1)   Attendance
Chair Roger Hall called the meeting of the Lane Community College Board of Education to order at 6:35 p.m.  Present were:  Board Members Robert Ackerman, Paul Holman, Larry Romine, Kathleen Shelley, Mike Rose, and Dennis Shine.  Also present were President Mary Spilde; Vice Presidents Marie Matsen and Cheryl Roberts; Assistant to the President Tracy Simms; College Counsel Tim Harold; Lane Community College Education Association President Jim Salt; Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin; and Associated Students of Lane Community College President Gregory Dunkin.

2)  Presidentís Report

• The Medical Office Assisting Program was on the cut list last year, but this year has successfully fundraised $40,000, with the possibility of another $15,000.  Credit is due to Joyce Garibay, the Medical Office Assisting Advisory Committee, and Janet Anderson.
• Last year the Foundation gave out 225 scholarships, 125 grants, 13 awards, 96 stipends, and 62 student loans totaling 511 students assisted, up from 463.
• The Diesel Technology Program has earned the opportunity to represent the state in Kansas City by placing first at the Skills USA VICA state competition held last weekend.
• Enrollment in the first week of spring term was down slightly, with most of the loss in the non-credit areas.  Losses could be affected by the economic downturn and the need to move to self-support in many of those courses because of the lost of state funds. Losses in the credit area are, for the most part, related to last yearís budget decisions.
• Most, if not all, of the community colleges in Oregon have capped enrollment at the current level.  This is, in part, due to the new funding distribution model that removes growth from the formula.  In part, it is also due to collegesí inability to sustain further growth without adding support staff to provide services to additional students.  Given the new formula, any growth must be sustained through tuition only because no additional state funds will be given for growth.
• President Spilde will be representing Lane on a committee of presidents and state board members to develop a new funding distribution model for implementation in 2005.
• Most of the legislative bills on the funding formula and governance donít appear to be moving forward although there have been hearings on some of the funding formula bills.  Various presidents have testified both for and against the bills, but it is not expected that any will get out of committee.
• Marie Matsen and Mike Ruiz represented Lane at the Capital Construction Bill hearing in Salem.  The hearing went very well, and the bill was passed out of committee.
• On April 25, Lane will have an annual inservice day now known as the Spring Conference.  The Conference Planning Committee has put together an excellent program for faculty and staff.
• The Public Broadcasting Stationís Adult Learning Services recognized Lane for its work on the Learning College.  All twelve Vanguard Learning Colleges (VLC) received the award, which states:  to ìLane Community College for Leading the Way to Change in Teaching and Learning.î
• The Vanguard Learning College Team was recognized for their continued hard work.

LASR Report ñ Linda DeWitt
Linda DeWitt announced Financial Aidís ìGo Liveî status and reported that three out of four systems are now ìLive.î  She thanked team members:  Georgia Nissen, Shelley Evans, Teresa Mauser, Chris McDowell, Pam Robison, Bert Logan, Bert Ewing, Alen Bahret, Ron Rourke, Jan Kleminsky, Lee Hallin, Rodger Gamblin, Zendra Cates, Becky Patrick, Linda Osak, James Brunner, and Connie Alexander.   DeWitt reviewed improvements in the financial aid processes and noted the limited staff available for the number of students applying.

3)  Board Agenda Review/Changes
Chair Hall moved agenda item 2-D, Workersí Compensation Insurance Carrier, to 3-C.

4)   Statements from Audience

• Sandy McMillin advocated for additional disabled parking spaces on the east side of main campus.
• Judith Kreklaw recommended improvements to doors, curbs, and other areas on campus for disabled people.  She urged for a better awareness of fire safety procedures.
• Rob Spooner said international student tuition was too high and opposed the transportation fee.
• Julia Pommert advocated a tuition increase to preserve quality such as small class size and asked when the wastewater plant would be improved.

• Minutes of the March 12, 2003, board meeting
• Printing of the College Catalog
• Printing of the LCC Class Schedule
• Workersí Compensation Insurance Carrier
• Floor Covering for Fourth Floor Center Building Remodel
• Resolution 482, Authorizing Budget Transfers for FY 2002-03

6)  Budget Development
The board continued its discussion, which began in the work session, regarding the Executive Teamís recommendations for revenue increases and program/service reductions for developing a balanced budget.  Highlights of the conversation included:
Proposed Revenue Increases

• Board consensus was that a transportation fee is appropriate.  Members asked that consideration be given to folding the transportation fee into tuition.
• Board consensus was that a differential pricing program is appropriate based on a one-year pilot program.
• Board consensus was to support the summer program changes and tuition surcharge.

Proposed Expenditure Reductions
The board discussed line items individually.  Following are the highlights:

• Lane successfully sold bonds, at an effective rate of 5.72 percent, to cover nearly $52 million of the PERS unfunded liability.  This will result in a savings of approximately $500,000 that has been built into the projections to cover the liability.  Credited with their superb staff work were Marie Matsen, Stan Barker, Kay Malmberg, and Bill Kyker.
• The regional program to provide Respiratory Careís clinical instruction to students is still being developed.
• Clear communication to the communities of the Community Learning Centers (CLC) was recommended.  A report on the profits of the eight CLCís was requested for the next meeting.
• Athletics is in the second year of a three-year general fund reduction.  The board requested a follow-up report on the feasibility of eliminating intercollegiate athletics from the general fund.  A student fee continues to fund baseball, volleyball, and menís and womenís cross-country and track.
• Although board consensus was to accept the KLCC reduction, Chair Hall affirmed that KLCC was an integral part of the college that provides most of its funding from grants, underwriting, and donations.
• The administration will provide information on reductions in Materials and Services over the past few years.

7)  Strategic Planning ñ Phase II
The President reported that during fall term 2002, Phase I of the Strategic Plan update was completed, resulting in board approval of the collegeís Vision, Mission, Core Values, and short-term Strategic Goals.  The board approved Presidentís Spildeís plan to put in place a series of strategic directions to give the college more guidance, especially as it deals with continuing budget challenges.  Beginning spring term, a small group of people will initiate the planning process.  Following that, a group of stakeholders will look at community and workforce needs and develop strategic directions to move the college forward.

8)  Workersí Compensation Insurance Carrier
This agenda item was postponed to May.  Dennis Carr distributed an Action Plan to the board and will provide a comprehensive data packet at the next meeting.

9)  Benchmark
Craig Taylor reviewed the following Benchmark:

• Percent of Recent High School Grads Attending Lane

11)  Board of Education Forum for Election Candidates
Sarah Ross announced that a Forum will be held May 8 for board candidates running for election on May 20.  The Forum is sponsored by The Torch, League of Women Voters, and ASLCC.

12)  Reports
ASLCC President ñ Greg Dunkin
Dunkin said students are concerned with the proposed tuition increase, especially the increase for international students.  He asked that ex officio representatives at board meetings be allowed a greater voice during the meeting.  Student elections will be held May 7-9.

LCCEF President ñ Bob Baldwin
Baldwin congratulated Marie Matsen and the finance staff for the successful bond sale and complimented staff for the overall direction the budget is taking.  He cautioned, however, that department reductions cause workload problems, and further cuts will directly affect student services.  Baldwin addressed the differential pricing program, transparent budget, and unappropriated ending fund balance. Classified union leadership, he said, is very concerned about the lack of a strategic comprehensive plan for the Community Learning Centers.  In addition, there are concerns regarding the resolution of the wastewater plant issue.

LCCEA President ñ Jim Salt
Salt suggested that organized mechanisms be established for receiving budget comments.  He said consensus-building meetings are being held with the administration, LCCEF, and Management Steering Committee.  Salt agreed with Dunkinís comments that finding ways for groups to participate with the board is needed, other than giving statements at the end of a board meeting.  He requested a review of the recommendations developed during last summerís retreat on promoting better relations between the board and others.   The faculty union and administration team continue to meet on interest-based bargaining.  One concern among faculty is the rise in insurance costs.  As a way to reduce stress, the gym has been reserved weekly for faculty to participate in various activities.  Staff and board members are also invited to use the gym during this time.

Vice Presidents

Cheryl Roberts
The Business Development Centerís non-profit management program recently received a grant.  This program serves Girl Scouts, Volunteers in Medicine, Eugene Hearing and Speech Center, and other non-profit organizations.  The Adult Basic and Secondary Education Program received many commendations after completing a Peer Review through the State Board of Education.  Laneís men and womenís basketball teams won first place in the Southern Region.  Fifteen high schools will be participating in the Math/Skills Fair this week.  Roberts is conducting student focus groups regarding how their experience has improved their learning and what impediments could be removed.  Ninety-three percent of students in the Womenís Program rate the programís services as good or excellent.

Marie Matsen appreciated the strong testimony during the hearing on state construction bonds for community colleges, particularly from the American Federation of Teachers, Oregon Education Association, and Oregon Public Employees Union representatives.   She also recognized the ASLCC for being very visible at the Capitol.  Matsen commended the unions and Management Steering Committee for taking such a positive and constructive approach during the budgeting process.

Mike Rose noted that Aprilís OCCAís board meeting has been canceled; the next meeting is scheduled for May 16.

Bob Ackerman described the Tax Expenditure Report that contains every tax credit and tax deduction.  All deductions added up would total $27 billion dollars.  Spreadsheets have been developed to help make informed choices.  A state revenue forecast will be presented May 15.  Ackerman commended staff for responding well to controlling Materials & Services expenses last year.

Kathleen Shelley reported that many community college representatives indicated a preference for their own board rather than being under the leadership of OUS.  A decision was made that there will be no OCCA dues increase this year, and expenses will be shifted to a ìpay-as-you-goî program if community colleges want specific services.  Central Latino American is beginning a fundraising drive.

Larry Romine asked the board to consider holding board meetings for a shorter length of time.

Dennis Shine thanked nine instructors who volunteered as mentors for African American high school students.  The students will be displaying their talents at the annual Afro-Academic Cultural Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) competition at the Hult Center.

Roger Hall congratulated Marie Matsen and the finance team for its excellent work on the PERS bond sale.

Mary Spilde received a staff proposal regarding summer term tuition for international students.  Spilde pointed out that one reason international student tuition is so expensive is because they are not residents and, therefore, not supported by property taxes and state revenue.  In addition, it is recognized that some students donít consider the United States safe.  Many students are going to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom for their education.

13)  Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for Next Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting will be Wednesday, May 14, 2003, Boardroom, Building 3, beginning with an Executive Work Session at 4:30 p.m. and Budget Committee Meeting at 5:30 p.m.
On Monday, April 21, 2003, 4:30 p.m., Center for Meeting and Learning, Room 104, Building 19, a forum will be held at 5:30 p.m. for public comment on proposed program and service changes and tuition increases.

14)   Adjournment
The board meeting unanimously adjourned at 9:25 p.m.

______________________________
Roger Hall, Chair

______________________________
Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk
Lane Community College