A budget proposal that calls for MiraCosta College to dip deeply into its reserves was applauded Tuesday by college trustees and administrators, who said the move was necessary for the college to serve an increasing pool of students who might otherwise be unable to find the classes they need.

The board didn't yet vote on the plan ---- the 2009-10 budget is expected to come back for final approval in a few weeks ---- but they agreed that spending roughly $8 million from the college's savings was warranted to meet the pressing need.

One example came from student trustee Mark Laprocino, who said that 21 students had recently crashed an organic chemistry class at the campus, hoping to squeeze in because the same course at other San Diego County campuses were full.

Rather than forcing the extra students to wait a semester for the class, which is required for many science majors pursuing a degree, MiraCosta added another organic chemistry course to handle the overflow.

"On behalf of the students, I wanted to say thank you," Laprocino said.

Adding classes was one factor that helped create the $8 million shortfall in MiraCosta's 2009-2010 budget, which was presented to trustees for review on Tuesday. The shortfall will be covered by a large reserve the college has built up over the last decade.

MiraCosta is one of three "basic aid" districts in the state that enjoy a higher-than-average income per student, largely driven by property taxes collected on valuable coastal real estate.

Though trustees said they were a bit nervous about using the word "deficit," they said it was important for the college to step up and serve more students when many colleges in California have been forced to cap enrollment or cut classes because of the state budget crisis.

"We have the resources to keep the ship afloat for now, and we should do so," said trustee George McNeil.

The proposed budget calls for a reduction in unrestricted reserves from $13.7 million to $6.1 million. In addition, the college has set aside $9 million in a rainy-day fund as required by law.

The college plans to spend $102 million in the 2009-10 fiscal year, while taking in only $94 million. The plan has allowed MiraCosta to hire 11 new full-time teachers in a dire financial climate.

On Tuesday, trustee Charles Adams thanked administrators for delivering a budget deep in red ink. Being in the black, he said, would mean the college was not doing enough for the community.

"We are continuing to teach the students, which is what we're here for," Adams said.

Jim Austin, vice president of financial services, congratulated the board for building a hefty reserve over the last decade in order to provide a financial cushion today.

He noted that many campus constituencies have eyed the reserve over the years, but the board has generally refrained from drawing it down. For example, trustees have resisted adding a football team, despite repeated requests from the community, a move that has not always been popular.

"I think it's come back and proven that we were right," said Trustee Gregory Post.

Contact staff writer Paul Sisson at (760) 901-4087.