Minutes 10/09/2003

An executive session, special board meeting, and community listening session of the Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board was scheduled to be held at 5:45 p.m. at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix, 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

Rufus Glasper
Mary Vanis for Anna Solley
Steve Helfgot
Ron Bleed
Jose Leyba
Sam Harris for Debra Thompson
Phil Randolph
Gail Mee for Larry Christiansen
Linda Thor
Gene Giovannini
Art DeCabooter
Corina Gardea
Maria Hesse
Paul Dale

I. EXECUTIVE SESSION

In the absence of Governing Board President Ed Contreras, Mrs. Linda Rosenthal called the executive session to order at 5:45 p.m. The executive session concluded at 6:15 p.m.

President Contreras introduced members of the Board and Acting Chancellor Dr. Rufus Glasper.

Dr. Glasper proceeded to welcome everyone in attendance at the seventh of eleven community listening sessions to be conducted this year. He stated that the Maricopa Community Colleges are in the middle of a strategic planning and capital planning initiative and there is a need to hear what we have done well and what can be done better in preparation for a possible Capital Bond Initiative of $950 million. He made mention that currently the Maricopa Community Colleges have the highest penetration rate of any community college system in the country. He noted the increase in enrollment numbers over previous years and the impact that tuition increases at the universities will have on the community colleges. He was hopeful the accessibility and affordability of the Maricopa Community Colleges will encourage more students to attend, however, there is a need to prepare for the challenges of growth in enrollment. He informed those in attendance that no action would be taken on comments made but rather to listen to what the needs were in service area affected by GateWay Community College.

II. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

The Special Board Meeting was called order at 6:45 p.m. Mrs. Rosenthal led the pledge of allegiance.

President Contreras took a few minutes to recognize Dr. Kranitz who served as President of Paradise Valley Community College for four and a half years and passed away one week ago. He stated that Dr. Kranitz was instrumental in establishing the student-centered philosophy that drives this college and her dedication to serving students was evident through her 34 years with the Maricopa Community Colleges and will be missed. He indicated that she had the utmost respect and confidence in her faculty and staff and that is what helped everyone keep focused on her vision for PVC. President Ed Contreras requested a minute of silence in tribute to deceased PVC President Dr. Gina Kranitz.

Governing Board Member Don Campbell made a motion that the Governing Board approve the settlement agreement which has been signed by Dr. Gaskin and is before the members of the board. (No discussion) Motion approved 5-0.

President Contreras commented that this was very important in order to put to rest this difficult decision that the board had between MCCCD and Dr. Gaskin. He said that the Board wisely decided to put this behind them and move forward. They did this for the best of the students, employees and communities served.

The Special Board Meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.

III. LISTENING SESSION

The NAU EDL780 taught by Pete Kushibab was acknowledged.

As members of the Governing Board, President Contreras commented because the Governing Board felt it important to maintain open communication, that is why they were present this evening. They wanted to hear from those in attendance and know what was being done right, what could be improved upon, and what might be considered for the future. The listening session was eighth in a series of eleven public meetings scheduled through the end of the year on MCCCD college campuses. After all meetings have been held, a comprehensive report will be prepared to report on new directions for the future. Acting President Paul Dale was acknowledged for his efforts in organizing the evening's events.

President Contreras introduced members of the Board and Acting Chancellor Dr. Rufus Glasper.

Dr. Glasper proceeded to welcome everyone in attendance at the eighth of eleven community listening sessions to be conducted this year so that he and the Board could hear from the communities. He stated that the Maricopa Community Colleges are in the middle of a strategic planning and capital planning initiative for 2004 and there is a need to hear what the communities need and how the master planning process can be refined. There is a need to look and plan as they reach out to the communities and how MCCCD can do their job better. With tuition increases at ASU, enrollment at the community colleges will be affected and there is a need to know what is working well and what needs to change. He informed those in attendance that no action would be taken on comments made but rather to listen to what the needs were and then expand on that information.

The Listening Session proceeded as follows:

Paradise Valley Community College Acting President, Dr. Paul Dale
Dr. Dale commented that he echoed both President Contreras and Dr. Glasper's thoughts. He offered a very special welcome to everyone present and thanked them for being able to attend. He invited those that wished to speak to the Governing Board to fill out a card or go to the computer stations that had been set up for this purpose.

Dr. Dale spoke about the leadership and service learning programs in place at PVC. He stated that PVC's journey has experienced traumatic growth and has provided more access for more students. PVC was founded in 1985 as the NE Valley Education Center which was part of Scottsdale Community College. In 1986 it received its official charge as Paradise Valley Community College and in 1987 the 30-acre site opened. In 1990, PVC became an independent college and is now serving 7,800 students, many of whom plan to transfer to four-year institutions.

Dr. Dale stated that PVC's planning process has led them to seven student issues, including the following:

• How to become more learning centered and have more explicit learning outcomes.
• How to measure student learning and implement assessment plans.
• How to implement innovative pedagogies and develop new resources for greater student engagement.
• They have successfully implemented service-learning opportunities aligning with courses being taken.
• They have implemented a self-study process to prepare for reaccreditation.
• They continue to do master planning and planning for a performing arts center.
• They continue to offer general education courses to create a comprehensive college and are now offering nursing, fine arts, and non-credit classes.
• In their desire to serve as a comprehensive college, they continue to measure their effectiveness and increase their stewardship in order to meet the demands of students.

Lionel Diaz, Manager, Facilities and Planning Development
Mr. Diaz provided an overview of the 1994 Bond Election's impact in which voters passed a $386 million bond for the Maricopa Community College District. He commented that with this past initiative the colleges had drawn up a list of projects they wanted to be accomplished. As the projects were reviewed ten years later and checked off, the results show that what had been accomplished were accessible, affordable education, job training, customized instruction, technical courses and retraining in safe and secure environments.

At Paradise Valley Community College, the Student Services Building was remodeled (14,000 s.f. and 13,000 s.f. were added), the M Classrooms were remodeled for a total of 67,000 s.f. The Learning Resource Center had 9,500 s.f. added and 17,000 s.f. remodeled. The Fitness Center was added for a total of 4,000 s.f., and the Science Lab was remodeled for a total of 6,500 s.f. New signage was added to the campus and there were landscaping improvements, as well as improvements to the technical infrastructure and equipment. Pavement and roofing repairs were made, and furniture and maintenance fixtures were purchased, as well improvements to the infrastructure and utilities.

Mr. Diaz commented that in view of the fact that the Maricopa Community Colleges had delivered on the past bond initiative as promised, it was hoped that this would provide confidence that they would deliver again in the future.

Invited Community Speakers

Ms. Peggy Neely, Phoenix City Councilmember from District 2
Ms. Neely commented that Paradise Valley Community College is really the heart and soul of the community and there was a big loss in the deal of Dr. Kranitz. Ms. Neely stated that she was very proud of the school, faculty and students and was glad to be here. Ms. Neely provided the boundaries of District 2 and described the makeup of this North Phoenix community. She stated that community leaders work as a team and have a sense of civic pride as they work to improve the quality of life for its citizens. By 2010 it is projected that 90,000 people will live in the part of Phoenix. Public transit has opened up this area with its links to Northeast Phoenix and expansion planning has kept in mind the preservation and protection of neighborhoods. She stated that now is the time to plan for education needs of communities. PVC is the largest provider of secondary education for the Northeast Phoenix area and is the promise of hope for the future. It is a transitional link to four-year institutions and can be counted on as the path to the future.

Sue Hollabaugh, John C. Lincoln Hospital
Ms. Hollabaugh stated that on September 12 the Arizona State Board approved a new nursing program at PVC in partnership with John C. Lincoln Hospital in which 30 students are now enrolled. Arizona is 48th out of 50 in ratio of nurses to population served (128 nurses per 100,000 people). Current registered nurses are aging twice as fast as the rest of the population and there will be more need for nurses as population ages. Another challenge is the aging of faculty (average age is 52) and the recruitment of new faculty.

Dr. Anna Ramos-Pell, Principal, Palomino Elementary School PVUSD
Dr. Ramos-Pell indicated that there are currently 80+ PVC students interning or doing service learning in her K-3 classes and the preschool. The school has 721 students that are K-3 and there are also 80 in extended daycare, as well as 120 headstart students, 30 of which are special needs. Her school serves as a neighborhood hub used by parents and houses a free clinic and other offices from the City of Phoenix. They have Officer Friendly and about 90% are on free and reduced lunches. 95% are Hispanic student with English as a second language. There is an 85% mobility rate. Palomino is an underperforming school where the message needs to be "You can do it." Dr. Ramos-Pell shared that PVC can encourage minority student to go into teach to give back their own. PVC can develop a project that will help do fundraising for books, clothing, and tutoring. PVC can start a project to revitalize the neighborhood and also conduct classes for parents in job training and how to negotiate. PVC can continue to help in classrooms and energize student to stay in school. They can provide help for students who need individualized instruction in their different classes and do whatever it takes to make minority student succeed.

Dr. Mark Searle, Vice Provost, ASU West
Dr. Searle stated that he was appreciative of the opportunity to share his view on ASU West's relationship with PVC. He expressed his condolences on the loss of Dr. Kranitz. Dr. Kranitz was instrumental in establishing the partnership with ASU West so that students could experience greater opportunities for success. He indicated that ASU, like the Maricopa Community Colleges, is experiencing substantial growth as many students are seeking higher education for success in life. Collaboration with ASU West will ensure student success in achieving accelerated graduation rates. This is being accomplished through program such as Learning Connections, Transfer Center, Orientations for Spanish speaking students and other students, 2+2, as well as other activities. He commended PVC on their ability to manage growth.

Mr. Frank Fairbanks, City Manager, City of Phoenix
Mr. Fairbanks commended PVC on the outstanding work being done at the college. He recapped Paradise Valley's beginnings as a result of the Central Arizona Project and anticipated growth to a population of 160,000 by the year 2020.

Open Forum Speakers

Jim Jurs, Retired Superintendent of the Paradise Valley Unified School District
Mr. Jurs services as a clinical profession at ASU and is co-chair of the Paradise Valley President's Circle. He commented that the evening provided a classical example of "life goes on." Two days ago people were saying goodbye to Dr. Kranitz and this evening the group was planning for the future of PVC. He offered his best wishes to Dr. Glasper. He commented that PVC's Learning Connections came about between the Paradise Valley school district and PVC when classes were first taught at Paradise Valley High School. He stated that education is not unrealistic but attainable. Teacher preparation was something that came about very quickly when PV and the community college acted on the needs of the community. He wished PVC continued in providing quality education to the community it serves.

John Gordon, Superintendent of the Cave Creek Unified School District
Mr. Gordon spoke about the development of this part of north Phoenix and its progress since its initial population of about 5,500 people. He estimated that by the year 2010 there will be 14,400 students. He encouraged passage of the bond issue to enable the establishment of satellite campuses for PVC. He indicated that Learning Connections have been helpful to his school district and that their door is always open for service learning opportunities and the use of facilities.

Ed Morgan, Mayor of Carefree
Mr. Morgan also expressed his condolences in the loss of Dr. Kranitz and congratulated Dr. Glasper on his appointment as Chancellor. He was appreciative of the opportunity to share his enthusiasm that citizens have for the possibility of a campus in their community. In their community of 3,200 well-educated citizens, philanthropic adults recognize the value of education for children who will ultimately benefit adults. Education is not a process that ends but must continue. He stated that because the population in Carefree values the arts, museums, cultural events, a partnership with PVC for a cultural center would be welcome.

Jean Janas, Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center
Ms. Janas thanked everyone for the opportunity to speak and expressed appreciation to PVC for their flexibility in doing whatever it takes at a reasonable cost to provide continuing education classes. They have provided Spanish classes, classes in working with plants, financial education classes, and providing an on-site program in nursing assistance. They hope the future will also provide opportunities for LPN and RN Programs (on-site if possible).

Will Gonzales, City of Phoenix Prosecutors' Office
Mr. Gonzales indicated that his office works with Palomino School and they have a satellite office on campus. PVC provides mentors through their Service Learning Program to first generation Americans. These mentors serve as role models to students and encourage them to look beyond themselves and not be afraid of failing or trying to succeed.

Julie Thomas, Alumnus and Pinnacle High School Teacher
Ms. Thomas stated that she came back to school as an older student because she wanted to be a teacher and used PVC as a platform. She had a lot of personal responsibilities and very little emotional and financial support but she received a lot of encouragement from her professors. She was allowed to be a student leader and helped out with the Emerging Leaders program. PVC gave her a lot of confidence and leadership opportunities.

Elba Boe, Student
Ms. Boe stated that she felt honored to speak and spoke about the many activities she was involved in at PVC. When she first arrived from Mexico to pursue her education at PVC, she felt lost and confused but as she got involved, PVC people cared about her and pushed her to keep working. She discovered mentors at PVC and is now a firm believer in passing on what you learn.

Cesar Yanahaco, SUCCEED Program Student
Mr. Yanahaco explained that he was from Peru and had been in the United States three years. Part of that time was spent in high school and part has been at PVC. His goal is to transfer to ASU and study aeronautical engineering.

Pat Becker, AWARE Program Student
Ms. Becker came to PVC as a displaced worker and had never attended college. Her former employer provided the opportunity to return to school and she found this a challenge because oftentimes she would be the oldest student in class. She has acquired 37 credits and plans to go to ASU West where she will major in Art and Gerontology.

Judy Libow, Manager of Training and Development, Mayo Clinic
Ms. Libow indicated that she has worked with Business and Development to customize programs for the staff at the Mayo Clinic and everyone has been extremely flexible. She indicated the need for employees to learn team-based concepts.

Don Stuckey, Student
Mr. Stuckey indicated that he takes an exercise program at PVC and he appreciates the opportunity that PVC provides for people to enroll in these types of classes. He has taken numerous other classes which have help broaden his view. He stated that he receives first class instruction and looks forward to continuing to take classes in the future.

Denise Leon, Student
Ms. Leon stated that she was from Mexico and PVC has helped her grow personally, spiritually, and emotionally. Initially she wanted to learn computer technology but has changed her major two more times.

Governing Board Member Remarks:

Gene Eastin commented that he has attended each of the listening sessions and he is never surprised but is fascinated by the similarities that come from various campuses. He welcomes the praise that people have for MCCD and never tires to hear these words. The Governing Board hears, takes notes, and takes the praise. However, it is the employees that really make the District what it is and they are the ones that deserve the praise. He encouraged everyone to express their satisfaction and appreciation by voting yes on the ballot next November (2004).

Nancy Stein thanked everyone for their attendance this evening and expressing their concerns. She appreciated hearing the openness, honesty, and needs of children in K-3 and adults, nursing partnerships, and teaching. MCCD is made up of many individuals who are here to serve. She was pleased to hear from former and current students on what could be done to serve their needs.

Linda Rosenthal expressed that she was really pleased to be here this evening. She stated that she was at PVC when it first started. Tonight she heard some of the needs and hoped that the college heard those needs. There will never be enough staff but there be many students. With the help of future Governing Board Members, there will be more staff to help future students. She encouraged high school students and seniors to attend community colleges. Community colleges provide excellent instruction to many people and they do a wonderful job.

Dr. Don Campbell reflected on his attendance of Phoenix College and Arizona State University and stated that he had to disagree with the statement made that all instructors are doing an excellent job in providing education. We are all working for people. There is a strong need for healthcare people and teachers. We are all one society and one system trying to be the best we can be for citizens in the U.S. There is a need to expand our system with the Bond and provide facilities.

Ed Contreras thanked everyone that came to speak this evening. He learns something new every time. This time it was the need to learn new terms such as "older than dirt", "mature adult", and "aging students". Paradise Valley is a growing area and no matter where people live, every place is growing. There appears to be a lot of communication in the community and we need to look beyond the walls and reach into the community and make connections with the community. He heard that teacher education was getting students involved in the community and serving as mentors. He learned that a number of health facilities want us on-site and that some students came from Mexico and are passing serendipity. He appreciated everyone who came tonight and letting the Governing Board Members hear about the positive things being done and what they can do in the future.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting concluded at 8:30 p.m.

———————————
Linda B. Rosenthal
Governing Board Secretary