Palo Verde College

The board meeting addressed several critical issues, including the formation of an ad hoc committee to investigate complaints against board members. Students presented testimonies regarding a hostile campus environment, concerns over the elimination of specific student programs, and potential issues surrounding the consolidation of graduation ceremonies. Additionally, representatives from faculty and staff associations provided updates regarding ongoing contract negotiations, emphasizing unresolved issues related to salaries, benefits, and working conditions.

The meeting included public commentary regarding the personnel and professional history of an Associate Dean. A significant portion of the session focused on a detailed report regarding the Upward Bound federal grant, including allegations of non-compliance, unauthorized suspension of services, failures in federal reporting, and retaliatory actions by district human resources and administration. The speaker requested a formal board investigation into the handling of whistleblower complaints, unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, and the district's adherence to federal grant and board policy requirements.

The meeting commenced with a Closed Session followed by an Open Session. During public comment prior to the Closed Session, significant concerns were raised regarding the Upward Bound TRIO program, federal compliance, alleged retaliation against the program director, and potential grant termination. Following the Closed Session, an ad hoc committee was formed to investigate complaints concerning two Board members. Key discussions in Open Session involved approving prior meeting minutes, public comment on non-agenda items which included concerns about the closure of the Puente program and the proposal to consolidate the Needles Educational Center graduation ceremony into Blythe. Reports covered ongoing contract negotiations between PVCCA/CTA and the District, ASG activities, and updates on administrative services, including the distribution of 30 laptops to students. Superintendent/President Dr. Moses presented an update on Instructional Services Agreements (ISA) revenue, noting its significance but also its unsustainable nature, emphasizing the need to diversify revenue through local learners and noncredit offerings. Faculty representatives reported on new mirrored noncredit/credit courses designed as on-ramps for students and ongoing curriculum development. Trustee McNeil stressed the critical need for a structured strategic plan for future growth, particularly concerning Career Technical Education. Additionally, the results of the Fall 2025 Employee Climate Survey were presented.

The meeting included a closed session covering labor negotiations, public employee discipline/dismissal/release, public employee performance evaluation, and consultation with legal counsel regarding existing litigation. In the open session, the Board released a Classified Administrator from closed session action. Key agenda items involved discussions regarding a provisional trustee appointment, which ultimately resulted in a motion to call for a Special Election since no candidate received the required majority vote. The Board then attempted to conduct its Annual Organizational Meeting to elect officers for 2026, but failed to elect a Board President, resulting in the Vice President assuming presidential duties temporarily, and suspending subsequent officer elections. Discussions also addressed the approval of the first two months (January and February) of the 2026 meeting schedule. Significant time was dedicated to reports from employee groups (PVCCA/CTA and CSEA), highlighting faculty concerns regarding compensation, workload, and serious safety issues related to teaching in prison facilities, as well as the progress of the Umoja Task Force, which detailed plans for a Umoja Scholars Program Certificate of Achievement and curriculum grounding. Action items included approving four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with PVCCA/CTA for extra duty compensation and approving an amendment to an agreement with Cambridge West Partnership, LLC for assistance in transitioning to zero-based budgeting, noting a delay in full implementation until FY 2026-27.

The Special Board Meeting convened with a Closed Session followed by an Open Session. During the public comment period for closed session items, multiple individuals addressed the Board regarding serious concerns. One speaker formally reported a violation of whistleblower protection policy (BP/AP 7700), citing instances of retaliation after reporting issues to various agencies, and requested mandatory training on whistleblower protections for all personnel. Another speaker, representing an anonymous student, expressed concerns about institutional issues, trust, safety, and program handling. The Student Trustee also addressed the Board, clarifying previous statements regarding transparency, program changes (like Puente), and advocating for a specific candidate for a new trustee position, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved student inclusion. A subsequent public comment expressed strong support for the Puente program, condemned actions perceived as harmful to the community, and threatened job-related action against those responsible, urging administrative staff to refocus on student needs. In Closed Session, the Board discussed anticipated litigation involving one matter. Upon reconvening to Open Session, the Board reported that an investigation would be conducted as action taken in Closed Session.