Laurie Allen-Requa

The meeting addressed several critical technology areas. Key discussions included clarifying the process for student AI research proposals, updates on Distance Education planning, and recommendations for standardizing Cloud Computing Software purchasing across colleges. Reports covered improvements to the online search tool, progress on the College of Alameda website rebuild, and the need to comply with WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. Discussions also covered challenges with Institutional Research data infrastructure, including Oracle Cloud migration and network reliability issues, necessitating external DBA support. The committee reviewed the Procter Center for potential use related to CSU/UC policy changes and began inventorying technology impacts related to potential district unification. Furthermore, plans were detailed for rolling out Google AI tools (Gemini, NotebookLM) and an assessment of the necessary District network refresh, estimated at $34 million, including addressing security camera infrastructure.

The meeting included a Closed Session to address labor negotiations with the Peralta Federation of Teachers and SEIU 1021, a public employee performance evaluation for the Chancellor, and conference with legal counsel regarding multiple cases. The Open Session covered the Pledge of Allegiance, reports from associated student government and various senates, and the Chancellor's reports. Informational items included the sunshining of collective bargaining agreements with SEIU Local 1021. Action items encompassed the review and approval of the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 Annual Peralta Colleges Foundation Audit Report, approvals related to out-of-state travel, ratification of service contracts, amendments to workforce program fund allocations, acceptance of a grant agreement, approvals for sabbaticals and course changes, authorization for hazardous material sampling and construction change orders, approval of a budget transfer report, and the adoption of a resolution authorizing participation in the California Peace Officer Standards and Training Program.

The event celebrated the groundbreaking for the new Library and Learning Resource Center, and the construction kickoff for the locker room project and the theater project. Remarks were made emphasizing the significance of these projects for student learning, access, and success. The Library and Learning Resource Center is intended to house traditional library services, a teaching and learning center, media center, tutoring center, and collaboration spaces. The locker room project addresses historical inequities by providing dedicated facilities for women's athletic programs, moving beyond the initial Title IX compliance focus to a full makeover for all students. The theater project includes renovations and ADA compliance updates for the Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center, and the addition of a black box theater rehearsal space. The visual and performing arts programs will also benefit from a new gallery space, positioning the college as a center for an arts hub in Oakland.

The meeting, held at Berkeley City College, included initial proceedings such as roll call and agenda approval. Public communication featured a faculty instructor raising concerns regarding delays in security upgrades for the athletic fieldhouse renovation, following a tragic incident, noting that promised security measures like door and perimeter upgrades were incomplete, leading to temporary relocation of athletic and cash departments. The study session included welcoming remarks from the Berkeley City College President, who announced the completion of the new BCC West building and its scheduled opening in Fall 2026. A primary presentation updated the board on the district's community safety model, emphasizing a holistic, trauma-informed, and equity-focused approach. Key components discussed included environmental safety improvements (lighting, foliage reduction, area cleanup), provision of extensive training (de-escalation, active threat response), and leveraging technology such as the Rave mobile safety system integration with landlines, and the Peralta Safety app.

The meeting featured the Chancellor's Report, which initially included updates related to international students and college reports. A key discussion point was the rescission of the July 6th Trump order concerning international students' residency status following ICE ramifications, which was reported as a positive development amidst challenging times. The report also detailed budget loading procedures, confirming budgets were loaded by July 1st and notifications were sent. College reports highlighted significant activities: Berkeley City College reported welcoming a new interim dean, hosting a well-attended Town Hall focusing on transparency, and organizing a student-led community circle regarding racial justice and the pandemic. Berkeley City College also noted progress on professional development for a flex day centered on equity. College of Alameda reported on its consistent distribution of approximately 2,600 meals and 230 produce boxes weekly through community partnerships, injecting significant funds into local restaurants, and recognized staff efforts in maintaining high-quality online services since the pandemic began, including extensive faculty training for online instruction. Laney College reported growing efforts to address food insecurity, distributing around 800 meals and 180 produce boxes weekly, and highlighted progress on the Online Education Initiative Career Pathways grant focused on improving online CTE pathways and student success, including faculty training and creating pathways for English language learners. College of Alameda also shared a video about its efforts to build and sustain online CTE pathways. College of Alameda concluded its report by noting the critical timing of the grant due to the pandemic-accelerated transition to online learning.