LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes - April 8, 2009
1. Attendance
Board members present: Bob Ackerman, Pat Albright, Roger Hall, Paul Holman, Susie Johnston, Tony McCown and Pat Riggs-Henson. Also present were: President Mary Spilde; Executive Assistant to the President Tracy Simms; Vice President Sonya Christian; Chief Financial Officer Greg Morgan; Lane Community College Education Association President Jim Salt; Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin; and ASLCC President Josh Canaday.
A. Chair Johnston called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
B. President's Report
Since we last met, we have been informed by the Governor's Office that they are expecting an even greater decline in the state budget. From a $1.2 billion deficit in December to $3 billion in February to now close to $5 billion. We submitted reductions up to 30 percent in 5 percent increments, and they were shared with the legislature last week. Our budget hearings started last week, and I testified this morning. While there is little good news, we were able to get the new Essential Budget Level (EBL) number on the record. We will be fighting to assure that any reductions are based on the new EBL. We were successful in obtaining a release from the cap on capital construction from Co-chairs Buckley and Carter, but the committee ran out of time yesterday and we were not able to discuss our project.
We are continuing to focus on avoiding layoffs for several reasons: 1) Jettisoning anyone into this economy will be tough for individuals; 2) If we can preserve our programs and services and continue to grow enrollment we can see a way to fiscal sustainability; 3) We can do a better job for students and the community – we will be here when they need us. However, on the expense control side, we have few options to come up with the amount we need without impacting employees in some way—either through compensation adjustments or layoffs. The Budget Development Sub-Committee has developed a framework to do so:
--Revenue options – Tuition, fees, growth, ending fund balance
--Expenses options – Program and service reductions, layoffs
--Compensation – furloughs (still a pay cut) progressive
We are trying to develop a progressive approach, and as I told you last month I will be first in line to do my part.
This framework definitely results in shared pain and sacrifice. Nothing on the menu is appetizing; it is a set of very hard choices. We have a special work session next week at which time we will begin to hang numbers of this framework.
The Ways and Means committee is starting their "road show" and will be in Eugene on May 1. Following the May forecast, the co-chairs will publish a budget. So, as usual, we will be finalizing a budget without accurate information. It is even more difficult this year as there is the expectation that things will get worse as the year goes on. We are trying hard to plan for the worst so that we are not caught short next year and to come up with proposals that can be easily reversed if things improve.
In spite of the dire budget news, I am happy to report that once again the college was awarded the Government Finance Officers Association Award of Financial Reporting Achievement. This means that our reporting achieves excellence with all program standards met. I would like to commend Finance Manager Stan Barker and his staff as well as Greg Morgan for a job well done.
In the meantime, our Facilities, Management and Planning department are working very hard to assure that our projects start this month. Several people have been hired, we are doing more hiring, and we will be getting bids from local companies in the next couple of weeks. We will be having an event on May 2 to mark the start of our projects.
On March 21, Lane hosted Senator Merkley for his first Town Hall meeting in Lane County. I appreciate the work that Brett did to make the event run smoothly. Senator Merkley's staff were very impressed with the amount of support they received. I appreciate Bob Ackerman and Susie Johnston's attendance, as well as Jim Salt, Rodger Gamblin, and others.
I was very pleased to learn of the nomination of Dr. Martha Kanter, Chancellor of Foothill De Anza Community College as Under Secretary of Education. This is the number two position in the department and is very good news for community colleges. I have served on the League board with Martha. I am happy to say that her cell phone number was listed in my favorites on my phone before she became famous! I talked to her a couple of days ago, and she wants to fix financial aid and elevate sustainability in the department, so I am sure we will benefit from her dynamic, active and persistent work.
Next week, I will be in DC for a couple of days to do a briefing for congress on "Green Jobs." Lane continues to receive a great deal of recognition, and I want to position us for some of the funds that are being directed toward energy. While there, I will be meeting with Senator Merkley about our Downtown center project. I will also be meeting with the editor of the Chronicle of Higher Education regarding enrollment growth and sustainability.
I received a letter from United Way thanking us for the generosity of our faculty and staff in giving to United Way this year.
Former Lane student and athlete Cyrus Hostetler threw the javelin 272 feet 10 inches on Saturday at the Pepsi Team Invitational at the University of Oregon, setting a meet, school and Pac-10 Conference record. It was the fourth-best college throw ever, said the Oregonian. In an earlier story, the Oregonian said, "Hostetler credits the Lane coaches for improving his explosiveness and athleticism." While at Lane, Hostetler won the 2008 NWAACC javelin title with a conference and school record throw of 241-0, which also qualified him for last summer’s Olympic Trials.
The Innovation of the Year for 2008-09, sponsored by the League for Innovation, was awarded to the Agricultural Business Management Program
Other innovations recognized were:
-Sustainability Infusion Project, $750, Schafer Great Idea Award
- Automotive Technology Program Redesign, $500, Schafer Great Idea Award
- Siltcoos Station Refurbish, $500, Schafer Great Idea Award
- ESL WIKI, $250, Schafer Pat on the Back Award
- Lane Peace Center, $250, Schafer Pat on the Back Award
- Music Thanatology Training, $250, Schafer Pat on the Back Award
Now to our incredible Phi Theta Kappa chapter under Velda Arnaud's leadership:
Phi Theta Kappa's International Officer team has chosen Dee Lauzon to represent them as Phi Theta Kappa's President Pro Tempore. At the upcoming 2009 Convention, Lauzon will accept the Convention gavel from Board of Directors Chair Kip Johnson on behalf of all the International Officers, emphasizing their teamwork, unity and fellowship. Lauzon, who is International Vice President for Division IV, was elected to the presidency by the officer team following the resignation of John Windham.
Dee has also been accepted at Mt. Holyoke in Massachusetts with a fantastic financial package. She will be moving to the East Coast this summer. Megan Worman is in the last term of her Bachelor's Degree in Cultural Anthropology at the University of Oregon. Megan has been accepted at both Berkeley Law and Stanford Law, with a fantastic financial package at Stanford. Megan has not made her final decision on which offer to accept, but either one is incredible. We are extremely proud of these former officers.
I spent the last few days at the annual American Association of Community Colleges convention. We were fortunate that Terri Sullivan was recognized as a New Century Scholar. This is a very big deal! Only one student from each state is recognized at the opening session of the convention. Terri had planned to be there for this recognition but an unfortunate family situation precluded that. So we want to recognize Terri this evening. First, let's take a quick look at some video footage of the event.
Now I would like to have Terri come forward to receive her award.
2) March Highlights
March highlights at Lane Community College as offered in the board mailing were presented.
3) Personnel
The college's current personnel appointments were presented.
C. Board Agenda Review/Changes
Item 3-B-3, first reading of Board Policy D.140, Tuition Award for Family of Oregon Fallen Service Members, was added to the agenda.
D. Statements from Audience
Due to the number of people who signed up to speak to the board, Chair Johnston asked that speakers keep their comments to two minutes.
Anthony Gamboa, student in the International Student Program, invited board members to the International Day celebration on May 6, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm, in the cafeteria.
Kevin Hager, Housekeeping, stated that a decrease in wages would impact his lifestyle, and he would not be able to maintain even the basic necessities.
Marcia Bell, for Fiora Starchild Wolfe, Enrollment Services Advisor, expressed concern regarding compensation decreases.
Marcia Bell, Enrollment Services Advisor, expressed concern regarding possible compensation decreases. The increase in financial aid applicants has caused more work, and there has been a significant decrease in the number of classified staff over the past few years.
Randy Lindstrom, Housekeeping, expressed concern regarding possible compensation decreases for classified staff. Due to a recall appointment, Lindstrom’s wages have been frozen for two years.
Terry Starr, Painter, took a $2 per hour pay cut when he came to Lane. He asked the board to reconsider the possibility of a wage decrease.
Andy McClure, Facilities, asked to see combined sacrifice from all groups, not just classified staff, to help balance the budget.
Marie Sagaberd, Housekeeping, noted that any decrease in wages will be a hardship to the Housekeeping team.
Janet Martin, Housekeeping, stated that she will not be able to meet household expenses if wages are reduced.
Jake Kolasinski, Housekeeping, expressed concern regarding a possible wage decrease. His wife also works at Lane, and any negative change in pay will be a hardship to their family.
Carole Napier, College Finance, expressed concern regarding the workload in her area and asked that no further cuts be made.
Jane Passenger, College Finance, alerted the board to a current student who has committed theft on campus. Passenger was a victim of identity theft due to this student, and she asked that staff be informed that the student is back on campus and that she be banned from campus.
Rodger Gamblin, Information Technology, stated that trust has been broken between the college and the classified staff due to the college's failure to follow through on the "Me Too" clause agreed to in bargaining to receive the same compensation as other employee groups. He asked the college to honor that clause.
Nancy Schwoerer, Food Services, also expressed disappointment that the college did not honor the "Me Too" clause.
James Manning, student, supported changing the health clinic fee, which is now part of the ASLCC student body fee, to a mandatory fee.
Jennie Lynn Scott, Housekeeping, stated that she will lose her home if wages are reduced.
2A. Consent Agenda
Holman moved, and Riggs-Henson seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of:
• The approval of the amended March 11, 2009, minutes
The March 11, 2009, minutes were amended to include a second on the motion to approve item 4E, ASLCC Ballot Measures. Riggs-Henson had seconded the motion.
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Policy Review
A. Second Reading
1. Conflict of Interest, D.080
Albright moved, seconded by McCown, to approve the second reading of board policy D.080, Conflict of Interest.
POLICY NUMBER: D.080
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Board Members and employees shall avoid actions as a public official or public employee that have the effect of being to the private, personal or financial benefit or avoidance of detriment to of the person or the person's relatives. Relatives include spouse, children of the person or spouse, or the brothers, sisters or parents of the person or the person's spouse. The Government Standards and Practices Act set forth in ORS Chapter 244 is applicable to Board Members and employees. If questions arise, Board Members and employees are urged to contact Oregon Government Standards and Practices Commission, 100 High Street SE, Suite 220, Salem, Oregon 97301-3607; Telephone Number 503-378-5105.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: September 8, 2004
REVISED: May 10, 2006
Ackerman stated that the approval of the policy should be deferred until it is known what the amendments to ORS 244 are going to be. Also, there is some inconsistency in the definition of relatives in the first sentence as found in the statutes, and perhaps the board should adopt the policy without the introductory language.
Ackerman moved to amend the motion to defer the second reading of this policy to the next regular meeting to await legal counsel’s recommendation. Hall seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Student Activities Fees, D.090
Riggs-Henson moved, seconded by McCown, to approve the second reading of board policy D.090, Student Activities Fees.
Motion passed unanimously.
POLICY NUMBER: D.090
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: STUDENT ACTIVITIES FEES
FOR STUDENT-INITIATED PROGRAMS
Students may be assessed a mandatory fee for the purpose of supporting a board approved student-initiated program. The board may approve those student-initiated programs that it determines provide educational value to the students consistent with the college mission and goals. After board approval, the fee initiative will be placed on the ballot for the student elections. The student election results, as they relate to the fee initiative, are advisory only. After the student elections, the fee initiative will come before the board for final approval or disapproval.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: July 12, 2000
REVISED: December 2002 (former Policy Title: Tuition and Fees)
REVISED: July 27, 2004
REVISED: June 14, 2006
REVIEWED: April 8, 2009
3. Possession of Firearms, D.030
Hall moved, seconded by Holman, to approve the second reading of board policy D.030, Possession of Firearms.
Motion passed unanimously.
POLICY NUMBER: D.030
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: POSSESSION OF FIREARMS
No person, including students, employees, college patrons and vendors may bring, possess, conceal, brandish, use or be in possession of a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapons as defined by law, or give the appearance of being in possession on college-owned or controlled property or at activities under the jurisdiction or sponsorship of the college, except as provided by Oregon ORS 166.370 or and federal law. As authorized by Oregon ORS 659A.001(4), the exceptions provided by state and federal law do not apply to Lane employees while engaged in work activities. Permitted exceptions include use in conjunction with approved instructional demonstration.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: November 16, 2004
REVISED: February 15, 2006
REVISED: April 8, 2009
B. First Reading
1. Affirmative Action, D.100
The following changes were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in May.
Holman wondered if the need for the word "juvenile" is necessary in the phrase "expunged juvenile record. Kieran will look into it; there may be some statutory language related to that.
The board was concerned about listing out each protected class and wondered if there is a way to avoid that. Kieran believed that the list was directly taken from the Oregon statutes.
Ackerman moved to refer this policy to legal counsel for recommendation. Holman seconded.
Motion passed 6 – 1. Hall dissented.
POLICY NUMBER: D.100
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The board directs strict adherence to the principles embodied in Oregon and Federal "Affirmative Action" legislation. Lane Community College shall take affirmative action in the recruitment and employment of members of protected groups. Protected groups are those groups of persons who have historically been subject to discriminatory practices. Protected classes include age, sex, race, color, religion, physical or mental disability, national origin, marital status, veterans, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran’s status, familial relationship, and expunged juvenile record. Lane Community College has an adopted affirmative action plan and is committed to maintaining and following its affirmative action plan in the recruitment and employment of members of protected groups.
ADOPTED: December 13, 2000
REVISED: July 27, 2004
REVISED: July 19, 2006
2. Tuition, D.110
No changes were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in May.
POLICY NUMBER: D.110
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: TUITION
In order to maintain a constant tuition rate relative to inflation, each December, the board will adjust the per credit tuition rate to reflect changes in an appropriate index for two-year public colleges since the last tuition adjustment. The rate will be rounded to the nearest half-dollar and become effective the following academic year (Summer Term).
Periodically and as needed, the board will review Lane’s tuition rates to ensure: a) that tuition revenues are appropriate for the needs of the district and, b) that Lane’s tuition is comparable with other Oregon community colleges that are similar to Lane in terms of student FTE and instructional programs. Prior to approval of the tuition increase, the board will review the index options, affordability and access for students, and the revenue requirements of the college.
ADOPTED: November 13, 2002
REVISED: July 27, 2004
REVISED: July 13, 2005
REVISED: June 11, 2008
3. Tuition Award for Family of Oregon Fallen Service Members, D.140
Spilde explained that there is pending legislation to put this practice info effect; therefore, the college should be proactive to take action to adopt this policy.
POLICY NUMBER: D.140
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: TUITION AWARD FOR FAMILY OF OREGON FALLEN SERVICE MEMBERS
Lane Community College will provide free tuition to the spouse and children (including adoptive and step-children) of United States Military, Public Safety Personnel, and National Disaster Relief and Service Personnel who die, or have become 100% disabled, in connection to their service, and who listed Oregon as their permanent residence at the time of death or determination of 100% disability. Public Safety Personnel include Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers, Firefighters, and Emergency Responders. National Disaster Relief and Service Personnel include members of the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, VISTA, American Red Cross, FEMA, and other similar agencies. For purposes of this policy, determination of a 100% disability shall be based on the standards for the United States Medicare program.
The board had some questions regarding the policy, such as financial impact and policy limitations. Kieran will review the policy and bring back recommended changes.
4. Discussion/Action Items
A. Automotive Technology Presentation
Paul Croker, Interim Advanced Technology Division Dean, presented information on the Automotive Technology program. The program consists of 2 instructors, 2 classified staff, and 60 students. Eight classes are offered every term. Degree options include a 2-year Associate of Applied Science degree, a 2-year certificate of completion, and a 1-year fast track alternative program.
The methodology of the program has changed over the past two years, and more individual time is spent with students. Students work in a computer based training lab, a classroom, and a live automotive shop. Students are required to track their own progress to make sure they are working at a steady pace just as they would have to do in a job setting. In this way, they can work ahead and complete the program faster.
Bob Sink, Automotive Technology student, said that the fast track program appealed to him because he could get out and get a job in a short amount of time. Inside of a year he had an Associate’s degree, and he is now employed on a part-time basis with Kendall Automotive.
Egan Reardon, Automotive Technology instructor, used to be student, and the program changed his life. Now he has an opportunity to give that to someone else, which means a lot.
B. Bond Planning Update
Morgan updated the board on the sale of bonds. The market is looking favorable, and we expect to do well on the rating. We will be issuing fairly short term bonds and are planning to issue $45 million in the first set of bonds.
C. Budget Development FY10
Spilde stated that the budget report was given in the work session with the budget committee prior to the board meeting, and there was nothing further to report.
D. Transportation Fee
Morgan explained that some students who ride the bus are having problems getting to and from campus due to overcrowded buses. An increase in the mandatory transportation fee will allow Lane to contract with Lane Transit District (LTD) to add capacity to peak time periods to prevent frequent transportation delays caused by increased usage that has exceeded available seats. This agreement will add an estimated $3.46 to the cost of the bus pass beginning Fall Term 2009. LTD has also announced an increased fee for the Group Bus Pass effective January 1, 2010 of $.85. To cover the LTD increase, the college recommended increasing the fee from $22.00 to $26.00 a term effective Fall Term and absorbing the January increase. The fund is also intended to cover the cost of parking facility maintenance with a transfer of $150,000 a year for that purpose.
McCown moved to approve an increase in the Transportation Fee to $26 effective Fall Term 2009. Holman seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
E. Health Clinic Fee
Kate Barry, Executive Dean, explained that the Health Clinic is currently partially supported by the student fee. Students strongly supported an increase in the fee of $4 in order to support an additional nurse practitioner. ASLCC proposed that the fee for the Health Clinic be removed from the student activity fee and assessed as a separate mandatory fee. One of the advantages of having a mandatory fee is that students will be able to more clearly see that the service is provided; many students are not aware that the college has a health clinic.
Riggs-Henson moved to establish a mandatory Health Clinic fee of $12 and reduce the student activity fee by $8 effective Summer Term 2009. McCown seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
F. Capital Projects Fund Appropriation
Morgan explained that, due to additional activity this year on bond projects and the Health and Wellness Building, more budget authority is needed for capital projects.
Riggs-Henson moved to adopt Resolution No. 530 to approve an increase in the total Fund IV Capital Projects budget for FY 2008-09. Albright seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
5. Accountability/Reports
A. Benchmarks
Craig Taylor, Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning director, responded to questions and comments on the following Benchmarks:
• Employees of Color as a Percent of All Employees
6. Reports
ASLCC President Josh Canaday reported that ASLCC students have been lobbying at the Capitol. A board meeting will be held at Southern Oregon University for the Oregon Student Association. ASLCC elections are coming up in May for new officers.
LCCEF President Bob Baldwin reported that management has not put forward a substantive proposal in the bargaining process and instead is using the budget process to substitute for bargaining. The efforts to cut health insurance funding are not a consequence of the current budget crisis; this also happened last year in bargaining. Regarding the identity theft mentioned earlier, students who have history of crime on this campus are not told that they cannot come on campus. It is frustrating that administration will not take that step. Respect is breaking down, and the classified staff feel let down on the "Me Too" clause. Classified have sacrificed in the past and have heard talk about moving to a financially sustainable college. Other than asking for more money from the state, there does not seem to be any plan. What is the plan? What gets Lane to a point of financial sustainability? Not just by June 30 year after year, but long term.
LCCEA President Jim Salt represented the State of Oregon at the Higher Education National Conference. Faculty have been engaged in lobbying at the Capitol. The association and the college are back at the bargaining table. The first formal meeting will be held this weekend in an expedited process, and both sides are hoping to come to an agreement. In some ways, the college budget process has improved in looking at a number of strategies, but there is not agreement on everything. At the next budget committee meeting, if the budget does not have support, Salt would request that employee groups and students have a chance to address the committee. The format used for board meetings is inappropriate and should be changed. The association has not supported tuition increases above the Higher Education Price Index in the past, but they do now. If it is truly a shared pain model, all should contribute. The increase in grants, financial aid, and tax credit will help alleviate the burden of the tuition increase. The association is recommending a temporary surcharge tied to additional money available and conditions that the college is facing.
Vice President Sonya Christian responded to Baldwin’s question regarding long term fiscal plan. The college has been very focused on long term fiscal sustainability and has implemented a three-pronged strategy, including increasing endowments, increasing grants, and looking to enterprise zones to augment the general fund. We have engaged in process improvement and instructional redesign. Christian and others from Academic and Student Affairs attended the League for Innovations conference in Reno, where Lane made two presentations.
Chief Financial Officer Greg Morgan thanked the board for their support of the health clinic fee increase. The clinic makes a big difference in a student's ability to attend school. The clinic has been partnering with the Medical Records Program which will capture some FTE. The Facilities staff are working very hard to keep up with the deferred maintenance projects. The Bookstore is implementing online sales. The Printing and Graphics Department is bringing in outside jobs. The College Operation folks are doing their utmost to be more productive and fiscally sustainable.
Board Reports
McCown expressed appreciation for the classified staff who attended and shared their stories.
Hall responded to Baldwin's comments to inform him that the board is doing their best to have a budget plan for the college. As soon as the college is funded accurately, the board can give a more accurate plan. In the meantime, several options are being looked at to save jobs and achieve fiscal sustainability.
Riggs-Henson reported that she pledged $100 to the KLCC fundraiser and challenged the other board members to meet or beat it. This is the first year that she has seen people at the Capitol excited about community colleges. Perhaps they have finally realized that community colleges are the bridge to a new career.
Albright reported that several people were involved recently in a college golf tournament. He expressed respect for Spilde for participating.
Ackerman reported that he was moved by the statements from the audience. The college is facing some of the toughest decisions in its history. Although there is frustration, it is a product of the economy. The board is not responsible, but they will have to pick up the pieces and hope to do it well.
Holman supported Hall's comments in that the board has worked diligently to make best of a bad budget situation. The purpose of the board is not only to keep the college running but also to follow the desires of the taxpayers.
Johnston acknowledged that these are grim economic times and encouraged everyone to stay civil as we work through this. She stated that all of tonight's speakers did an eloquent job of stating their case. She asked board members to participate in the Gift of Literacy event coming up on May 28.
7. Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for the Next Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 13, Boardroom, Building 3, Lane Community College
8. The board meeting unanimously adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
| _____________________________ | _____________________________ |
|
| Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk | Susie Johnston, Board Chair |
