Long Beach City College

The meeting included public comments predominantly concerning Item 1.5, which involved a faculty member, Dr. Kashara Moore, facing potential termination following an incident during a commencement ceremony on June 9th. Speakers strongly advocated against termination, citing Dr. Moore's decade of satisfactory evaluations, dedication to students, and significant contributions to the college and faculty associations. Concerns were raised regarding due process, the impartiality of the internal investigation, and the perception that the potential termination constitutes retaliation against labor activism or targeting a Black female faculty member. Speakers urged the Board to consider restorative justice and to recognize that imposing termination for an alleged unintentional physical contact would negatively impact faculty morale and the college's commitment to equity.

The meeting included preliminary discussions and movement into a closed session to discuss negotiation items related to the LBCCFA chair and LBCCCE of T. Upon reconvening, the meeting included the Pledge of Allegiance and a Land Acknowledgment recognizing the Gabrielino Tongva peoples. Public comments focused on upcoming collective bargaining with part-time faculty, noting concerns regarding increased pay, healthcare, re-employment rights, and disciplinary procedures following a recent firing. The Board approved the minutes of the previous regular meeting held on January 25, 2023, and publicly disclosed initial bargaining proposals for both LBCCFA and Chai. Key agenda items involved adopting a resolution recognizing Black History Month and honoring the LBCC Theater Department for receiving the James Ackerman Crystal Arts and Humanitarian Award. Standing reports covered updates from the ASB President, including a successful movie screening and progress on student appointments to committees; the Student Trustee reported on attending state and federal conferences to advocate for student issues, including sharing a personal story of family reunification. The Academic Senate President reported on new program approvals, commendations for SLO work, and initiating a constitutional bylaw review. Bargaining updates were provided by LBCCFA and AFT representatives regarding initial negotiation proposals covering faculty evaluations, service load, grievance procedures, and retirement benefits. The Superintendent President reported on the energetic start to the spring semester, celebrating Black Heritage Month events, and LBCC receiving the CEO Diversity Award.

The meeting included an audio test for the live stream at the beginning. The regular meeting, held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to updated Brown Act requirements, involved taking roll call after the President called the meeting to order. The agenda included a closed session item concerning the public employee performance evaluation of the superintendent president. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to honoring Trustee Doug Otto, who was concluding 16 years of service on the board before transitioning to the Long Beach Unified School District Board. Several colleagues and community leaders provided tributes highlighting his impact, advocacy for students, leadership in initiatives like the Long Beach College Promise Program, bond measure campaigns, and his commitment to education at local, state, and national levels. Recognition was also given to Mr. Bernard Luskin for his guidance during the closed session evaluation.

The meeting began with the call to order and roll call, followed by a brief period for public comments on closed session items. The board then recessed into a closed session to discuss real property negotiations and personnel matters. Upon reconvening in open session, the board addressed public comments concerning item 4.12, which appeared to relate to a motion for censure against a fellow trustee for alleged blasphemous behavior, sparking considerable discussion about appropriate conduct and legal implications. The board approved the minutes from the July 24th, 2019 regular Board of Trustee meeting. In the Superintendent President's report, achievements were highlighted, including the largest graduating class in LBCC history, significant increases in associate degree and certificate awards, particularly for specific demographic groups, and the successful negotiation of three union contracts while avoiding a $10.7 million budget cut. Furthermore, successes included securing funding for a new PCC parking structure and establishing a Multicultural Office and an Office of Basic Needs. The return of trades curricula and positive enrollment trends were also noted. The meeting concluded with the playing of promotional videos.

The document details public commentary during what appears to be a trustee meeting or candidate forum for the Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees. The first speaker, Vivian Mileatlou, shared extensive personal background emphasizing overcoming poverty, valuing education, and her multidisciplinary professional experience including being a teacher, freelance writer, journalist, and longshore worker. She stressed the importance of supporting students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring traditional academia suits all pathways. The second speaker, Joe Greenwood, identified three key areas for the board to address based on his experience in business development and operations management: fiscal viability concerning emerging technologies and optimal training modality (online vs. classroom), funding for college readiness and remediation programs (like Long Beach Promise), and strategies to keep students enrolled until graduation, noting that financial constraints often extend completion times. The overall discussion theme was on strategic planning, community engagement, and student success.