent Annual Reports of ASI for personal inspection. I am also requiring a copy of ASI?s current books also for personal inspection. Since I am aware of ASI?s current financial problems and incompetence, I ask to see these reports, as it is my personal interest in this non-profit corporation as a member since fall 1998.”

Egar, who lost to Bryant in the elections last spring, said he didn?t think a non-profit corporation should have a deficit, and he wanted to look into the matter himself. Egar will receive his documents at the next ASI board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11.