LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
July 14, 2010
1. Attendance
Board members present: Pat Albright, Susie Johnston, Roger Hall, Gary LeClair, Tony McCown, and Sharon Stiles. Bob Ackerman was absent. Also present were: President Mary Spilde; Vice President Sonya Christian; Chief Financial Officer Greg Morgan; Lane Community College Education Association President Jim Salt; and Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin.
A. Chair Albright called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
B. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
Chair Albright opened nominations for chair of the board of education.
Johnston nominated McCown for chair of the board. Hall seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Chair McCown opened nominations for vice chair of the board of education.
Stiles nominated Johnston for vice chair. LeClair seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
1) Statements from Newly-elected Chair and Vice Chair
McCown thanked the board for the vote of confidence. There are a lot of exciting things coming up over the next twelve months.
Johnston thanked to everyone. It will be an exciting year, and she is looking forward to working with McCown.
C. President's Report
Congratulations to McCown and Johnston on your election as chair and vice chair in the coming year. I'd like to extend my appreciation to Albright for a great year of leadership.
I want to thank everyone who helped make graduation a success this year, including all the board members who attended, and the faculty, staff and students who organized our events, including our special celebration in Florence. All of our students will get a great start or second chance. Our students will do well because they have the advantage of getting a quality education from Lane Community College.
In Oregon, Governor Kulongoski exercised his executive authority to order a 9 percent across-the-board state budget cut to address the state's $577 million deficit. The impact to Lane is approximately $2.6 million, and you'll hear our plan for budget reductions later tonight. Democratic legislative leaders are not ruling out a special session but want to wait until Congress acts and until Oregon gets its next revenue forecast in late August. The reductions put the state's higher education spending below the "maintenance of effort" requirement set when the state received federal assistance from the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund, otherwise known as the stimulus bill. If the state does not restore $14 million to community colleges and universities or receive a federal waiver, it may lose an additional $570 million in federal assistance. To date, only 2 of 16 states that have requested waivers have been granted them.
Kulongoski also released the recommendations of the "Reset Cabinet," a group of advisors he appointed last September to look at how the state can best prepare itself to meet future demands. Much of the report addresses structural concerns with state government, including the university system. The report suggests tying student success to funding formulas and allowing schools to include institutional aid when determining Opportunity Grant award amounts. Many of the recommendations likely will be considered during the 2011 session.
Earlier today, Lane hosted local business owners and several county and state legislative and business leaders to promote local business services including Lane's Business Development Center, Lane Council of Governments grants, and Business Oregon. Jim Lindly, Brett Rowlett, and Representative Phil Barnhart's office coordinated the event.
And now I'd like to turn it over to Sonya Christian to talk about accreditation planning and revisions to the mission statement.
Christian reported that the accreditation workgroup conducted a series of workshops and looked at the mission statement. She distributed a document with four options for a revised statement. One of the key words consistent in all options is "accessible." Affordability and offering of programs needs to be considered. Christian described differences of each option and how they would change the mission statement. Another topic to consider is the partnership with community. She asked the board to consider these elements before adopting a mission statement in September and developing core themes for accreditation standards.
Christian turned the president's report back to Spilde.
I'm delighted to report that I achieved my final goal as chair of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) board before I stepped down on June 30. We hired Dr. Walter Bumphus to be the next president and CEO of AACC after a very careful six-month national search process. Bumphus is a proven leader with passion, energy and commitment. He currently is the A.M. Aikin Regents Chair in the Community College Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin and will succeed George Boggs in January.
I also wish success to "Ski" Sygielski, president of Mt. Hood Community College, who will chair the AACC board this year, keeping Oregon's prominence on the national community college map.
Before its July 4th recess, the US House of Representatives passed an amended supplemental appropriations bill, which includes $10 billion for education jobs and $4.95 billion for the Pell Grant shortfall. The bill now returns to the Senate for consideration later this month. President Obama again called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform legislation. He renewed his support for the DREAM Act and asked Congress to start the process and pass the DREAM Act this session of Congress. As you recall, Lane's board passed a resolution in January supporting passage of the DREAM Act, which would create a path to citizenship though education for millions of America's undocumented students.
I attended the National Sustainability Workshop in Washington DC last month. Closer to home, I attended a town hall with Oregon Representative Phil Barnhart in Eugene.
I concluded June by facing off against Judge Michael Hogan in our Iron Chef competition sponsored by the Lane Foundation. There is no easy way to put this. I lost.
Later this month I will be presenting at the American Public Transportation Association conference here in Eugene. I'll be talking about my involvement with the White House workforce development initiative and the sharing some perspectives on workforce and transit from my year as AACC chair.
For the sixth year running, we received the Government Finance Officers Association certificate of achievement in excellent reporting.
On July 22, Lane's Northwest Energy Education Institute is sponsoring a lecture by Robert Kennedy, Jr., at the McDonald Theatre. You are invited to the lecture and to the reception. Thanks to Roger Ebbage for hosting this event.
Some other events to keep in mind are the Health and Wellness Center grand opening on September 23 and the Harvest Dinner and Auction on October 27, where our guest chef will be Mary Karlin, founder and chef instructor at Ramekins Culinary School in Sonoma, California. Our co-chairs this year are Larry and Connie Hedberg.
I'd like to introduce Helen Garrett. Most of you know her as the Dean of Enrollment and Student Finance Services, but beginning July 1 she will be taking on the position of Executive Dean of Student Affairs. Taking her place in Enrollment Services on an interim basis will be John Hamblin, who is currently in a master's program. John participated in our Aspiring Leaders program and is the first person who was involved in that program to move into another position.
I'd also like to introduce Jennifer Falzarano, our first ever director of the International program.
1) June Highlights
June highlights at Lane Community College as offered in the board mailing were presented.
2) Personnel
The college's current personnel appointments were presented.
C. Board Agenda Review/Changes
Item 4.E., Downtown Campus, was moved to item 4.A.
D. Statements from Audience
No statements from the audience were offered.
2A. Consent Agenda
LeClair moved, and seconded by Albright, to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of:
- Approval of the June 9, 2010, Minutes
- Appointment of District School Clerk and Deputy Clerks
- Resolution No. 555, President's Annual Authorizations for FY 2009-2010
- Sim Man Purchase
- Building Automation System
- Office Equipment and Furnishings for Buildings 2, 4 & 5
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Policy Review
A. Second Reading
1. Global Governance Commitment, B.020
Hall moved, seconded by Stiles, to approve the second reading of board policy B.020, Global Governance Commitment.
Motion passed unanimously.
POLICY NUMBER: B.020
POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS
POLICY TITLE: GLOBAL GOVERNANCE COMMITMENT
The Board of Education, on behalf of the district, will work to ensure that Lane Community College achieves the appropriate results, at an appropriate cost, to advance the college vision, mission, core values, and strategic directions. The board shall avoid unacceptable actions and situations through the expression of its policies and be in compliance with Oregon Revised Statutes.
The Board will govern by policy. It will establish appropriate ends policies and executive direction policies and ensure that accountability measures are clearly identified and reported on a frequency and method chosen by the board.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: September 10, 2003
REVIEWED: October 10, 2007
REVIEWED: July 14, 2010
B. First Reading
1. Board Duties and Responsibilities, Educational Program, B.030
No changes were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in September.
POLICY NUMBER: B.030
POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS
POLICY TITLE: BOARD DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
The board of education shall:
- Approve all major academic, vocational, and technical programs of study, degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Approve major substantive changes in the college's mission, policies, and programs.
- Require reports and consider other presidential reports concerning the programs of the college.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
APPROVED: November 12, 2003
REVIEWED: November 6, 2007
1. Board Duties and Responsibilities, Appraisal and Evaluation of Operation,
B.030
No changes were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in September.
POLICY NUMBER: B.040
POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS
POLICY TITLE: BOARD DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: APPRAISAL
AND EVALUATION OF OPERATION
The board of education is ultimately responsible for the quality and integrity of the institution. It establishes broad institutional policies and delegates to the president the responsibility to implement and administer these policies.
The board of education shall:
- Regularly review and approve the college's vision, mission, and core values and ensure that they guide the operation of the college.
- Evaluate the performance of the organization and the quality of the educational program in terms of the vision, mission, and core values of the college.
- Ensure that the necessary resources are in place to provide for effective institutional research, evaluation, and planning processes
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
APPROVED: November 12, 2003
REVIEWED: November 6, 2007
Discussion/Action Items
A. Downtown Campus
1. Architectural services
Spilde explained that an architect request for proposal had been done. Two firms submitted proposals, and Robertson Sherwood Architects was selected. There were a few items in the proposal that put the overall amount above what was quoted in the feasibility study. Some services were removed that will not hurt the overall project, but there may be areas where money can be saved to add those services back as the project progresses.
Albright moved that Robertson Sherwood Architects of Eugene be awarded a contract in the amount of $3,834,238 for architectural services related to the construction of the new Downtown Campus. Stiles seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
2. Purchase of 10th and Charnelton Site from City of Eugene
Legal counsel has been in discussions with the City of Eugene regarding the transfer of the property for the new Downtown Campus. The Property Transaction Agreement is almost complete except for a few minor details. One issue that is still being resolved relates to an earlier environmental report that recommended contact with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The City of Eugene has followed up with the consultants who compiled the report, and they have submitted a letter to us stating that they do not believe that the DEQ would alter the "no further action status." They have contacted the DEQ, and this should be resolved very soon.
Hall moved to authorize the president to finalize the purchase agreement with the City of Eugene for the 10th and Charnelton site assuring that the City of Eugene has certified that all actions relating to environmental recommendations have been acted upon and responded to by the DEQ. LeClair seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Housing
After discussions held during tonight's work session, the college recommended including a plan for student housing at the Downtown Campus.
LeClair moved that the staff take the necessary steps to include student housing in the Downtown Campus project. Johnston seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
B. Board appointments to community organizations
Hall will continue to serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Foundation.
McCown will continue to serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Lane Council of Governments.
McCown will also serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Lane Economic Committee of the Lane Council of Governments.
Albright will serve as the Lane Community College representative to the Oregon Community College Association.
C. LCCEF Contract Ratification
Spilde informed the board that the college has reached agreement on a one-year bargain with the Lane Community College Employees Federation (LCCEF), and LCCEF members have ratified the contract.
LeClair moved to approve the one-year contract between the LCCEF and the Lane Community College Board of Education for July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Albright seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
D. Management Agreement
Spilde explained that the college has reached a one-year agreement with the management employees which includes similar provisions to the classified contract - a 1.6% salary adjustment and a move to a less expensive health insurance plan.
Albright moved to award the management group a settlement for July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011. Hall seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
4.E. Tuition Rebate 2009-10
Spilde reminded the board that this is part of an agreement which was made with the faculty that the college set aside funds and place them in reserve to be used if the Community College Support Fund was not reduced below its initial appropriation by March 31, 2010. One of the conditions was that the students would receive a tuition rebate. ASLCC proposed that the funds be used in ways that will give a long term benefit to students. Two elements of the tuition rebate include open education resources and a textbook adoption system.
Christian acknowledged the work of Lane's Open Educational Resources Team and especially ASLCC past president James Manning. She introduced Brad Hinson, Dean of Academic Technology, to explain Open Education Resources (OER).
Hinson explained that OER is a product of the internet which pumps information of all types straight to the desktop. The internet is redefining the industry, and specifically the printing and textbook industries. This represents a freedom from traditional textbook industry and uses valuable content of the internet as opposed to textbooks. Faculty can create courses that are textbook free. Textbooks are out of date as soon as published, and OER is on the internet and can stay current. This is a cutting edge, best practice in the field and could position Lane to be recognized at a state and national level.
McCown and Jeremy Riel, past ASLCC president and owner of Millennial Associates, also presented information on using OER at Lane. It is a system of creating, distributing and accessing knowledge. Several institutions are developing resources for their courses, including MIT and Foothill/DeAnza Community College District in California.
OER is a great opportunity which supports Lane's strategic directions. It aligns with our learning and innovation goals, and is a way for us to fulfill our mission and core values by providing greater access to information.
Board members felt that OER is an exciting project but wondered how to verify that information on the web is accurate and up to date.
Christian explained that there will be a two-fold approach to ensure that web information is correct. First of all, the point of contact is the instructor, who has qualifications to select educational materials as long as they meet standards of the course. Information literacy is not only being able to credit information but also to determine the bias of the provider of information. The same thing has to be transferred to the educational environment; therefore, the same protocols would apply to the virtual environment. Lane has also started a systematic research project being led by Mathematics instructor Ben Hill, who is working with the Director of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning, Craig Taylor. Phase one of the project, which compared several years of performance of online students versus classroom students, has been completed.
LeClair moved to approve the two elements of the tuition rebate plan with the intent of converting classes to using open education resources in the amount of $180,000 and developing a textbook adoption system in the amount of $10,000. Stiles seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
4.F. Budget Reductions
Spilde reminded the board that when the budget was approved last month, the board had asked the college to come back with recommendations for a balanced budget that considered the 9% state reductions and any other impacts of labor negotiations. Spilde stated that staff had reviewed revenue projections based on actuals from 2009-10 and concluded that estimates for growth, property taxes, and contributions from Enterprises could be revised upward. On the expense side, administration is recommending not filling some of the vacancies, reducing bad debt expense accrual from 3% to 2%, deferred maintenance and capital outlay reductions, and program reductions. The budget will be closely monitored to assess the necessity for program reductions.
5. Accountability/Reports
A. Benchmarks
Craig Taylor, Institutional Research, Assessment, and Planning director, responded to questions and comments on the following Benchmarks:
- Reasons for Attending Lane (New Credit Students)
- Students by Age Group - Fall Terms
- Credit Students: Gender and Enrollment Status - Fall Terms
- Race/Ethnicity of Students - Credit Students
B. Facilities Update
An update on the status of bond projects was presented to the board.
6. Reports
LCCEF President Bob Baldwin congratulated McCown on becoming board chair for 2010-11. He thanked the board for approving the classified contract. Baldwin was pleased with the contract and with the process. An arbitration was held recently and two more are scheduled. There has only been one arbitration in the prior eight years that Baldwin has been union president. It seems that we are not as effective in resolving day to day matters as we have been with contract negotiations. He hoped that with some effort general labor relations can be brought to the same light as contract negotiations of the past few years. Regarding the budget reductions, this may be the first time they have not been moved through the governance system. That may be another area which, if efforts were redoubled, might yield some benefits. Reading the paper on housing, Baldwin was concerned about prevailing wage rates and how they might apply. Labor played some significance on passing the bond and should be considered. Baldwin referred to board policy A.030, Treatment of Staff and had questions on the process staff should follow to take grievances to the board. This was brought up during a first reading, but his notes do not indicate that an answer was provided.
LCCEA President Jim Salt congratulated McCown and thanked Albright for his year of leadership. Last month the college and the association did not make any progress on bargaining, which means the faculty ended the year without an agreement. The proposal made by the college was very far from what the association has proposed. We are trying to move things forward, but have yet to make any real progress. He echoed Baldwin point regarding the budget reductions. Tonight was the first time Salt had any idea of what the college would be proposing. The college has a governance system that is supposed to be dealing with the numbers, and it did not. In terms of the process, Salt will continue to call on the college to incorporate the budget process into the governance system. The college has not proposed to use any of the $3.5 million profit that was generated last year and put into the reserve fund. Those funds were created by excessive sacrifices by groups last year. Profit will continue at the college as enrollment growth continues. The college is not proposing to use that any more than it has in the current budget. It is inappropriate for the college to threaten layoffs of faculty. If this is the position, then the administration is out of touch with the faculty and the community. LCCEA elections were held. Stacy Kiser was reelected secretary, and Salt was reelected president.
Vice President Sonya Christian thanked Albright, who was fully engaged with the work of the college as board chair. Lane had recently applied for a grant from the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU). A visit was held with an AACU evaluator, who was amazed at the vibrance on campus during these hard times and felt that Lane was in a different league compared to other schools. She thanked faculty, staff, and management for collectively creating an environment that transforms our students.
Chief Financial Officer Greg Morgan reported that Operations has been busy this year with all of the facilities work that is happening. The Bookstore is working to expand resources with OERs and is hoping to save the students some money. By law, they are required to give students more information on textbooks so that they can look at other resources. Morgan responded to Salt's comments regarding the reserve fund, stating that the surplus from last year was still a very narrow margin for an organization of our size.
Board Reports
LeClair stated that health care and insurance coverage are changing dramatically. With the increased cost of medical services and insurance premiums, people have to pick up more of their own health care costs. The idea that employers can cover everything is not realistic, though it once might have been.
Hall thanked Albright for his work as board chair. Regarding the mission statement, he wondered at what point do we take out the statement that the college provides affordable education, since that is no longer true for the majority of our students.
Albright stated that one of the reasons he ran for the board position was to continue efforts to obtain stable and adequate funding, and he will continue to do so. However, even though community colleges are getting increased recognition, the funding has decreased. He looks forward to working with OCCA.
Stiles thanked Albright for leading board over the past year. She attended the scholarship night in Florence and expressed appreciation for Spilde's attendance. The Opening Doors campaign in Florence is going very well. She attended graduation, which was inspiring.
Johnston thanked Albright for the great job he did as board chair this past year and congratulated McCown for his election as chair. She looks forward to working as vice chair of this board and vice chair of the OCCA Executive Committee as well. She attended graduation and sat next to Cara DiMarco, who was the faculty speaker and was also Johnston's first instructor here at Lane. It is exciting to see all of the construction on campus and the changes.
McCown thanked Albright for his leadership and he looks forward to chairing the board this year. He informed board members that the new Downtown Campus promotional video is now online at http://2011sitearchive.lanecc.edu/dc/video.html, and it includes Spilde, Mayor Kitty Piercy, and Dave Hauser from the Eugene Chamber of Commerce.
7. Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for the Next Regular Meeting
Wednesday, September 8, 6:30 pm, Boardroom, Building 3, Lane Community College
8. The board meeting unanimously adjourned at 8:33 p.m.
| _____________________________ | _____________________________ |
|
| Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk | Tony McCown, Board Chair |
