Minutes 03/13/2003

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 Scottsdale Community College in Scottsdale, 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
Ron Bleed
Larry Christiansen
Ken Atwater
Homero Lopez
Carol Scarafiotti for 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 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 5:40 p.m.

II. LISTENING SESSION

President Contreras called the Community Listening Session hosted by Scottsdale Community College to order at 6:03 p.m. and called on Governing Board Member Don Campbell to lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Contreras' introductory remarks included a welcome to the third of a yearlong series of ten community listening sessions designated as Community Voices. He stated that these forums serve as an opportunity for the governing board, college presidents and people at all leadership levels to connect with and hear from the people who live in the communities served. He further indicated that only through the voices of constituents could the colleges begin to understand their strengths and weaknesses. 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 SCC flutists, K. O'Daniell and Nichole Thompson. Chancellor Gaskin also offered congratulations to President DeCabooter for his successful role in the Scottsdale budget override. Dr. Gaskin further proceeded to welcome everyone in attendance at the third of twelve community listening sessions to be conducted this year with the purpose of listening to the communities inform the Maricopa Community Colleges what can be done better and position itself better with reference to strategic planning which might lead to a possible Capital Bond Initiative. He made mention of the increase in enrollment numbers which have shown great increases over previous years and the potential for a 10% increase next year resulting from tuition increases at ASU. He is hopeful that the accessibility and affordability of the Maricopa Community Colleges will encourage more students to attend. 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 Scottsdale community. He introduced President Art DeCabooter and called attention to his twenty-five years of service as President of Scottsdale Community College. He made mention of an upcoming May 7 reception to be held in Dr. DeCabooter's honor.

The Listening Session proceeded as follows:

Dr. Art DeCabooter
Dr. DeCabooter expressed a warm welcome to everyone in attendance and acknowledged the hard work put forth by everyone in bringing this event together. He also acknowledged the presence of the HED644 Higher Education Finance class taught by Dr. Rufus Glasper at ASU.

Dr. DeCabooter provided an overview of areas served by the 160 acres which comprises Scottsdale Community College. Scottsdale Community College serves students from the Pima-Salt River Indian Community, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, and Fort McDowell. It consists of three campuses - Main, Scottsdale-Airpark, and the Cave Creek-Carefree Campus Partnership with Paradise Valley. Points of pride for SCC include enrollment increases of 53% and capacity increases of 59%, technological and instructional excellence, expansion sites, partnerships, community and national awards, grants, and endowments. He boasted that "Community" is their middle name as Scottsdale Community College continues to service the Scottsdale community.

Lionel Diaz, Manager, Facilities and Planning Development
Mr. Diaz provided an overview of the 1994 Bond Election's impact at SCC in which voters passed a $386 million bond for the Maricopa Community College District. At Scottsdale Community College funds were devoted to: Child Enrichment Center (6,437 s.f.), Applied Sciences Classrooms and Labs (48,499 s.f.), Language and Communications Building (28,055 s.f.), Computer Technology and Math Building (33,535 s.f.), and Fitness and Wellness Center (30,251 s.f.). There were also technical and utility infrastructure enhancements, as well as land purchases in North Scottsdale for a future campus.

Community Speakers (Invited Guests)

Carla, Executive Director, McDowell Sonoran Land Trust, expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to speak at this Community Listening Session and thanked Dr. DeCabooter and Scottsdale Community College for contributing to the success of their cause which is to help protect the McDowell Mountain Preserve and Sonoran Desert.
Their organization is committed to the following:

• Viewing the whole Valley as a living classroom;
• Preserving their stewardship class. They are now conducting their fifth class;
• Conducting classes on fauna and flora;
• Operating a center for native wildlife;
• Building on the partnership with SCC and City of Scottsdale to preserve the nocturnal preserve and creation of jobs;
• Scottsdale Community College being an integral part of this community.

Dr. Barbara F. Erwin, Superintendent, Scottsdale Unified School District, spoke about the collaboration existing between the Scottsdale Unified School District and Scottsdale Community College. She remarked that with the insufficiency of money and tuition having such a sticker shock, there is a need to enable students to continue their education in one fell swoop. Dual credit classes are critical in the high school environment since it serves as a way to place precautionary methods in place to prevent as many freshmen from dropping out as they continue on to college.

Virginia Korte, President/CEO, Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, also spoke about the strong partnership and collaboration that exists between SCC and the Scottsdale Chamber. This partnership provides many opportunities for the Scottsdale Community. For example, 17-18 years ago Scottsdale Leadership was started and they use the community college facilities. Scottsdale University, sponsored by the Chamber, also uses the college's facilities. The college and the Chamber host dinners at the Culinary Cafe with the Salt River Indian Community to build better partnerships between the governments. Dr. DeCabooter demonstrates community leadership, as exemplified by the recent budget override. There is also an exchange of board participation between the two organizations. Dr. John Neibling and John Avianantos serve on Chamber committees and the Chamber Chief of Staff and Ms. Korte serves on the Airpark Advisory Board and the Foundation Board. Ms. Korte is also adjunct faculty at SCC and MCC. Ms. Korte indicated that in looking to the future there appear to be two critical needs: workforce development and programs for returning senior workers

Don Logan, Director of Diversity and Dialogue, City of Scottsdale, focused his remarks on the City's mission to cultivate an environment where diversity is embraced and differences in diversity are celebrated. He spoke about the importance of dialogue and how it can play a role in contributing to respect. Scottsdale Community College provides a venue where the community can be educated on topics that are oftentimes considered undiscussable. Dr. DeCabooter and Bonnie Gray have been very supportive of the City's Office of Diversity and Community Celebrating Diversity. They have participated in the MLK celebration and the Diversity Summit sponsored by the City of Scottsdale. Both organizations have benefited from this partnership.

Anthony Ringlero, Education Program Advisor, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, commented on the wonderful working relationship his community has with Dr. DeCabooter. The college has instituted a child management program, a casino program, dual enrollment, assistance with writing resumes, and using computers. He expressed appreciation to the Maricopa Community Colleges for opening their hearts and campuses to Native American youth. It is important that these students be encouraged to stay in school and attend college in order to help them succeed in life. Even though funding is provided, not many graduate. There is a tendency in their culture not share weaknesses. Dialogues and training programs provided by the college and Dr. DeCabooter have provided avenues to begin providing assistance and familiarity with campus facilities to many of their youth.

Community Speakers (Open Forum)

Alicia Draper, Student Leadership Forum, expressed her appreciation for three things she has experienced at Scottsdale Community College. She is impressed with the diverse population attending classes on this campus and how they are able to learn from each other. She stated that the campus provides great disability preparation and gaining the strength to know that students can do anything they set their minds to. She also praised Student Life and Leadership and how this organization exposed her many different experiences and perspectives. She will graduate in Summer, 2003, and has been accepted to a five-month internship program at Walt Disney World.

Ruben Camacho, Scottsdale Healthcare, has worked with Dr. DeCabooter on community activities and was honored to be present to speak about the El Puente Conference being held April 29-30 at the Chaparral Suites Hotel. This conference is for policy makers, administrators, and professionals to increase their understanding and effectiveness in serving the growing Hispanic community.

Wally Jacobs, Senior Adult Program, indicated that since they started out in 1996, enrollment has grown from 120 students to 1,200 and there is now a necessity for additional space as these seniors continue their learning. These students are very interested in being on a college campus and with the diversity of experiences, these senior adults could probably help teach about diversity

David Hallstrom, Community Leader and a founder of SCC from the late 1960's, expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to come forward and tell where the community comes from. Mr. Hallstrom spoke of how the idea for SCC came about at a Chamber of Commerce meeting in 1959 when the population of Scottsdale was around 7500-8000. The comment was made that "they needed to start talking about education because not all kids were destined to four year colleges. They needed to talk about a junior college and the idea floundered for seven years. The bond issue for MCC and PC resulted in $5 million extra for SCC." Mr. Hallstrom stated that the leadership of this college has served the community well and is a real blessing. He also indicated that there are some needs pertaining to ASU and they will be addressed and that the community will support that effort. He envisions a community education center for the Airpark Campus.

Peggy Kennedy, Kennedy & Associates, stressed the importance of involving advisory boards on campus to offer real life experiences and insights to students.

Jill Fordham & Melanie Phelps, Foothills Community Foundation, came forward to explain how they serve as an umbrella organization for promoting quality life for the city's population. They provide meals on wheels, operate a help line, and attempt to assess community needs. They have determined that this northern section of Scottsdale has needs for a multigenerational center for seniors and youth and are working with the YMCA and SCC to bring this center into the community.

Steve Strickvine, Publisher, indicated that with over 40,000 employees at the Airpark, he was offering a challenge that the curriculum be adapted for the needs required by the workforce in that part of the city.

Erin Goldie, Student, came forward to tell her success story as a student at SCC. She told of how she graduated with a 1.7 GPA from high school with no intention of going to college. After starting classes at SCC, she became involved with the Student Leadership Forum and is now a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Honor Society. She spoke of the integrity of faculty and their willingness to engage students. As a result of her membership in student groups at SCC, she has had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City, and South Carolina.

Jim Ford & Sandy Nygard, Rural Metro, spoke about the cooperative effort that SCC has with the Fire Department in operating the Fire Academy on the SCC campus. The fire academy provides an opportunity to train future fire fighters and also an opportunity to teach classes.

Mariel Strochem, Community for a Smoke Free Community & Workplace, spoke on behalf of their organization which strives to educate the community and maintain a healthy environment.

Tom Hornback, Parents Anonymous of Scottsdale, commented that it was a privilege to attend the forum and listen to all the comments and information being provided. He stated that community collaboration is not an easy task, however, Scottsdale Community College has a community presence, a sense of place, and maintains many partnerships with the community which contribute to mutual success.

John Newsome, Student, came forward to express appreciation for the various curriculums offered by SCC and for the encouragement he has received from Dr. DeCabooter.

Alma Estefano, Paiute Neighborhood Center, spoke not only on behalf of this organization which provides services for multigenerations, but also on behalf of herself. She received her AA degree from SCC and is appreciative of the very positive support she received from the faculty. Her organization works in collaboration with SCC in providing services for the people it serves.

Wayne Ecton, City Council, encouraged SCC to collaborate with the many experienced citizens of the community to serve on advisory boards and also as teachers and counselors. He also encouraged SCC to explore a program to help students transition from high school to college.

Shirley Agnos, Arizona Town Hall, praised SCC and MCC for the assistance they provide for students to attend the Town Hall experience.

Sandy Glassman, Scottsdale Leadership, spoke about the partnership they have with SCC in helping support this program which provides training and mentorship to members of the community.

Christine Schild, Scottsdale Unified School District, thanked SCC for reaching out to the community with dual enrollment classes and helping sponsor Scottsdale Leadership.

Don Dummermoth, YMCA, expressed appreciation to SCC for being very supportive of the YMCA and providing guidance to help make Scottsdale a better place to live.

Tim Simpson, CIS and Accounting Faculty, stated that in his role as faculty he tries to reach out to the community in teaching business classes.

John Cavanaugh, Town Council of Fountain Hills, thanked the Governing Board for education at a reasonable price. He has a concern for the future as it relates to space due to growing enrollment. He is glad to be a part of this effort both as a parent, as well as a faculty member.

William Shearer, Student & College Mascot, stated he was proud to be a student and represent the school as an artichoke. This is a case of making lemonade out of lemons.

Governing Board Member Remarks:

Dr. Don Campbell indicated that as he listened to the comments offered, he heard Dr. DeCabooter's name mentioned in a very positive light. He also heard a lot of mention made regarding commitment beyond the classroom. The Scottsdale community is growing and he hopes that the Maricopa Community College District will be on the cutting edge in helping the community meet their needs regarding credit or non-credit courses for seniors and youth, including dual enrollment.

Linda Rosenthal thanked everyone for their comments and expressed that it was wonderful to hear about the collaborative programs and dual enrollment that has been put in place. She heard that it would be important to be involved in planning and building for future growth together.

Nancy Stein remarked that it was good to hear about the collaboration taking place between Scottsdale Community College and the community. She was pleased to hear how Mr. Ringlero recognizes the needs of students and is able to work with SCC on fulfilling some of these needs.

Gene Eastin thanked everyone for coming out to the third in a series of listening sessions being held this year. He stated that there appears to be a common thread which pertains to satisfaction with the community college system. The instruction program is second to none in innovative ideas dealing with business partnerships. Diversity in this system is not just preached but practiced. Everyone is working to make the community colleges more diverse.

Ed Contreras thanked everyone for their participation and commented that it was a tribute to Dr. DeCabooter that the community works with SCC so collaboratively. Through the comments made during the evening he heard Native Americans speak about partnerships. He heard that the Hispanic Community needs help. He heard that diversity needs to continue and education needs the gap bridged. The elderly population needs to have a place to continue to grow and the business community needs to continue to provide jobs for students. The Airpark needs to continue to grow and the population in North Scottsdale needs facilities. Students continue to amaze him. In spite of difficulties, they continue to come. There is a need to remember that we need to be there for students who need us.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting concluded at 8:09 p.m.

———————————
Linda Rosenthal
Governing Board Secretary