Minutes 03/24/1998

An executive session convened at 5:30 p.m., pursuant to A.R.S. ¤38-431.02, notice having duly given.

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

Administration
Rufus Glasper for Paul A. Elsner
William F. Waechter
Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr
Ron Bleed
Janice Bradshaw
Raul Cardenas
Larry Christiansen
John Cordova
Art DeCabooter
Stan Grossman
Homero Lopez
J. Marie Pepicello
Phil Randolph
Linda Thor
Jean Ann Abel for Tessa Martinez Pollack
Arnette Ward


State Board
Nick Balich


Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by President Ed Contreras.


Executive Session President Contreras called for a motion convening an executive session, notice having been previously given.


MOTION No. 8739
Linda Rosenthal moved that an executive session be convened. Motion carried 5-0.

The meeting recessed at 5:31 p.m.

The meeting reconvened at 6:35 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiace The assembly pledged their allegiance to the United States of America.


Mr. Contreras recognized the presence of Ginny Stahl's EDU 250 class from Scottsdale Community College.

Citizens Interim
Leonard Clark, a student from Glendale Community College representing MECHA, expressed concern regarding information in an article that appeared in the Arizona Republic that discussed elimination of minority scholarships.


Board Member Reports

1. Don Campbell - no report.
   
   
2. Nancy Stein reported that she attended a groundbreaking ceremony at Estrella Mountain Community College, a Women's Week luncheon at Scottsdale Community College, a faculty workshop at Glendale Community College, was provided a tour of the MCC downtown facility by Gene Parrish, and toured the YET Center with Dr. Cordova. Mrs. Stein also attended a meeting of the Sun Lakes Advisory Board where those present expressed interest in the progress of the chancellor search.
   
   
3. Linda Rosenthal reported that a "parking lot party" will be held in the fall at the Rio Institute for Senior Adults facility in Surprise, Arizona and noted that the students were pleased that they now had more available parking.
   
   
4. Gene Eastin - no report.
   
   
5. Ed Contreras reported that he had sent a response to the editor of the Arizona Republic regarding the article referenced by Mr. Clark during Citizens Interim, but had been informed by the Republic that the response would not be printed. Mr. Contreras indicated that the District would be awarding all scholarships for the 1998-99 school year as planned, but the race and gender scholarship issue will need to be reviewed due to recent court rulings. He further indicated that the District is not alone in facing this issue, but will attempt to find a method to award scholarships to those for whom they are intended.

Chancellor's Report
There was no report.


Secretary's Report
There was no report.


Faculty Report
There was no report.


Employee Group Report
Shirley Green, President for the MAT Group, invited the Governing Board to attend the first annual MAT Spring Conference and asked that college presidents support their MAT employees and encourage their attendance at the event.

College Reports
Dr. Linda Thor reported on the first place Paragon Award which was awarded to Rio Salado College for most innovative use of technology.


Student Government Reports
Jared Langkilde, representing Mesa Community College Student Government, reported on events and programs which included the following: Into the Streets Program and a related dance, a career expo to be held on campus, a movie night planned at the student center, and a spring bash to be held on April 8. Mr. Langkilde also provided a status report of student government elections and positions, including information on a special election to be held for a campus commissioner position that has been created for the satellite campuses. He thanked the Board for the opportunity to attend the ACCT Legislative Seminar in Washington D.C. and to voice concerns and needs of students to federal legislators.

Zach Story, representing Glendale Community College Student Government, reported on events and programs which included the following - a goals conference held at ASU West and a May dance that will include high school and ASU West students.

State Board
Nick Balich reported that he would have liked to attend the MAT Spring Conference, but cannot due to a previous appointment in Tucson and noted the importance of the theme for the conference, "Coming Together: Collaboration in a Competitive World." Mr. Balich reported that important issues scheduled to be addressed at the next State Board meeting include the concept approval for the east Mesa campus site and the State Board's strategic plan.

AADGB Report
There was no report. Mrs. Rosenthal indicated that a meeting by conference call was scheduled for the following morning.

Legislative Report
Chris Bustamante reported on the school finance bill and the community college funding bills. A copy of Mr. Bustamante's presentation is included the meeting material for these minutes.

Rewards and Recognitions
Homero Lopez thanked the college and district office coordinators of the United Way fundraising campaign and presenting them plaques in recognition for their service. Dr. Lopez introduced Frank Rogan, Vice President of Fundraising for Valley of the Sun United Way. Mr. Rogan described some of the services provided to members of the community by the organization. He recognized Dr. Lopez for his work and dedication, thanked the MCCD community for their fundraising efforts and donations, and noted the levels of awards earned by the District.

President Arnette Ward presented a Facility of the Year Award received by the Williams GateWay Airport and Williams campus. President Ward provided historical information as to the closure of the base and noted the positive effects of the cooperative partnerships that formed the programs and services in the re-use development of the base. She introduced Len Kusy, Executive Director of the Williams GateWay Airport Authority, who shared the award with the Governing Board. Mr. Kusy indicated that Williams was named the facility of the year over 250 other closed bases.

Approval of the Agenda
Approval of the agenda was recommended. Mr. Contreras recommended that Item D-1 be moved to the front of the agenda following consideration of the consent agenda.

MOTION NO. 8740
Linda Rosenthal moved that the agenda be approved with the movement of Item D-1 to the front of the agenda following consideration of the consent agenda. Motion carried 5-0.

Consideration of Consent Agenda
President Contreras asked if there were any requests to remove items from the Consent Agenda. Gene Eastin requested that Item C-4 be removed from the Consent Agenda. Nancy Stein requested that Item E-2 be removed from the Consent Agenda.

The following items are included in the Consent Agenda:

(A-1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES - of the February 24 and March 10, 1998 Governing Board meetings.

(B-1) CONSIDERATION OF EMPLOYMENTS, RESIGNATIONS, RETIREMENTS AND TERMINATIONS - Approval of the Employments, Resignations, Retirements and Terminations Item as presented.

(C-1) PVCC CLASSROOM PROJECT CONTRACT AMENDMENT - Approve a contract amendment in the amount of $123,000 to Cohen Contracting to complete the new Classroom Building at Paradise Valley Community College in time for Fall 1998 classes.

(C-2) CONSULTANT SELECTION FOR THE NEW SCIENCE CLASSROOM/LAB BUILDING AND MATH BUILDING EXPANSION/REMODEL AT GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve the selection of Richard and Bauer Architects to provide design services for the new Science Classroom/Lab Building and Math Building Expansion/Remodel at Glendale Community College.

(C-3) CURRICULUM - Approval of the curricula which has been processed through all procedures by Maricopa County Community College District and the State Community College Board for Community Colleges of Arizona.

(C-5) RIO SALADO COLLEGE GED TESTING FOR THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE CORRECTIONS - Approve the following: a. Granting a new utility easement to the Salt River Project, and b. Forwarding this item to the State Board for its action.

(C-6) INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN MARICOPA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT ON BEHALF OF MARICOPA SKILL CENTER, THE CITY OF PHOENIX AND MARICOPA COUNTY WORKFORCE CONNECTION - Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement between Maricopa Skill Center, the City of Phoenix and Maricopa County Workforce Connection. The Maricopa County Workforce Connection, City of Phoenix and Maricopa Skill Center agree to share the costs related to four regional Job Fairs.

(C-7) INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT -Authorize entry into an intergovernmental agreement with Mesa Unified School District for Gateway Community

College to offer dual enrollment courses for students enrolled in the Mesa Unified School District.

(C-8) ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AWARD - BANK OF ARIZONA - Accept an award in the amount of $78,200 to the Maricopa Community College District for a workforce recruitment and custom training program with the Bank of Arizona for the expansion of their operations in Metro-Phoenix and Tucson.

(C-9) ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AWARD - DELUXE FINANCIAL SERVICES GROUP, INC. - Accept an award in the amount of $101,250 to the Maricopa Community College District for a workforce recruitment and custom training program with Deluxe Financial Services Group, Inc. for the expansion of their operations in Phoenix.

(C-10) ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AWARD - CLAYTON HOMES, INC. - Accept an award in the amount of $225,000 to the Maricopa Community College District for a workforce recruitment and custom training program with Clayton Homes, Inc. for the start-up of their operations in El Mirage, AZ.

(C-11) ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AWARD - NATIONWIDE CREDIT, INC. - Accept an award in the amount of $70,000 to the Maricopa Community College District for a workforce recruitment and custom training program with Nationwide Credit, Inc. for the expansion of their operations in Phoenix, AZ.

(C-14) WOMENÕS IMAGES OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (WISE) YEAR 3 - Accept an award from the National Science Foundation for support of Year 3 of the three-year program, ÒWomenÕs Images of Science and Engineering (WISE).Ó The effective dates are May 1, 1998, through April 30, 1999, and the amount of the Year 3 award is $182,009.

(C-15) INTERACTIVE NANO-VISUALIZATION FOR SCIENCE ENGINEERING AND EDUCATION (IN-VSEE) - YEAR 2 - Accept a sub-award in the amount of $42,444 from Arizona State UniversityÕs grant ÒInteractive Nano-Visualization for Science, Engineering and Education,Ó from the National Science Foundation. The effective dates are March 1, 1998 through February 1999.

(E-1) INFRASTRUCTURE CABLING INSTALLATION - SCOTTSDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE - Approve awarding a contract for cabling infrastructure at Scottsdale Community College to Adkins Cabling in the amount not to exceed $668,915.70. This contract is to be awarded under State Contract 01935AD.

MOTION NO. 8741
Linda Rosenthal moved that the Consent Agenda be approved with the exception of Items C-4 and E-2. Motion carried 5-0.

(D-1) PROPOSED TUITION AND FEE SCHEDULE FY 1998-99 - Approval of the Proposed Tuition and Fee Schedule as recommended and forward the item for review and approval by the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges as provided by Arizona Revised Statutes 15-1425. Dr. Glasper provided background information for the recommendation and indicated that the recommended increase is consistent with a tuition pricing plan approved by the Governing Board two years before. Visits were made to all of the campuses to meet with the student groups to present and discuss information pertaining to recommendations to be made for tuition and fee rates. In response to inquiries by Mr. Contreras, Dr. Glasper indicated that (1) there is a proposed increase for out-of-state students in the amount $12.00 that would bring the out- of-state rate in parity with the out-of-county rate; and (2) a portion of increased funds raised would not be put in a fund for at-risk students, but used primarily toward the areas of inflation supported in Funds One and Two.

Mr. Contreras asked for discussion following a motion made by Mrs. Rosenthal to approve the recommendation. Mrs. Stein indicated that she could not vote in favor of the increase. A number of students had expressed concerns to her that they may not be able to afford to continue attending college if increases were approved. Many of them may not qualify for financial aid to assist them in paying for their education. Mrs. Stein also noted that when the District campaigned for the 1994 Bond, voters were told that a facility would not be opened if the operating costs were not covered. She inquired if a tuition increase would be requested every time a District bond election passes, as it was her understanding that the increase would not just cover inflation, but also some operating costs. Dr. Campbell indicated that there are costs for all things in society and all have incremental cost increase each year. Tuition costs increase as all costs in society increase and it would be misleading to the students to indicate otherwise. He recommended looking into ways of setting up funds to help those students who need assistance. Mrs. Rosenthal indicated that although she does not enjoy raising tuition, the District cannot continue to meet present and future student needs if the tuition is not increased. Sources of funding are limited resulting in the need for increased tuition.

Leonard Clark, a Glendale Community College student, came forward to speak in opposition to the recommended increase in tuition. Mr. Clark inquired why the increase was proposed when the consumer price index had fallen in the past few months and expressed concern that some people may be eliminated from going to the community colleges. He asked that there more discussion on the issue.

Kim Zuchowski, a Mesa Community College student, came forward to speak in opposition to the recommended increase in tuition. She presented the example that the increase would be equal to two weeks of gas allowance for her automobile.

Tyrone Hanks, a Mesa Community College student, came forward to speak in opposition to the recommended increase in tuition. He asked that more creative ways be found to come up with needed funding and more time be given for consideration of the item.

Joseph Langkilde, a Mesa Community College student, came forward to speak in opposition to the recommended increase in tuition. He indicated that it may discourage students in the future from attending college. He also indicated that the $12.00 out-of-state increase would discourage other students from coming to the Maricopa community colleges.

Jamey Taylor, a Mesa Community College student, came forward to speak in opposition to the recommended increase in tuition and reported on efforts he had made to contact the governor and legislators regarding funding for the community colleges. He asked that the decision for the increase wait until the governor and legislators have made their decisions regarding the funding. Mrs. Rosenthal indicated that there is a timing issue, as the Tuition and Fee Schedule must go before the State Board for their approval at their April meeting.

Jared Langkilde, President of Mesa Community College Associated Student Government, came forward to speak in opposition to the recommended increase in tuition. He asked that the Governing Board follow their Mission and Vision statements.

Mr. Contreras indicated that he would prefer to keep the current rates, but if an increase is not approved, future students will be affected. "Affordable for all..." also includes future students. Each generation has to pay their fair share. He discussed the funding for community colleges from the legislature and indicated that the community colleges are earmarked for a decrease in funds for this year. Mr. Contreras noted that there is no increase requested for student fees and the $.50 increase approved the previous year is being used for one performing arts center. The colleges have the challenges to finding access for all students and avenues for aid for those students at risk. Mrs. Rosenthal called for the question.


MOTION No. 8742
Linda Rosenthal moved approval of the FY 1998-99 Tuition and Fee Schedule as recommended and that it be forwarded for review and approval by the State Board of Directors for Community Colleges as provided by Arizona Revised Statutes 15-1425. Motion carried 4-1. Mrs. Stein was opposed.

(B-2) POST TERMINATION PROCESS - Adopt new language for post termination hearings for PSA, M&O, Crafts, Security and CEC employees as presented. Mr. Eastin indicated that the wording in the proposed policy is unjust and discriminatory and denies the true spirit of due process. He recommended that the wording be changed from "post" termination to "pre" termination, and that the change be made within the next thirty days. Mrs. Stein also expressed that "post" should be changed to "pre," as it is not fair to the employee groups. Mrs. Rosenthal noted that the proposed policy was brought before the Governing Board by the District Legal Counsel and the Human Resources department. Paying an employee salary and benefits for fifteen to twenty days while going through a pre termination hearing may not be best use of fiscal resources. Mr. Contreras noted that providing due process after termination is a benefit to the employees. If a way is found to change it to pre termination in the future, the Governing Board could consider the issue at that time. Dr. Campbell expressed concern with the word "post," and suggested that the recommendation be passed as stated with the understanding that if there are problems in the future, it be revisited. Mrs. Rosenthal called for the question.


AMENDED MOTION No. 8743
Gene Eastin moved that the post termination proposal be returned to the administration for revision to change "post termination hearing" to "pre termination hearing" with all of the other parts of the proposal to remain the same and to be done within the next thirty days. Motion did not carry 2-3. Mr. Contreras, Mrs. Rosenthal, and Dr. Campbell were opposed.


MOTION No. 8743
Linda Rosenthal moved that the Governing Board adopt new language for post termination hearings for PSA, M&O, Crafts, Security and CEC employees, as presented. Motion carried 3-2. Mrs. Stein and Mr. Eastin were opposed.

(C-4) 1998-99 GRADUATION/GENERAL STUDIES POLICIES FOR MARICOPA COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT - Approve the 1998-99 Graduation/General Studies Policies and Requirements including the following degrees attached: Graduation/General Studies Policies, Associate of Arts (AA), MCCCD Transfer Partnership (AA) Degree, Associate of General Studies (AGS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS). It is also recommended that the Governing Board approve the maintenance of the MCCCD Transfer General Education Core Curriculum (TGECC) on moratorium for 1998-99. In response to a request from Mr. Eastin, Dr. Alfredo G. de los Santos Jr. provided information regarding the Arizona General Education Core, a core of 35 to 36 hours required by the articulation task force. The core requires universities to accept transfer of the core en masse from the community colleges. It meets the undergraduate requirements for the transfer student and addresses deficiencies. The curriculum committee hopes to have an item to the Governing Board in April or May, as the implementation date given by the task force is January, 1999.


MOTION No. 8744
Linda Rosenthal moved that the Governing Board Approve the 1998-99 Graduation/General Studies Policies and Requirements including the following degrees attached: Graduation/General Studies Policies, Associate of Arts (AA), MCCCD Transfer Partnership (AA) Degree, Associate of General Studies (AGS), and Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and also approve the maintenance of the MCCCD Transfer General Education Core Curriculum (TGECC) on moratorium for 1998-99. Motion carried 5-0.

(C-12) SOUTHWEST HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION - Accept a grant in the amount of $85,000 from Southwest Development Corporation - Head Start to create a partnership with Phoenix College, the first collaboration of its kind in Arizona. Dr. Pepicello indicated that this grant will allow Phoenix College to expand its services of its child care center, and will allow Head Start to use the expanded facilities for a number of years.

(C-13) PHOENIX COLLEGE SUMMER YOUTH INSTITUTE - Accept the sponsorship as received through the YWCA of Maricopa County to support the Summer Youth Institute, totaling $20,000. Dr. Pepicello indicated that the total grant package may come to approximately $30,000 with the addition of a girls' basketball camp.


MOTION No. 8745
Linda Rosenthal moved that the Governing Board Accept a grant in the amount of $85,000 from Southwest Development Corporation - Head Start to create a partnership with Phoenix College and that the Governing Board accept the sponsorship as received through the YWCA of Maricopa County to support the Summer Youth Institute, totaling $20,000.. Motion carried 5-0.

(E-2) AWARD OF HUMAN RESOURCE SYSTEM RFP TO PEOPLESOFT, INC. - Approve the purchase of a Human Resource software system from Peoplesoft, Inc., for a software license of $700,000, training units at $70,000 and a three (3) year warranty/support agreement of $247,520. Peoplesoft, Inc. was judged to be the most responsive proposer in RFP 2030-4. Mrs. Stein suggested that the item be tabled for consideration for approval in order to better know what can be secured from a consulting firm for the estimate of $1,000,000. She inquired how this would support students, if the cost would rise over $1,000,000 in three years' time. Mr. Bleed responded that the amount for the consultant contract is an estimate and the amount may less depending upon how much customization is required and time commitments of the District's internal people. Payment will be made for time contributed, not a flat amount. This system will increase efficiency of the District and in turn will assist the students. Mike McIntier indicated that this is not a sole source procurement. Mrs. Stein asked it would be possible to make a combination that would reflect PeopleSoft and the consultant contract. Mr. Eastin inquired why in-house experts could not be used. Mr. Bleed indicated that the preference would be to bring in short term in-house employees to do this work.


MOTION No. 8746
Linda Rosenthal moved that the Governing Board approve the purchase of a Human Resource software system from Peoplesoft, Inc., for a software license of $700,000, training units at $70,000 and a three (3) year warranty/support agreement of $247,520. Peoplesoft, Inc. was judged to be the most responsive proposer in RFP 2030-4. Motion carried 4-1. Mrs. Stein was opposed.


,br> Information Items

(VI.A.) Active Retirement Program Modifications for Previous Service as Specially Funded and Maricopa Skill Center Employees.

First Reading

(VI.B.) Proposed FY 1998-99 Budget

Debbie Thompson presented a slide presentation of information on the proposed budget. Factors that may determine changes to be made include debt service, approval of tuition and fee schedule, and the award of state funds.


Monitoring Reports

(VII.A.) Budget Analysis Report Summary Fund 1 - General Unrestricted Fund For the Eight Months Ended February 28, 1998


Next Board Meeting
The next Governing Board meeting will be a work session on April 14, 1998.


Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.





Linda Rosenthal
Secretary