After more than a decade of oversight, state officials say that Compton has proved that it can once again take control over its community college district.
An audit from 2007 of the community college found serious financial problems, along with evidence of corruption. As a result, the state took over control.
That was a big blow to the community, said Keith Curry, Provost for the El Camino College Compton Center, and CEO of the Compton Community College District.
"It had a dramatic effect," he said, especially for the close to 2,000 students at the time. "Students didn't know if there was going to be an educational opportunity for them within their own community."
That's why, he said, the change announced this week is significant. It's also part of a longer-term process.
"So to go from there to where we are now – we have made some strides," said Curry.
In a statement today, the Cancellor's Office for California Community Colleges, called it a sign of "progress" since the problems were identified.
“It is an important step toward the ultimate goal of seeing that Compton College once again operate as an accredited institution under the sole control of Compton Community College District," said Chancellor Eloy Ortiz Oakley in the statement.