Enrollment is way up at community colleges, and funding is way down.

Simple as that. Times are tough, writes Scott Ralls, head of the state's community college system, in the N&O today.

Have a look.

The state's community college system is honoring its best and brightest today.

Among honorees today are 58 students, one from each of the state's community colleges, who will receive the system's Academic Excellence Award.

Local winners include:

Melissa S. Dean of Alamance Community College

Christopher Ryan Hart of Durham Technical Community College

Joshua McCune of Johnston Community College

Sharon Ingandela of Vance-Granville Community College

Aneta K. Mrozek of Wake Technical Community College

In addition, The Gov. Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award winner is Antonio McNeill of Johnston Community College.

Academic performance at North Carolina's public schools dropped significantly last year, and many school leaders say a higher standard for reading is the culprit.

Reading exams were tougher last year and the state raised its performance expectations for those tests as well. As a result, school officials say, fewer students met the state's new goals.

UNC system President Erskine Bowles and Scott Ralls, president of the state's community college system, nonetheless are hailing the state's higher standards today, saying it will only lead to brighter students.

Here's what they said:

"We commend the State Board of Education's efforts to raise performance standards for North Carolina students. North Carolina competes in a knowledge-based global economy, and the expectations set by our state's education systems must reflect the increased knowledge and skills required to be successful in today's workforce. 

Both the University of North Carolina and the N.C. Community Colleges have made improving retention and graduation rates our top priorities. Together with steps we are taking within our respective systems, the State Board's commitment to rigorous standards for students will lead to increasing numbers of North Carolina students finding success at our community colleges and universities. This is the right agenda for our students and our state."