MARICOPA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
GOVERNING BOARD
JANUARY 27, 2009
MINUTES
(REVISED)
An executive session and regular meeting of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board was scheduled to be held at 5:30 p.m. at the District Support Services Center, 2411 West 14th Street, Tempe, Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice having been duly given.
PRESENT
GOVERNING BOARD
Colleen Clark, President
Randolph Lumm, Secretary
Debra Pearson, Member
Jerry Walker, Member
Don Campbell, MemberADMINISTRATION
Rufus Glasper
Maria Harper-Marinick
Debra Thompson
Darrel Huish
Steve Helfgot
Al Crusoe
Ronnie Elliott for Anna Solley
Pete Kushibab
Paul Dale
Shouan Pan
Ken Atwater
Ernie Lara
Gene Giovannini
Linda Thor
Maria Hesse
Jan Gehler
Velvie Green
The regular meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
The executive session was called to order by President Clark at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The assembly pledged their allegiance to the
WELCOME, SUBSTITUTE ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND CLASS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
President Clark welcomed the Board’s two newest members, Debra Pearson and Randolph Lumm, and asked that everyone acknowledge them through their applause. She further proceeded to present a plaque to Board Member Dr. Don Campbell for his many years of service to the Maricopa Community College District and for serving as Board Chair during calendar year 2008.
PRESIDENTIAL MESSAGE
As customary during this first business meeting of the calendar year, newly-elected Board President Clark provided the following presidential message:
“As Maricopa begins a new year together, it is important to look back, as 365 days or 525,600 minutes, bears a multiplicity of worth.
In 2008, many of us experienced loss – the end of a memorable season, the downturn of a 401K, IRA or other asset, perhaps even the untimely “goodbye” to a friend or family member whom we love.
In 2008, many of us experienced gains – the beginning of an exciting season or journey, the fresh reality that life is short and we can apply catalytic force to cultivate the synergy of opportunity and ability, or the unrivaled fortune of unexpected TIME with family or friends.
Upturn or downturn, every year promises exploits of security or insecurity, permanent additions or deficiencies, questions, answers and . . . a continuum of change.
Thus, it is not uncommon for us to have a moment like this one to re-gather, reunite and re-envision, as an enterprise acknowledging the certainty of loss and gain, but one refusing to succumb to the crippling effects of inertia, self-interest, chaos or disunity.
It is easy for anyone of us to espouse the ideas, traditions or needs we hold, profess allegiance to or claim as critical. But it is the demeanor and delivery of our availability, dependability and expectancy that will speak at volumes beyond the limitations of mere physical vocals. The positions we have in life are not an axis in and of themselves, thus we can carry them out with excitement, generosity and patience knowing that interdependence calls us to count others as more significant than ourselves and certainly to count our students as the pinnacle of our day-to-day hoops or curves.
We are very familiar with John F. Kennedy’s words – “Ask not what your Country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your Country.” As trite as these words have become, we are all in a position to give more than we demand to receive. In this spirit, influence, legacy, adventure, and change find escalating meaning.
Maricopa is no different than any institution or enterprise. We’ve poured a foundation of purpose, stacked bricks of ingenuity, applied the mortar of collaboration, covered it in the assumed demand of basic economics, and invited in our community for a commodity that we believe is better than the alternatives.
In Maricopa, our wins and losses require the same courage and tenacity that Kennedy prompted when earlier in that same inaugural address he said, “In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.” Today, I would challenge a “Covering in the ASSUMPTION of demand.” Why Maricopa? What sets us apart? Is the Maricopa experience BETTER? Does our customer service and passion exude from the posts we stand?
The Governing Board, Dr. Glasper, our Chancellor, or CEC can establish vibrant goals and smooth systems. But, each member of Maricopa is charged and freed to execute their post with purpose and distinction determining for the wins to exceed the losses.
The idea of win or loss is often subjective. For example in the last 18 years, the US has seen 13 recessions. Yet, in those 18 years, we’ve watched prosperity and potential soar. Or, on a lighter note, the Cardinals are headed to the Super Bowl. For many this is a long-awaited celebration; for others, it has bleak, fleeting meaning.
In 2009, Maricopa must establish a new sense of professional service for the communities we serve. Subjectivity in our sense of customer service and mission is not muscle for the growth our current economy or consumer requires.
Basics like:
. A warm and sincere welcome (whether in the registrar’s office, on the phone, in the classroom, etc.)
. Positive eye-contact and smiles – you – WE are on stage
. Anticipating EVERY guest/student/citizen/neighbor’s need
. A warm and sincere “goodbye and thank you” for those we are privileged to interact with
. We commit to NEVER LOSE A GUEST/STUDENT/CITIZEN/NEIGHBOR
Our mission will sputter out quickly if we spend too much time in meetings about ourselves AND OUR NEEDS, when we refuse to believe the best of one another OR WHEN WE TAKE OUR EYES OFF OF THE END USER.
The Market in FULL of competition. No one is required to attend the local community college. Many alternatives exist. The manner by which we fulfill our respective posts MUST execute every responsibility with this reality in mind. As we all know, the labor pool is increasing, thus our opportunities to show distinction and excellence is of paramount importance.
May 2009 fuel excitement, generosity, patience, availability, dependability, and expectancy in every one of us. NOW more than EVER, I am calling for a new level of unity and reliable follow-through in our mission. Today and everyday we make the choice for the bricks of ingenuity that define Maricopa to transfer a spirit of influence, legacy, adventure, and change. That is the enterprise I would want to be a part of. That is the enterprise our students long for. That is the enterprise that will shape opportunity and sustainability in ways unprecedented in Maricopa or any institution of higher education.
One year from now, when we pause to look back for a moment, I believe we will do so with favorable perspective, recognizing Maricopa’s growing commitment to our communities and our consistent connection with those who come through our doors or depend on our “product.”
The upturn of Arizona, America, and the global environment we engage asks for us to take what we do seriously and if it is merely a job, then please prepare for new feet to fill your shoes.
I thank every member of Maricopa for believing the best about one another, placing the needs of others before our own and in doing, leaving a permanent imprint of influence, legacy, adventure, and progress.”
CITIZEN'S INTERIM
Seven citizens came forward.
Roberto Reveles, representing Concerned Citizens for GateWay Early College High School, came forward and read a letter that had been sent to the Board in order for the community could be informed about their concerns on the dismissal of Yvonne Watterson, Principal of GateWay Early College High School. (A copy of this letter is included with these minutes.)
James Garcia, representing Concerned Citizens for GateWay Early College High School, came forward to state that he knew their concerns would ultimately need to be handled by the HR Staff, however, it was his request to have the Governing Board look into the dismissal of Ms. Watterson. In his work as a playwright, he had written about the context of students she worked with, students who were inspirational. On behalf of their organization’s concerns, he requested again that the Governing Board look into whether she was dismissed inappropriately.
Jose Razo, a graduate of GWECHS, came forward to comment that he had experienced an amazing environment when he attended the school. He graduated with 84 college credits and also had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. He stated that he was able to do many different things and achieve things that students would never have been able to accomplish without the assistance of Mrs. Watterson.
Marcos Garcia Acosta, representing Concerned Citizens for GateWay Early College High School, came forward to add his voice to those that had spoken before him. He commented that Mrs. Watterson brought much leadership to the school and changed many lives.
Carmen Cornejo, representing CADENA, stated that she had personally witnessed the leadership of Yvonne Watterson when she volunteered and spent time with students at the school. She was favorably impressed. During the time period 2003 through 2008, test scores in math, reading and writing increased greatly. Mrs. Watterson and her students should have been celebrated.
Reverend Annie Loyd, representing Concerned Citizens for GateWay Early College High School, stated she was also President of the Fusion Program as well as someone very involved in the community for many years. She commented that it was rare to encounter a woman with the leadership skills Yvonne Watterson possessed in so many fields. She made connections for her students by reaching out to community leaders. She felt it was unconscionable to dismiss her and do such damage to their community. Her leadership should have been honored and the dismissal should be looked into. The focus should have been on what was working instead of what did not. She urged Board Members to look into the dismissal and in the best interest of students investigate what happened.
Cynthia Roche-Yares stated that she was the parent of a student at GWECHS. She commented that her autistic son had thrived at GateWay Early College High School in spite of the President’s lack of involvement and the Board’s lack of commitment. Her son embraced the social environment and is now an “A” student who will be going to college. She requested the formation of a site based council with representation from the Board, parents, student body, teachers and paraprofessional that would communicate with parents and the student about all aspects of the school. She also requested a clear explanation of the school’s relationship to the College and to the District. As a taxpayer, she expressed concern that the Board has no strategic business plan in place for the school and asked that this plan be drawn up with input fro the community and parents of students attending GWECHS. Lastly, she requested that the disruption experienced by students during this change in leadership never be allowed to occur again.
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
Governing Board Member Jerry Walker sited a poem he had written prefacing it by stating it pertained to the principles by which he operates. These include individual accountability, individual responsibility, individual achievement, individual rewards, and individual consequences. He stated he wrote this poem several years ago and wanted to quote it this evening as it was his hope that people would be reminded that they were individually responsible for their words and actions.
“I would give you great wings if I had such things,
But by me you may not of such proffer;
I would give you the spectrum if I had any colors, but I’ve no variations to offer;
I would give you the world, that is what you gave to me, though it may seen very odd; what you gave to me is what I’ve used to serve another god.
What you did for me back on Calvary, as I have been told the story, is worth all my praise, so for all of my days I will tell of your power and glory.”
Governing Board Member Debra Pearson expressed her appreciation to those that had spent time with her at the various campuses introducing her to staff and providing tours. These included Dr. Paul Dale, Dr. Jan Gehler, Dr. Velvie Green, Dr. Gene Giovannini, and Dr. Anna Solley. She also expressed her thanks to the Vice Chancellors and staff for all the information and assistance they have provided.
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
Chancellor Glasper took this opportunity to welcome the Board’s newest board members and also to provide information pertaining to Governor Brewer’s Education Transition Team as it pertained to the state’s higher education. He stated that this past week he had been a part of a facilitated team which had been put in place with the university team to present information to the Transition Team as it relates to planning about community colleges and the pending continuation of the Higher Ed Council established by Governor Napolitano as part of an executive order. The Council consists of ten community college presidents, two tribal presidents, and community members which includes Governing Board Member Dr. Don Campbell. They talked about thirty-two recommendations that came directly out of the P-20 Council pertaining to delivery models, transfers and articulation, funding mechanisms, and delivery systems. To date there had been three meetings and there was also a separate meetings with K-12. On February 5 financial recommendations will be made to the Transition Team and then forwarded to Governor Brewer for her consideration. In addition to that, meetings have been held with House Speaker Kirk Adams and Senate President Bob Burns regarding the 2009-2010 budget which needs to be balanced very quickly and thus no hearings will be held. They will have an opportunity to provide input to the 2010 budget. Hearings for the community college system will be held on February 26. He expressed his appreciation to employees and staff as everyone provides input to the budget reductions that must be made.
SECRETARY'S REPORT
There was no report.
FACULTY REPORT
Faculty Executive Council President Barry Vaughan expressed the Council’s support of the Chancellor and Board in these difficult times. They are aware of the turbulent financial times and have urged faculty members to engage in a letter writing campaign to their legislators to remind them of the importance of community colleges in the cities they serve.
EMPLOYEE GROUP REPORTS
There were no reports.
VICE CHANCELLOR REPORTS
There were no reports.
COLLEGE REPORTS
There were no reports.
STUDENT LIFE REPORTS
Two students from the Chandler-Gilbert Community College KAIROS Student Organization came forward to report on their non-denominational club’s activities and efforts. Student Ryan Twitchel spoke about the focus of their group which was to serve, encourage, and equip their members, as well as offer resources to members through prayer and ways to support various faiths. Student Sophia Alameda spoke about the club’s service activities which included preparing goody and safety bags, as well as prayer boxes.
AADGB REPORT
There was no report.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Page Gonzales, Associate Director of Government Relations, provided the following report:
“Madam President, Board members, Dr. Glasper, and members of the CEC.
Good evening. I am before you tonight on the 16th day of the 2009 legislative session. By way of statistics, over 664 bills have been introduced. At this time last year, that number was 950. We are working District leadership to identify and access impacts of legislation. Bill introduction is slow and committee hearings for policy are few and far between as …
Leadership and members in both chambers are focused on the need to immediately resolve the 09 shortfall of $1.6 billion. Particular to the community colleges, the House and Senate Appropriations Chairmen proposed a list of options for this fiscal year at a level of a $12 million lump sum reduction on a statewide level which would mean a cut to Maricopa of $4.6 million.
At this point in time, the House has an alternative proposal that would reduce these numbers. Bills reflecting this are in the works and may be introduced tomorrow with hearings and floor debate for Thursday. As you all know, the legislative environment, especially now, is a fluid one. The Senate, on the other hand is starting from the point of the original proposals unveiled days ago. The actual language and numbers for the House side are not available at this time, but we maintain open lines of communication with our legislative advocates to receive and provide any information as all legislators face the unprecedented challenges that lie ahead.
The FY 10 options proposed by the Chairmen include changes that would affect hold harmless, dual enrollment, equalization, enrollment growth, and capital outlay --as well as a lump sum reduction of 15%. If all options were signed into law, this would mean a $22 million cut to Maricopa and a statewide cut of $58 million which is 35% reduction of state aid provided to community colleges.
An important note is that whatever is done in 09 will have effects on the FY 10 deficit. At this point, the projection is a $3 billion shortfall. Many questions remain unanswered including whether or not the state equalization tax cut package will remain in effect as well as the K-12 rollover and now proposals to roll over AHCCCS payments. Also, members will need to consider the federal stimulus package that would potentially provide funding to higher education nationally to the tune of $100 billion.
On another front, we are working with our administration and community members to showcase the important role our colleges play to provide a trained workforce that will keep the economy moving and see the state through this economic crisis.
This concludes my presentation, I will be happy to answer questions at this time.”
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
There were no awards or presentations.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
President Clark requested a motion to approve the agenda.
MOTION NO. 9526
Don Campbell moved that the Governing Board agenda be approved. Motion approved 5-0.
President Campbell requested a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
The following items were included on the Consent Agenda:
A.1 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 9, 2008 REGULAR GOVERNING BOARD MEETING AND THE JANUARY 9, 2009 GOVERNING BOARD RETREAT
B.2. CONSIDERATION OF SABBATICALS RECOMMENDATIONS - in light of the current financial situation of our District, it is recommended that the Sabbatical leaves for 2009-2010 be denied.
D.1. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR DUAL ENROLLMENT WITH CHARTER SCHOOL - authorize entry into agreements on behalf of its colleges with the charter school listed below for their dual enrollment programs.
Charter School: Westwind Community Schools for Westwind Preparatory Academy
E.1. APPROVAL OF RENEWED LEASE OF CLASSROOM AND OFFICE SPACE AT 145 NORTH CENTENNIAL WAY, MESA - approve the lease of 145 N. Centennial Way from the City of Mesa. This is a renewal of an existing lease which expired on June 30, 2008. The annual lease payment is $520,366 plus all appropriate taxes and utilities. Other existing conditions in the lease agreement will remain the same.
E.2. APPROVAL OF PVCC AT BLACK MOUNTAIN NAMING - approve the naming of the Paradise Valley Community College Center located at 60th Street and the Carefree Highway as Paradise Valley Community College at Black Mountain.
E.3. APPROVAL OF CONCEPTUAL APPROVAL FOR EXPANSION OF THE HANNELLY CENTER AND REMODEL OF THE LEARNING CENTER BUILDING AT PHOENIX COLLEGE - grant conceptual approval for the expansion of the Hannelly Center and the remodeling of the Learning Center (LC) Building at Phoenix College with a total project budget of $24,290,000.
E.4. APPROVAL OF LICENSE AGREEMENT BETWEEN ARIZONA AGRIBUSINESS AND EQUINE CHARTER (AAEC) SCHOOL AND SOUTH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE - approve the renewal of the existing agreement that provides the land for the AAEC charter school’s portable building in exchange for SMCC’s use of the building when AAEC is not in session for college classes, including the use of computers. There is no exchange of funds between the entities unless the use of the building is insufficient so that a reasonable market value of rent will be permitted. The term will expire on July 30, 2015, unless terminated earlier as provided under the agreement.
MOTION NO. 9527
Randolph Lumm moved for approval of the Consent Agenda with the exception of item V.C.1 which was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Debra Pearson. Motion approved 5-0.
B.1. APPROVAL OF MARICOPA AADGB REPRESENTATIVE - authorize one of its members to serve as the representative and one member to serve as the alternate representative to the Board of Directors of the Arizona Association of District Governing Boards (AADGB).
MOTION NO. 9528
Don Campbell proposed that Jerry Walker be named as Maricopa’s representative to the Arizona Association of District Governing Boards and that the Board President be the alternate. Motion approved 5-0.
C.1. CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENTS, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENTS AND TERMINATIONS – approve the proposed personnel actions with addendum.
MOTION NO. 9529
Debra Pearson moved that Item V.C.1. be tabled and considered at a subsequent meeting or the next regular business meeting thus allowing time for more information to be provided on the positions listed. Mrs. Pearson inquired if at the time she pulled this item off of the Consent Agenda if the addendum was included. (Response was yes.) Mrs. Pearson stated that with her newness to the Board and having come to the Board with experience in human resources as a result of business experience and chairing the State’s Government Operations which had oversight for the different department directors, she wanted to make sure she understood the entire picture as she takes her responsibility very seriously and wants to know how all the puzzle pieces fit together. She questioned why there were positions being filled and how they were being filled, especially in this economic downturn. She also questioned the appearance of an addendum at her place which she had not had a chance to review.
Motion approved 3-2 (Mr. Lumm and Dr. Campbell voted nay).
Mr. Lumm commented that he also was surprised by the appearance of the addendum and would be in favor of approving the initial action item which had been included with the agenda as there had been ample time to review that item.
Mr. Lumm attempted to offer a separate motion calling for the approval of Item V.C.1. without the addendum. He was advised by General Counsel that this could not be done as the previous vote had resulted in tabling the entire item and thus this was no longer an option.
(VI.A.)
BUDGET ANALYSIS REPORT SUMMARY
FUND 1 – GENERAL UNRESTRICTED FUND
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008
Expenditure analysis indicates 43.3% of the budget has been expended this year as compared to 41.8% expended at this same point in time last year. 28.3% of the budget remains unexpended or unencumbered compared to 27.5% in the prior year. Revenue analysis indicates that $359.6M of the budget has been recognized. The projected fund balance will increase by ~$0.1 million this fiscal year and the projected ending fund balance for June 2009 is $102.0M.
(VI.B.)
2004 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS
SERIES A (2004), SERIES B (2007),
2004 CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN SUMMARY
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2008
As of December 31, 2008, $390.5 million, representing approximately 91% of proceeds from the Series A and Series B issuances of the 2004 bond, have been expended, encumbered or reserved for specific purposes. Bond proceeds are invested until expended. As of December 31, 2008 the net uncommitted balances on outstanding GO Bonds are categorized as follows:
2004 GO Bond Remaining Balance
Bond Proceeds $39.7 million
Interest $16.9 million
Remaining earnings are invested and will be used for future debt service or capital projects.
NEXT MEETINGS:
President Clark announced that the next Governing Board Meetings would be a Board Member Study Session on February 3, 2009 at
5:00 p.m. and a Regular Board Meeting on February 24, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
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Randolph Elias Lumm
Governing Board Secretary