Kelly Joos

The board meeting addressed several key items, including the approval for trustees to participate remotely. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comments, where speakers advocated for faculty contract negotiations, addressed systemic fiscal concerns regarding administrative spending, and highlighted the importance of supporting part-time faculty with paid virtual office hours to ensure accreditation compliance. Additionally, the board received notice regarding a no-confidence vote by the Academic Senate.

The board meeting primarily focused on the composition of the Chancellor Search Committee, resulting in the approval of a 25-member committee structure that includes additional representatives from the Academic and Classified Senates. Additionally, the Board conducted a closed session regarding public employee discipline, dismissal, or release, and subsequently reported a decision to suspend the enforcement of a corrective action in an administrative determination pending an appeal review.

The agenda includes several closed session discussions concerning labor negotiations with various bargaining units, public employee discipline, real property negotiations, and updates on existing and anticipated litigation. Open session items feature reports from student representatives, academic and classified senates, and college presidents. The Board will review several policies related to accreditation, institutional planning, course repetition, student records, and financial aid. Additionally, resolutions will be addressed regarding design-build procurement processes for facility projects, commemorative months, and student trustee privileges. Business matters include curriculum proposals, out-of-country travel approvals, personnel transactions, and the approval of a profile for the chancellor search.

The committee discussed a budget adjustment regarding unspent funds being returned to the budget. The update of the webpage was addressed with no changes noted. The committee also clarified the intent of a new post-conference evaluation form, specifically regarding the reporting of actual expenses. Three travel funding requests were reviewed and approved, and the committee calculated the remaining budget balance after these disbursements.

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting to discuss and consider a memorandum of understanding (MOU) regarding an interjurisdictional exchange involving the Chancellor and the state Chancellor's Office. Several faculty members and union representatives provided public comments expressing strong opposition to the proposed MOU, citing concerns over the Chancellor's leadership, recent votes of no confidence, fiscal responsibility, and transparency in the decision-making process. Other speakers, including representatives from the Community College League of California, voiced support for the MOU, highlighting the potential benefits of the exchange for the state system.