LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING - July 13, 2005
1. Attendance
Board members present: Jay Bozievich, Roger Hall, Paul Holman, Susie Johnston, Larry Romine, Michael Rose. Pat Riggs-Henson attended the meeting by conference call. Also present were: President Mary Spilde; Vice Presidents Marie Matsen and Sonya Christian; Executive Assistant to the President Tracy Simms; College Counsel Joseph Leahy; Lane Community College Education Association President Jim Salt; Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin; and Associated Students of Lane Community College President Jeremy Riel.
A. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm. B. Oath of Office Administered to New Board Members
President Spilde administered the Oath of Office to Paul Holman, Zone 1; Susie Johnston, Zone 4; and Pat Riggs-Henson, Zone 3.C. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Chair Holman opened nominations for chair of the board of education.
Bozievich nominated Roger Hall for chair of the board. Rose seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Chair Hall took his place as chair and opened nominations for vice chair of the board of education.
Holman nominated Michael Rose. Johnston seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
1) Statements
Hall thanked the board members for electing him as chair. He hopes to continue true collegiality among the board, further develop the college governance model, and develop a five-year plan for the college.
D. President’s Report
The president welcomed newly elected board members, stating that she looks forward to working with them for at least the next four years. Spilde also congratulated Roger Hall and Michael Rose on their election as chair and vice chair.
Spilde introduced Alex Cuyler, recycling analyst for the City of Eugene and President of the Association of Oregon Recyclers who presented the Recycler of the Year Award to the college. Spilde acknowledged that it takes every single person at the college to make this possible, and she especially thanked Mike Simms, Jennifer Hayward, Rick Venturi and his staff and students who make this happen on a daily basis, as well as Marie for her leadership on sustainability issues.
The president reported spending most of Monday in Salem and was glad that Susie Johnston also attended. They heard a presentation by James Sager, the Governor’s education advisor, regarding the governor’s new proposal and an update about the status of budget negotiations in the legislature. The House passed out a budget of $434 million through the formula with no capital. The Senate passed out a budget of $424 through the formula and is supportive of capital. It seems the community college budget is being caught in the crossfire between the House and Senate. The House is not happy with us because they think we sold them out and agreed to a lower number from the Senate. This is not the case. It looks right now that the Senate democrats and the Governor are our best allies. How quickly things change! The Governor is supporting capital and has removed his opposition to increasing the Senate number. Also, we are hearing the Senate is trying to increase our number. We met with most of our legislators and tried to impress upon them the need for a higher number and capital construction projects.
The Governor’s proposal would take effect in the 07-09 biennium. It is built upon three principles and will reverse the disinvestment in post-secondary education and workforce-training, provide stability and predictability for P-12, and ensure educational opportunities are available throughout every stage of an Oregonian’s life.
- Predictability: Creates a floor of 61 percent of General Fund Revenues for education spending (rather than a 51 percent of Personal Income Tax Revenues cap) and appropriates, each biennium, at least 110 percent of the previous biennium’s appropriation to education.
- Stability: Provides that the excess between the 61 percent of revenues and the 110 percent appropriation be divided in thirds, allocating 2/3 to the Education Stability Fund for use as a rainy day fund for the entire education system during economic downturns when revenues don’t earn the 10 percent.
- Investment: Provides that the excess between the 61 percent of revenues and the 110 percent appropriation is divided in thirds, allocating 1/3 to the Education Opportunity and Innovation Fund, which includes the entire education enterprise, and the Joint Boards of Education will be charged with apportioning the funds. The PK-12 portion is called the Successful Schools Fund. The post-secondary education portion of the Fund is called the Post-Secondary Academic and Workforce Investment Fund.
Other components of the Governor’s plan include:
- Dedicating revenues from both the Personal Income Tax and the Corporate Income Tax, as opposed to Personal Income Tax Revenues only.
- Capping resident tuition increases at Oregon universities and community colleges at no more than the annual increase in the Oregon Median Family Income (MFI).
- Increasing the cap on the Education Stability Fund from 5 percent of General Fund Revenues to 10 percent of General Fund Revenues, which will provide revenues to fully fund one biennium of zero growth. (The referral – SJR 2 – was pre-session filed by Sen. Schrader and passed the Senate 26-3. It also passed out of House Revenue with a "do pass" and is currently in House State and Federal Affairs.)
- Including provisions of SB 639-A, which pools insurance for education workers throughout Oregon, and provisions of SB 765-A, which consolidates educational service districts in Oregon.
- Including a two-year "Portland Fix" to allow Portland Public Schools to continue to keep a portion of property tax revenues (as they currently do). This would allow Portland citizens to vote on a local option in a general election.
Spilde is generally supportive of this plan because it does offer some predictability and stability. There is a lot of talk about the fact that it is very late in the session but it is a fairly straightforward plan. Regardless of whether this gets traction this session, the Governor plans to build his next budget on this plan. It will be important for us to get the best number this session because that will affect what we get next time.
The Governor will be on campus next Tuesday to talk about his plan.
The president thanked Marie for holding down the fort while she was gone. Sonya was out of town, Donna also had to leave and then Patrick had a ruptured appendix and is still recovering, so it was a busy time for those left standing!
We are now a member of the Orbis Cascade Alliance. This is a library consortium serving private and public colleges and universities in Washington and Oregon. It will mean that our students will have access to the library materials from all the members. We believe this will be a real benefit to students as well as helping the college meet accreditation requirements.
Again this year we have two students, Renee Dickson and Sheri Sumantri who received the Coca Cola Scholarship.
I have been appointed for a three-year term to the AACC Commission on Economic and Workforce Development by the chair of AACC. The meetings coincide with meetings I was already attending so it won’t take me off campus any additional time.
Larry Romine, Lane Board of Education member and former director of public relations at Lane from 1966-92, has published an article in the summer 2005 issue of the Lane County Historian. "Robert Hamill: LCC's Forgotten President, 1968-69" remembers Hamill, who was appointed when founding President Dale Parnell left to become state superintendent of education.
Finally, I have had informal conversations with you about how we position ourselves for the future development of this area. We have found in talking to the County and others that it is unlikely that this area will be developed in the near future and they are clear that we would be a critical partner in discussions about the development of the area so I am recommending that we do nothing at this point but continue to pay attention to how his might unfold. Bob Mention has prepared this memo and is here to answer any questions you might have.
1) June Highlights
June 2005 Highlights at Lane Community College as offered in the board mailing were presented.
2) Personnel
The college’s current personnel appointments and retirements were presented.
PUBLIC HEARING
a. The board meeting recessed, and the public hearing was called to order at 6:55 p.m.
b. Statements from the Audience
No statements were offered from the audience.
c. Sale of Cottage Grove 5th Street Center
Leahy gave details on the pending sale of Lane’s former Cottage Grove Center, the provisions of which are set forth in the Earnest Money agreement included in the board mailing. The sale agreement was proposed with minor changes.
Romine moved, seconded by Rose, to authorize the sale of the Cottage Grove 5th Street Center upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Earnest Money agreement with the following changes:
- That the Earnest Money be increased from $1,000 to $5,000;
- That the buyer finish the inspections and submit a statement regarding satisfaction by July 30, 2005;
- That the buyer present evidence from the lending institution that she qualifies for a loan in the amount of $175,000.
Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing adjourned, and the board meeting reconvened at 7:05 pm.
E. Board Agenda Review/Changes
A revised agenda was distributed adding Resolution No. 499 Authorizing Budget Transfers for 2004-2005, and Resolution No. 503 Inadequate State Funding to Community Colleges.
F. Statements from Audience
Sara Sumner, Vice President of ASLCC, stated that students have expressed concern over some of the language in the tuition policy, and they would like the proposed language changes to be considered in the governance process.
Dennis Shine, departing board member, congratulated the newly-elected and reelected board members and read his letter as printed in Springfield News.
Lisa Nelson, student, voiced concern about Lane’s Friday closures during summer term.
2. Consent Agenda
Romine moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the following. Bozievich seconded.
- Approval of June 8 and 23, 2005, Minutes
- Appointment of District School Clerk and Deputy Clerks
- Resolution No. 502, President’s Annual Authorizations for FY 2005-06
- Southwest Parking Lot Upgrade
- Longhouse Architects
- Resolution No. 499 Authorizing Budget Transfers for 2004-2005
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Policy Review
A. Second Reading: Tuition, D.110
Holman moved to approve the second reading of board policy D.110, Tuition. Bozievich seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
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.
ADOPTED: November 13, 2002
REVISED: July 27, 2004
REVISED: July 13, 2005
4. Discussion/Action Items
A. Resolution No. 503 - Inadequate State Funding to Community Colleges
Spilde stated that, unfortunately, due to changes in state funding, the college has had to increase tuition in order to maintain the program levels that students and the community want. It would be helpful for the board to make a statement to legislators asking that community colleges get a fair share of the budget. Students deserve to have access to education at an affordable price.
Roger Hall read the resolution aloud for public understanding of the issue.
Holman moved to adopt the resolution. Seconded by Riggs-Henson.
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Strategic Conversation Report
The notes from the strategic conversation on economic development were reviewed. Spilde stated that we will keep the board updated as this report changes.
C. Board Appointments to Community Organizations
Hall will continue to serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Foundation.
Johnston will serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Lane Council of Governments.
Bozievich will continue to serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Lane Economic Committee of the Lane Council of Governments.
Rose will continue to serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Oregon Community College Association.
Riggs-Henson will serve as the Lane Community College representative to Centro Latino Americano.
D. Strategic Investments
Spilde reminded the board that during the budget process, it was decided that the college would approach the board for one-time strategic investments to ensure a 4 percent increase in enrollment. The recommendations described are those that are essential for fall term. Additional requests will be presented at a later time.
Christian stated that the college will focus on areas of low cost and high demand. Work has begun with Portland Community College to coordinate transfer classes, and we are also looking to increase continuing education classes, as well as lower division transfer offerings.
Romine moved to accept the investment in strategic projects. Holman seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
E. Budget Process 2006-07
Spilde pointed out a few changes in the Budget Development Calendar and then explained that we need a plan in place that will work whether or not there is a budget deficit. The board indicated a couple of areas that need to be changed on the calendar, but agreed that this is the right approach.
F. Election Canvas
Motion made by Romine to accept the election abstracts, seconded by Rose.
Motion passed unanimously.
G. President’s Evaluation and Contract
The board has conducted the annual performance evaluation of President Mary Spilde. Holman read a summary of the board evaluation stating that Spilde received an evaluation of outstanding performance for the fourth straight year.
Bozievich moved to accept the evaluation and to authorize the board chair and vice-chair to determine any changes needed in the contract. Romine seconded.
The board agreed that the college is privileged to have a leader of this caliber.
Motion passed unanimously.
5. Accountability/Reports
A. Benchmarks
Craig Taylor, Institutional Research and Planning director, presented key benchmarks relating to staff and student FTE.
B. Community Learning Center Update
Tim Craig, Workforce Development and Community Education executive director, gave an update on Community Learning Centers. Enrollments are strong in Thurston and Willamette. Junction City had a good increase due to Country Coach training. There is a concern that McKenzie and Oakridge are not showing big FTE numbers, but they are also the most rural.
C. Treatment of Staff, A.030
Dennis Carr, Human Resources executive director, delivered the report on Treatment of Staff. He focused on the directive regarding grievances and resolution of conflict in that it is the intent of the college and the board to keep the specifics of these cases confidential. The college acknowledges that we need to do a better job of acquainting staff with their rights, such as publicize through posters, diversity council, and Kate Barry’s area. We also need to ensure that contact people on posters are well trained in dealing with complaints and workers’ rights.
6. Reports
ASLCC President Jeremy Riel thanked the board for passing the resolution on tuition. ASLCC will be making recommendations to the governance process. The OSAC budget was passed by the senate at a higher amount than requested, which means that the opportunity grant can be available to all eligible students for both first and second years. Fifty to seventy-five student leaders from around Oregon attended the Student Executive Management Training in June. The Fall Kickoff is scheduled for September 22, 2005. ASLCC will be hosting a barbecue to connect with new and returning students. ASLCC has acquired a student gathering area in the cafeteria and will start furnishing it this summer.
LCCEF President Bob Baldwin welcomed new board members and offered congratulations to the new chair and vice-chair. Baldwin reminded ASLCC that tuition did not increase for many years in the 1990s, and the level is about where it would be if tuition had been increased on a regular basis. Regarding treatment of staff, Baldwin stated that the number of grievances has substantially increased from couple of years ago. He recognized that our staff members are highly professional in dealing with harassment complaints and other related policies. The college has set their standards far above ADA and other standards. Overall treatment of staff is fine.
LCCEA President Jim Salt welcomed new board members and congratulated Hall and Rose on their new offices. Salt reiterated Baldwin’s point that disclosing information on grievances, such as how many and what kind, is acceptable as long as the information is not specific. Grievances by faculty union were down this year. The college and LCCEA were unable to reach a bargaining agreement before expiration of the current contract. The parties are still at the table and committed to bringing it to an agreeable conclusion. Salt distributed a salary study done by LCCEA. One item of concern to the association is that the college has taken a legalistic approach to bargaining and yet is attempting to remain collaborative.
Vice President Sonya Christian listed highlights from the Office of Instruction and Student Services report.
- This year’s graduation ceremony was well attended by faculty. The ceremony was made interesting by the ending processional and bagpiper. A special thank you to Enrollment Services and the staff of Student Life and Leadership Development for coordinating a great event.
- This summer’s enrollment in the Rites of Passage program is the largest in ten years. The board was invited to the closing ceremony August 5th.
- Faculty and staff from Learning Communities, Student Success and Goal Attainment (SAGA), and the Sustainability and Learning Group spent a week at the Washington Summer Institute at Evergreen Community College to develop a First Year Experience program to implement for students at Lane.
- The ISS leadership team wants to formally acknowledge managers for their work this year. In addition, they would like to thank Mary for all of her support during the hard month of June, as the team had a string of family health issues to get through. They are looking forward to the rest of the summer to rest, reflect, have fun, and plan for the next academic year.
Vice President Marie Matsen welcomed the new board members and ASLCC president, Jeremy Riel. She is looking forward to working with student leadership this year. The budget office is working on year-end and has made progress in getting the new budget out. The deferred maintenance projects this summer are the Center Building roof, Center ductwork renovation, and lots of smaller projects. The major construction project is the Health Clinic. KLCC’s annual garden tour was held in June and was a big success. Over 1,700 attended, and the net revenue was over $18,000.
Board Reports
Johnston thanked everyone for support during the election and kind welcoming comments. Having attended graduation and the garden tour, she agreed that both events were successful.
Rose mentioned that not all grievances have merit, and he would rather see a report on the outcome rather than the number. He would like to hear more about what is going on in the classrooms.
Bozievich echoed Rose on grievance numbers--more important is how serious and what the outcomes are.
Holman agreed that outcome on grievances is most important. He also believes that the less threatening it is to come forward, the more grievances we will get.
Hall congratulated and welcomed Johnston, Riggs-Henson, and Holman. He is looking forward to working together this year.
7. Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for the Next Regular Meeting
Wednesday, September 14, 2005, Boardroom, Building 3, Lane Community College. (No meeting in August)
8. Suggested Agenda Items for Future Board Meetings
Hall would like to have a planning work session scheduled.
9. The board meeting unanimously adjourned at 9:10 pm.
| _____________________________ | _____________________________ |
| Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk | Roger Hall, Chair |
