David Barnett

This administrative procedure outlines the requirements for the Kern Community College District's Student Equity Plan. The plan mandates active involvement from constituent groups and community members, alongside campus-based research. It focuses on addressing institutional barriers and setting comprehensive goals for access, retention, degree/certificate completion, English as a Second Language (ESL) proficiency, and transfer for historically underrepresented groups. The plan is designed to be transformational, community-driven, meaningful, reflective, fluid, dynamic, and race-conscious, intended to inform other institutional plans and involve the braiding of funds across campuses.

Authorization was requested for the Chief Financial Officer to enter into an agreement between Kern Community College District, on behalf of Cerro Coso Community College, and The Foundation for California Community Colleges for TimelyCare, which provides telehealth and tele-mental health services. The agreement spans from September 16, 2023, through September 15, 2025, with a total cost of $200,600.00, to be paid from RP388 Restricted Grant funds.

The Kern Community College District's "Future Forward" 2025-2030 Strategic Plan focuses on culture, technology, and the physical environment to support students and employees. It prioritizes student success through mental health support, advising improvements, and flexible academic modalities. The plan also emphasizes technology to enhance advising, counseling, and career guidance, as well as creating supportive physical environments. For employees, the plan focuses on wellness initiatives, professional development, and leveraging technology for efficient workflows, while ensuring data privacy and ethical AI use.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. An adjustment was made to the agenda, removing item 7C. Public comments were heard, including concerns about unfair treatment from 21st Century Energy staff. An overview of the employee wellness survey results was presented, highlighting issues such as workload management, compensation, caregiving challenges, affordable housing, mental health, and community belonging. The board approved consent items related to business services, construction, educational services, and human resources. They also discussed and took action on items such as the reappointment of members to the bond oversight committee, authorization for funding requests, a memorandum of understanding for affordable housing, and declaring baseball college items as surplus property. Further discussions and authorizations were made regarding construction projects and agreements at various colleges within the district.

The Board of Trustees held a regular meeting where they received an update on Measure G and Measure J bond activities, including a review of the 2020-2021 financial and performance audits. The board also discussed and approved various business services and construction items, including agreements for the COVID Get Out the Vaccine campaign and restroom renovations. Additionally, they approved curriculum reports, authorized applications for grant programs, and discussed reports from various committees, including accreditation and facilities.