Minutes 03/23/1999

A regular meeting of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board was scheduled to be held at 6:30 p.m., respectively, 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
Linda B. Rosenthal, President
Gene Eastin, Secretary
Donald R. Campbell, Member
Nancy Stein, Member
Ed Contreras, Member

ADMINISTRATION
Paul A. Elsner
Donna Schober for William F. Waechter
Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr.
Rufus Glasper
Ron Bleed
Pete Kushibab for Janice Bradshaw
Raul Cardenas
Mary Vanis for Larry Christiansen
Ken Roberts for John Cordova
Art DeCabooter
Stan Grossman
Homero Lopez
J. Marie Pepicello
Phil Randolph
Linda Thor
Tessa Martinez Pollack
Arnette Ward

ABSENT
STATE BOARD
Nick Balich

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Linda Rosenthal.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
There was no executive session.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The assembly pledged their allegiance to the United States of America.

CITIZEN'S INTERIM
(Note: Due to Mr. McBratnie arriving late to the meeting and not present when citizen interim was scheduled on the agenda, he appeared and made his statement before the Board following all action taken on the agenda.) Troy McBratnie asked to speak before the Board regarding the circumstances associated with the recommended termination of his employment from Paradise Valley Community College. Mr. McBratnie read from a prepared statement that he was being discriminated against due to race. Mrs. Rosenthal noted that action had already been taken by the Governing Board on the employment/termination item, but asked that Mrs. Schober and Mr. Kushibab look into the matter.

BOARD MEMBER REPORTS

1. Mr. Contreras - no report.
2. Gene Eastin - no report.
   
3. Mrs. Stein attended a reception and dedication ceremony at the Red Mountain Multigenerational Center and attended the Black Women's Taskforce Luncheon. She also attended the play, "The Women," at Paradise Valley Community College and noted that it was an exceptional performance. Mrs. Stein congratulated South Mountain Community College for receiving their ten year accreditation from NCA.
4. Don Campbell congratulated South Mountain Community College on their ten year accreditation from NCA and reported that he attended the groundbreaking for their technical center.
5. Mrs. Rosenthal - no report.
   

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
Dr. Elsner congratulated South Mountain Community College for receiving their ten year accreditation from NCA and noted the growth of the reputation of the college in the local community and nationally in the last ten years.

SECRETARY'S REPORT
There was no report.

FACULTY REPORT
There was no report.

EMPLOYEE GROUP REPORTS
There were no reports.

COLLEGE REPORTS
GateWay Community College President Phil Randolph recognized Larry Christiansen and Mesa Community College for hosting the Arizona All Academic Team Awards luncheon.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT REPORTS
Mesa Community College Student Government Vice President Joseph Langkilde reported on the first homecoming basketball game held at MCC and the following events - the Into the Streets event, participation in assessment week, and an upcoming spring bash.

STATE BOARD REPORT
There was no report.

AADGB REPORT
Linda Rosenthal reported that legislative strategies were discussed in a joint meeting with ACCPC. Issues discussed in the AADGB meeting included the review of the Ad Hoc Committee on Delivery of Community College Services rules and the plans for the All Arizona Community College Conference which will be held in Tucson on September 23-25. New officers were elected - Jan Guy/President, Tony Decker/President-Elect, Gladys Christiansen/Secretary-Treasurer, and Linda Rosenthal/Immediate Past President. Also discussed were AADGB funding issues, the interviewing process for the new associate director, and the deadline for the annual ACCT awards.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Jack Lunsford provided highlights on pending legislation. House Bill 1030, which regards the transfer of funds from the Department of Administration to the treasurers to the community colleges. He recognized Marilyn Anderson for her assistance in identifying language for the bill that improves the transfer of payments for community colleges. Legislation is also pending on the use of social security numbers as student identification numbers, a program for privatizing jobs which will affect welfare reform projects, and a proposal for employee retirement benefits. Mr. Lunsford recognized the college presidents for their active lobbying the legislature for additional funding for community colleges.

FOUNDATION REPORT

Rae Bennett provided an update on the Foundation's majorgifts campaign. $10.8 million has reached toward the $12 million goal. Major donors were noted including, Johnson Controls, the St. Luke's Charitable Trust, TRW, Boeing, Pharmaceutical Card Systems, and Arizona Community Foundation. She recognized the Phoenix Alumni Association for donating approximately $55,000 and AACHE for raising $60,000 from one breakfast fundraiser. District employees have donated $1.2 million and the Foundation Board $600,000. The campaign concludes June 30, 1999. It is anticipated that the $12 million goal will be met.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Dr. Stan Grossman announced that the Skill Center has received an award from the Governor's Advisory Council on Quality in recognition for the Skill Center's efforts to establish a quality management initiative and its commitment to continuous quality improvement to better serve its customers.

Joyce Jackson announced that Estrella Mountain Community College has received a first place Paragon Award from the National Council on Marketing and Public Relations. Estrella received the award for its marketing strategy and materials for the Genesis West Program. Mrs. Jackson also recognized the Office for the Community Agenda for receiving an award for its invitational video produced for the 1999 Sedona Conference.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approval of the agenda was recommended.

MOTION NO. 8841

Gene Eastin moved that the agenda be approved. Motion carried 5-0.

CONSIDERATION OF CONSENT AGENDA
President Rosenthal asked if there were any requests to remove items from the Consent Agenda. Mrs. Stein requested that Items D-8 and E-1 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Mr. Eastin requested that Item C-1 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Dr. de los Santos requested that Item D-2 be removed from the Consent Agenda.

The following items are included in the Consent Agenda:

(A-1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - of the February 23, and March 9, 1999 Meetings.

(D-1) CONSULTANT SELECTION FOR PHASE II REMODELING OF RIO SALADO COMMUNITY COLLEGE'S TEMPE BUILDING - Approve the selection of Langdon Wilson to provide consulting services for the remodeling of the Rio Tempe building, and forwarding the item for State Board action.

(D-3) CONCEPTUAL APPROVAL, JOINT USE AGREEMENT, AND CONSULTANT SELECTION FOR THE NORTHWEST EDUCATION CENTER AT GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve a) providing conceptual approval for the new Northwest Education Center of Glendale Community, b) the joint use agreement between GCC and Deer Valley Unified School District #97 (DVUSD), c) the selection of Gilleland Brubaker Architects for consulting services with a design fee budget of $100,000, and d) forwarding this item for State Board action.

(D-4) CONCEPTUAL APPROVAL TO REMODEL A AND B BUILDINGS AT CHANDLER-GILBERT COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve a) conceptual approval to remodel A and B Buildings at Chandler-Gilbert Community College, and b) forwarding this item for State Board action

(D-5) CURRICULUM - Approve the curricula as submitted.

(D-6) RIO SALADO COLLEGE - A COUNTYWIDE ABE/GED/ESOL PROGRAM - Approve an intergovernmental agreement for $2,389,668 from the Arizona Department of Education/Adult Education Division. This Agreement is for a continuation grant to extend the Countywide Adult Basic Education, GED (High School Equivalency Diploma) preparation, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ES)L), and Citizenship program for the period of July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000.

(D-7) SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAM PARTNERSHIP - Accept the sponsorship as received through the YWCA of Maricopa County to support the Summer Youth Institute, totaling $28,000.

MOTION NO. 8842

Don Campbell moved that the Consent Agenda be approved with the exception of Items C-1, D-2, D-8, and E-1. Motion carried 5-0.

(B-1) APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM CHANCELLOR - Terminate the search process for a new Chancellor and appoint an interim Chancellor for the period July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000. Following the Board's action to appoint Dr. Raul Cardenas as Interim Chancellor, Dr. Elsner congratulated them on their decision. Dr. Elsner offered his assistance to Dr. Cardenas.

MOTION NO. 8843

Gene Eastin moved that the Governing Board terminate the search process for a new Chancellor and appoint an interim Chancellor for the period July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2000. He further moved that Dr. Raul Cardenas be appointed Chancellor. Motion carried 5-0.

(C-1) CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENTS, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENTS AND TERMINATIONS - Approval of the Employments, Resignations, Retirements and Terminations Item as presented. Donna Schober asked that the name of Bonnie Nelson be removed from resignations, retirements and terminations, as she will be pursuing other alternatives.

MOTION NO. 8844

Don Campbell moved that the Employments, Resignations, Retirements and Terminations Item, with the removal of Bonnie Nelson's name from the item. Motion carried 5-0.

(D-2) LEASE AGREEMENT, CONCEPTUAL APPROVAL AND ARCHITECT SELECTION FOR THE NEW SOUTH MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT GUADALUPE FACILITY - Approve the following for the new facility to be called South Mountain Community College at Guadalupe - a) the lease, development, and joint use agreement with the Town of Guadalupe; b) conceptual approval for the new South Mountain Community college at Guadalupe facility; c) a design contract for BPLW Architects & Engineers, Inc. with a design fee budget of $61,000; and d) forwarding this item for State Board action. Lionel Diaz overviewed the following changes which were included on a revised item presented to the Board - 1) the rent is $25.00 for the entire term and payable up front, and 2) Guadalupe was added to receive a base of $100,000 for new educational centers. Mrs. Stein thanked Mr. Diaz for the changes that were made.

MOTION NO. 8845

Mrs. Rosenthal called for a vote to approve the following for the new facility to be called South Mountain Community College at Guadalupe - a) the lease, development, and joint use agreement with the Town of Guadalupe; b) conceptual approval for the new South Mountain Community college at Guadalupe facility; c) a design contract for BPLW Architects & Engineers, Inc. with a design fee budget of $61,000; and d) forwarding this item for State Board action. Motion carried 5-0.

(D-8) INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT AND MCCCD/SCC - Enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Yavapai Community College District for the purpose of providing distance and on-site courses in new media technologies between the Maricopa Institute for Arts and Entertainment Technology located at Scottsdale Community College and the Digital Media Center at Sedona - a branch of Yavapai College. It is further recommended that this agreement be forwarded to the State Board for approval. Rick DeGraw noted a change to be made to the budget on the item. The word "new" is deleted between "developing" and "courses." The words "for distance delivery" are added after the word "courses" in the first line under Course Development. In response to an inquiry from Mrs. Stein, Mr. DeGraw indicted that the target is to deliver course work this summer.

MOTION NO. 8846

Mrs. Rosenthal called for a vote to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with Yavapai Community College District for the purpose of providing distance and on-site courses in new media technologies between the Maricopa Institute for Arts and Entertainment Technology located at Scottsdale Community College and the Digital Media Center at Sedona - a branch of Yavapai College and to forward this item to the State Board for approval. Motion carried 5-0.

(E-1) PROPOSED TUITION AND FEE SCHEDULE FY 1999-2000 - Approve the proposed tuition and fee schedule as presented and forward to the State Board for review and approval. Dr. Glasper overview the item, its component parts, and the suggested increase, and provided four areas identified for increasing service levels - 1) additional faculty and courses in the amount of approximately $1.2 million, 2) performing arts center at South Mountain Community College for debt service annual payments estimated at approximately $700,000, 3) additional services and activities monies for students at $695,000, and 4) the balance inflationary dollars $399, 000.

Jamey Taylor, a student from Mesa Community College, came forward to express concern regarding the recommended increase. Mr. Taylor spoke of the need for new computers in the writing center and that students have not received what they were told. He indicated that student activity funds were wasted on functions such an end of the year banquet, bashes, and the homecoming event. Mr. Taylor indicted that he has written to various state congressmen in support of providing more funding for community colleges to better serve the students.

George Rodriquez, a student from Scottsdale Community College, expressed his concern that the increase would not benefit students. He suggested that the funds be used for student scholarships instead of more faculty.

LeNay Strong, a student from Chandler Gilbert Community College and member of the student government, reported that a survey was conducted of the college's students and support was indicated for the three component parts of the item.

Marcie Ellis, president of the West Valley Arts Council, spoke in favor of the proposed increase and the positive it will have on South Mountain Community College and its community. The WVAC is planning to increase its partnership activities with Estrella Mountain Community College.

Mrs. Stein requested that a campus by campus, including the District Office, unexpended balance breakdown for Funds One and Two for 1996-97 and 1997-98, as well as provide those breakdowns for inclusion in every budget request. She also requested a campus by campus breakdown for FTSE 1996-97 and 1997-98. In response to inquiries from Mrs. Stein, Dr. Glasper indicated that the majority of the $1.2 million will fund additional faculty positions and tuition and fee rebates. It is anticipated that enrollment will be increased by 4 to 5 percent. Funds are needed for student activities and programs such as new athletic programs at Paradise Valley Community College. At a two percent inflation rate, students are being asked to pay their share in the amount of $399,000. If not through a tuition increase, the funds would have to be found elsewhere. Costs are continuing to grow and state funding is declining.

Mrs. Stein suggested that tuition be increased $2.00 for this fiscal year which will double potential revenue in Fund One, but it must be agreed not to raise tuition in Fiscal Years 2002-03 and 2003-04. Maricopa is overdue for self examination, including its programs and initiatives. Focus must be regained on local student needs and programs.

Mr. Contreras suggested that the funds for tuition and fee rebate for more faculty for enrollment growth could be better spent to affect students. He also suggested that the timetable be moved up for the performing arts centers at the five identified colleges. Dr. Glasper responded the colleges need to find the best method to utilize funds as needed. A fulltime student requires over $1,600 in funding, the additional funding needed would have to come from the state, and the state provides funding two years in arrears. It is recommended to set aside funds for "life without the bond" which will begin in 2003. The Governing Board may wish to reallocate some of the funding for the performing arts centers. Other alternatives are being looked into for funding for the performing arts centers.

Dr. Elsner spoke of the benefits of hiring fulltime faculty and the importance of the humanities and arts in bringing enrichment and ownership to the community. He agreed to look into possibly more aggressive funding programs for the performing arts centers.

Mrs. Rosenthal noted that the funding from state is based on the number of students two years ago.

MOTION NO. 8848

Don Campbell moved that the Board approve a $1.00 per credit hour tuition increase (General Fund). A roll call vote was taken. Don Campbell - aye. Nancy Stein - nay. Gene Eastin - nay. Ed Contreras - aye. Linda Rosenthal - aye. Motion carried 3-2.

MOTION NO. 8849

Gene Eastin moved that the Board approve a $.50 per credit hour activity fee increase (Auxiliary Fund). Proposed expenditures: Tuition and Fee Rebate (share of increase from estimated enrollment growth) and Performing Arts Center (PAC) at SMCC. Motion carried 5-0.

MOTION NO. 8850

Nancy Stein moved that the Board approve a $.50 per credit hour activity fee increase (Auxiliary Fund). Proposed expenditures: Tuition and Fee Rebate (share of increase from estimated enrollment growth) and student services and activities. Motion carried 5-0.

INFORMATION ITEMS

(VI.A.) Preliminary Proposed FY 1999-00 Budget
Debbie Thompson provided an overview of a slide presentation on the major points of the preliminary proposed FY 1999-00 Budget. She noted a change will be made on the ABE/GED budget when presented in April.

(VI.B.) Transfer from Cigna
Medical Premium Reserve

(VI.C.) Educational Partnership between Phoenix College, Phoenix Union High School District and Motorola, Inc.

(VI.D.) Zero Tolerance Policy - GateWay Community High School
First Reading

(VI.E.) Admission Procedures for GateWay Community High School
First Reading

MONITORING REPORTS

(VII.A.) Budget Analysis Report Summary
Fund 1 - General Unrestricted Fund
For the Eight Months Ended February 28, 1999

(VII.B.) Policy Type: ENDS
Polity Title: Outcomes for Students Who Transfer

Copies of the report were distributed to the Governing Board. Mary Day provided an overview of the information contained in the report.

NEXT BOARD MEETING
The next Governing Board meeting will be a strategic conversation on April 13, 1999.

ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Return to Governing Board Minutes