Matt Wetstein is Delta's interim vice-president of instruction. He says the community college was hit hard by mid-year state budget cuts triggered by shortfalls in property taxes and declining income tax revenues.  

"The college right now has an operating deficit of roughly about $3 million."

Wetstein expects the deficit to grow because of rising health benefit costs for staff and faculty.

He says getting rid of summer classes next year will save the campus about a half-million dollars.

"Look, this is going to happen in a year from now. We're trying to do it as far in advance as possible so that students can plan accordingly."

About 9,300 students are signed up to take summer classes this year.

Trustees are scheduled to vote next month on the plan to cancel 2013 summer classes.