Minutes 02/20/2003

An executive session and community listening session of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board was scheduled to be held at 5:00 p.m. at Glendale Community College in Glendale, Arizona, pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice having been duly given.

PRESENT

GOVERNING BOARD

Ed Contreras, President
Linda Rosenthal, Secretary
Nancy Stein, Member
Don Campbell, Member
Gene Eastin, Member

ADMINISTRATION

Fred Gaskin
Anna Solley
Steve Helfgot
Rufus Glasper
Jim Devere for Ron Bleed
Ron Etter for Larry Christiansen
Ken Atwater
Homero Lopez
Linda Thor
Gene Giovanni
Art DeCabooter
Corina Gardea
Maria Hesse
Gina Kranitz
Phil Randolph
Pete Kushibab

STATE BOARD
Nick Balich, Absent

I. EXECUTIVE SESSION

In the initial absence of Board President Ed Contreras, Board Member Linda Rosenthal called the Executive Session to order at 5:00 p.m. The executive session was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.

II. LISTENING SESSION

President Contreras called the Community Listening Session hosted by Glendale Community College to order at 6:09 p.m. and called on Governing Board Member Linda Rosenthal to lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Contreras' introductory remarks included a welcome to the second of a yearlong series of community listening sessions designed to gather information about the role of the Maricopa Community Colleges in the communities they serve. He stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and hearing what people have to say, not only pertaining to what the community colleges were doing right, but also what could be improved upon and might be considered for the future. He stated that at the end of the twelve public meetings, a report would be put together as new directions are determined for the future.

President Contreras introduced members of the Board and Chancellor Gaskin.

Chancellor Fred Gaskin acknowledged the pre-session performance by the award-winning GCC guitar ensemble, under the direction of Performing Arts faculty member Chuck Hulihan. Individual student performers were Mark Harrison, Jonathan Hoopes, Carlos Landa, Ryan McIver, and Eldon Stetson. Chancellor Gaskin further proceeded to welcome everyone in attendance at the second of twelve sessions to be conducted this year. The purpose of these sessions is to listen to the communities inform the Maricopa Community Colleges what can be done better and position itself better with reference to capital planning linked to a possible Capital Bond Initiative. He remarked that enrollment numbers have shown great increases over previous years and that potential exists for more students attending as a result of tuition increases at ASU. He informed those in attendance that the purpose for the listening session was not to take action but rather to listen to presenters from the West Valley community. He introduced President Phil Randolph and added that he is the newly appointed president of Glendale Community College on a permanent basis.

The Listening Session proceeded as follows:

Dr. Phil Randolph

Dr. Randolph issued a warm welcome to everyone in attendance and acknowledged the hard work put forth by everyone in bringing this event together.

Dr. Randolph provided a historical account of Glendale Community College, which was founded in 1965 in a then rural community. It is the second oldest college in the Maricopa Community College System and boasts 33,000 + students, as well as 300,000 alumni. The Glendale Community College system consists of three campuses - Main, North, and the University College Center at ASU West. Points of pride for GCC include technological and academic excellence, expansion sites, demographics, credit transfers to ASU, occupational and vocational programs. He commented that they have also established partnerships with the Arizona Teacher Excellence Coalition, the Nursing Program Partnership with Thunderbird Samaritan, the Fire Science Program, and many others including Best Western, Cisco, John Deere, etc.

Lionel Diaz, Manager, Facilities and Planning Development

Mr. Diaz provide an overview of the 1994 Bond Election's impact at GCC in which voters passed a $386 million bond for the Maricopa Community College District. In the West Valley, funds were used to remodel the library, the physical science building, and the music and math buildings. There was also the construction of the 19,000 square foot bookstore and facilities services building, in addition to new furniture, technical and utility infrastructures. At GCC North new buildings totaling 10,000 square feet were constructed and furnished, including technical infrastructure and equipment.

Community Speakers (Invited Guests)

Elaine Scruggs, Mayor, City of Glendale, spoke about the twelve cities that comprise the West Valley and population demographics. Incorporated in 1910, Glendale now has a population of approximately 242,000 people. 48% of this population is 30 years or younger, the median age is 31.3 years of age, and 22% have incomes of $50,000 to $74,999. Glendale boasts four colleges and universities, however the region has not done a good job in making this area an educational hub. Ms. Scruggs mentioned that there is a current effort underway with Maricopa County advocating the extension of an existing regional (county) half-cent sales tax devoted to transportation improvements - which in turn would help provide transportation for students to get Glendale Community College. The City of Glendale has also instituted Glendale University, which is a program intended to help citizens understand how city government works and functions.

Elaine Maimon, Provost/CEO, Arizona State University West, spoke about the expansion of their campus from a two-year to a four-year institution during its seven years of existence. Their headcount is approximately 6,500 students and in December, 2002 they had 640 graduates. Their enrollment includes 1,896 students from GCC, 559 from Phoenix College, and 507 from PVC. Their "Aspire To Teach" program consists of 400+ students. Ms. Maimon stressed that students need to be encouraged to attend ASU because funding is available for students.

Martin Samaniego, Manager, Community Relations/Marketing, APS, focused on the diversity and changing demographics of the West Valley. He pointed out that the population of Glendale was 25% Hispanic, 6% Native American, 3% Asian, and 3% African American, and that GCC's staff, faculty, and administration should mirror the overall population. Mr. Samaniego also commented that procurement for services ($20 million impact) should also be reflected in the demographics of the community and that "no one should leave the table hungry." He posed the question, "Where are we going from here?" and stated that partnerships are important to make sure everyone is helped.

Diana McCarthy, Executive Director, WESTMARC, commented that in the entire West Valley there are eleven educational institutions, numerous sports facilities, and that three cities are building new downtown areas. The West Valley also boasts an arts coalition and numerous recreational groups. The emphasis in the West Valley is to "learn, earn, and enjoy."

Community Speakers (Open Forum)

Shirlene Fant Rand, Publisher, Glendale Magazine, spoke about the convenience of having Glendale Community College available as an educational resource during her times of re-careering. In spite of getting a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and law degree from San Diego University, when she decided to pursue a publications business it was GCC that was there to assist her.

Nathan Farmer, President, GCC Student Government, has attended GCC for the last year and a half, after having served in the military. He appreciates the opportunity to serve as President of Student Government at GCC and develop his ability to lead.

Robert Gaytan II, President, Evening Student Government, spoke about the ability to attend GCC and use it as a stepping-stone to a four-year institution. He appreciates its affordability, the challenges it provides, and the approachable faculty. His issues of concern would be campus safety and fees and tuition.

Elio Pompa, Fire Chief, City of Glendale, spoke about the partnership that GCC has with the City of Glendale Fire Department. The facility located on the main campus provides training for current and future firefighters. He urged continued support for this program at GCC.

Dr. Perry Hill, Superintendent of the Glendale Elementary School District, offered GCC the gift of his very diverse school district and stressed the value of acquainting elementary school students with the importance of education in their early years. He urged people to learn to appreciate diversity and treat it as a blessing and not a handicap.

Colleen Hallbert, Interim CEO, Thunderbird Samaritan, came forward to express the importance of continued collaboration with four-year schools to enable smooth transition for nursing students. There are currently 471 vacancies at Banner Health Systems and when Banner Estrella opens for operations, there will be 800 openings.

Carol Willette, Principal, Northwest Education Center, spoke on behalf of the partnership they have with GCC and how dual and concurrent enrollment has been very successful for them. 60% of their seniors transition to the community college.

Manny Wong, Publisher, Asian American Times, stressed the importance for immigrants to be shown positive attitudes about their ability to succeed. Education is the cornerstone for fulfilling their dreams here in the United States.

Jean Bihn, Reporter and Photographer, The Glendale Star, expressed her appreciation for the accessibility of GCC for older and returning students. She stated that GCC has excellent instructors and owes gratitude to three instructors who really helped her.

Patti Riley, Alumni, commented that she and her husband were among the first students at GCC and are very excited about starting this alumni group. They have adopted the mission statement: "Opening the Doors to Education" and are eagerly seeking new memberships.

Ron Anthony, Neighborhood Citizen, commented on the growth that has occurred on the campus of GCC, however, it has also impacted neighborhood traffic. He commented that he has been working with Dr. Randolph on this issue.

Tiffany Lloyd, Student, came forward to voice her disfavor with the tuition increase. Although she recognizes that tuition increases are necessary, she felt that the increase being sought was too high. She has accumulated 70 credit hours to date and is taking 17 hours this semester, as well as being employed in two jobs. Her textbooks run about $300 per semester. Her main question pertained to scholarships for students who are not at the top academically, nor at a hardship level, but just plain in the middle? She asked that they be shown some favor with respect to possible financial assistance.

Closing:

Dr. Randolph thanked everyone for their participation and efforts in making the evening successful and insightful. He turned the program over to President Contreras for closing remarks.

Governing Board Member Remarks:

Dr. Don Campbell indicated that as he listened to the comments offered, he heard that expansion of the campus is being well utilized. He also heard that the West Valley is growing and in order to meet the needs, the Maricopa Community College System also needs to grow and meet the educational challenges of the communities.

Linda Rosenthal thanked everyone for their participation. She indicated that she is always is impressed by the partnerships that are established. She appreciates that Dr. Randolph is working to maintain the collaboration that exists between GCC and the surrounding communities. She is proud to be part of the community college movement. She remarked that if the community colleges did not exist, who would serve the people? The community colleges are the people's colleges.

Nancy Stein remarked that it was wonderful to hear about the accomplishments of Glendale Community College. As a former graduate of Scottsdale Community College, she understands the importance that no man or woman leave the table hungry, and if they do they need to ask why.

Gene Eastin acknowledged former board member Robert Easley who was part of the audience. He was gratified by the great turnout and stated that constituents need to see MCCD as they are seen. The Board is the final voice on how money is spent. The community is who the Board Members work for and their comments will be remembered and not forgotten.

Ed Contreras thanked everyone for their participation and was impressed with the number of people in attendance to have their voices heard. He stated that Board Members take very seriously the needs of the community. The challenge for the future is how MCCD is going to provide education to all citizens regardless of race or economic status. Opportunities need to be provided for everyone to succeed in getting an education. There is lots of development in the West Valley and there is a need to have an educated workforce. No one can afford to be left behind. If we don't provide educated workers, businesses will be forced to go outside the county or country. It is crucial that ASU and MCCD forge an even stronger partnership. There is a need to foresee employment needs and supply those people through appropriate education. With reference to tuition increases, board members struggle with those hardship and will ensure money is allocated to scholarships so that no one leaves hungry. There is a pledge to listen to all comments.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting concluded at 8:09 p.m.

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Linda Rosenthal
Governing Board Secretary