Mt San Jacinto Community College District

The board meeting involved the pledge of allegiance, roll call, and the approval of the agenda. A discussion was held regarding the presidential search committee and the transition to the new president, Dr. Tonnie Dodson. Public comments were shared by faculty and staff concerning a recent roofing project at the campus library, which caused chemical exposure to students and staff, necessitating the relocation of academic services. The board heard reports from members regarding recent campus visits, including student success programs, art dedications, and various graduation celebrations.

The meeting centered on the appointment of a new Superintendent President for the college. A public comment was delivered in support of a specific candidate, highlighting the importance of addressing structural inequities between full-time and associate faculty. The Board subsequently deliberated and voted unanimously to offer the position to Dr. Tawny Dotson, authorizing the Board Chair to negotiate contract terms. The search process, conducted with the assistance of an external search firm, was discussed, acknowledging the contribution of search committee members and the outgoing Superintendent President.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, a closed session regarding real property negotiations, potential litigation, labor negotiations with CSEA, CTA, and CWA, and public employee discipline. Reports were provided by trustees, the student government association regarding advocacy and constitution updates, and the academic senate regarding faculty handbook revisions and beautification initiatives. Trustees discussed the president's honor roll, the presidential search, and expressed concerns about campus beautification differences. There was also a mention of a peaceful protest planned by the student council.

The board meeting covered several key items, including an update to the agenda, a closed session to discuss property negotiations, an audit by the State Auditor's office, legal counsel, and labor negotiations with the California School Employees Association, the California Teachers Association, and the Communication Workers of America. Additionally, reports were presented by trustees and constituent groups, including the Student Government Association and the classified senate, with discussions regarding professional development programs, emergency building captain protocols, and student initiatives.

The meeting agenda included the approval of minutes from the regular meeting of January 15, 2026, and the adoption of revisions to the agenda itself. Revisions involved correcting job classifications for management leadership job descriptions, adding an out-of-state travel request for early March 2026, and correcting job titles and contract dates for administrative contracts. The board then entered a closed session to discuss an audit by the California State Auditor's Office, conferences with labor negotiators for CSCA, CTA, and CWA, a conference with legal counsel regarding potential litigation, a conference with a real property negotiator, and matters concerning public employee discipline. Upon reconvening, no items were reported out of closed session. Trustee reports covered recent events such as ribbon cuttings for Studio 215 and the new STEM building in Menifee, attendance at the annual conference in Sacramento, and the ACCT convention in Washington D.C., where Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Career Technical Education (CTE) were noted as major themes for community colleges. Another trustee reported on attending the Paris Skill Center ribbon cutting and the Paris Union High School District State of the District event, alongside updates on the women's basketball team championship and honor roll achievements. Trustee reports also detailed the ongoing presidential search committee process, noting all 18 participants attended the initial meeting, reviewed ground rules, and signed confidentiality agreements. The Student Trustee reported on attending the legislative conference in Sacramento, the STEM building ribbon cutting, securing funding for a "Tea with the Student Trustee" event series, and the Student Government Association Executive Council passing a resolution in support of mandating anti-racism training for all California community colleges. The Student Trustee also expressed significant concerns regarding the removal of the previous Student Government Association President and advocated for establishing a judicial branch within student governance to handle future constitutional concerns collaboratively.