LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Minutes - June 14, 2006
1) Attendance
Board members present: Jay Bozievich, Roger Hall, Paul Holman, Susie Johnston, Pat Riggs-Henson, Larry Romine, and Michael Rose. Also present were: President Mary Spilde; Vice Presidents Marie Matsen and Sonya Christian; Executive Assistant to the President Tracy Simms; College Counsel Meg Kieran; Lane Community College Employees Association President Jim Salt; and Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin.
A. Chair Hall called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.
B. President’s Report
We are looking forward to closing out the budget development process for this year, and at the same time we are beginning the work to assess this year’s process and improve it for next year. We are in the middle of the work to reassign staff whose positions have been eliminated. It is a complex and painful process, and I am very grateful for the amazing work that Dennis Carr and the Human Resources staff are doing to support staff. I am also grateful to Bob Baldwin and his leadership team who have been working collaboratively with us to try to achieve the best solutions for the staff and the college.
A couple of weeks ago the Oregon presidents met with the Governor. He fully intends to dedicate 61 percent of the general fund to K-20 with a 10 percent increase for community colleges plus another $9 million of investment funds. He intends to continue this in the following biennium. Assuming that happens, we would be at $528 million the biennium after next. I let the Governor know that we appreciated his attention to community colleges but pointed out that while it will help in the long run, in the meantime, community colleges were decimating their infrastructure. The Governor also mentioned the state distribution formula in relation to Central Oregon Community College. This just means that we must prepare for another legislative attempt to change the current formula. We also met with co-chair of Ways and Means, Kurt Schrader, who was not entirely optimistic about additional funds.
It is hard to believe that we are at the end of the academic year. Commencement exercises went well on Saturday. As always, it was a joyous celebration of the achievements of our students. Thank you to Mike Rose and Susie Johnston for their attendance.
We have been very busy with a number of end of school year events across the college and trying to wrap up projects that we have been working on throughout the year. Today I attended the Adult Basic and Secondary Education and the Graphic Design graduation ceremonies.
I would like to highlight a couple of grant awards that have been received.
Lane Family Connections was awarded two special grants this last year to operate separate pilot projects that are being closely watched not only in Oregon but throughout the country. The first project, the Child Care Enhancement Project, has already demonstrated significant improvements in both the quality of child care being offered by those selected as participants, but also in the lives of the families who are benefiting from the increased professional development, wage compensation and direct subsidies that are allowing low income families to secure housing, buy food for their families and purchase a vehicle which allows them to consistently bring their child to child care. This grant is helping to support children’s enrollment in preschool where they are receiving food every day, a safe and healthy environment, nurturing and attention as well as learning opportunities.
The second project is the Lane Early Childhood System Development Project, which is a collaborative State Incentive Grant (SIG) happening in South Lane County. The primary purpose of the grant is to increase access of families with young children and child care providers to mental health and substance abuse therapists who can assess the needs of children and their families for mental health and substance abuse services and provide whatever treatment is needed. Another part of this grant is the local and statewide training for mental health providers and early childhood care and education providers. We will be holding a series of four trainings here at Lane next Fall for mental health providers and early interventionists. It is quite an achievement to be selected to participate in this important work that will likely have a significant impact on the future of early childhood care and education. The project has two funded partners, South Lane Family Relief Nursery and Lane Family Connections; there are thirteen additional community partners. The grant award of $296,875 will be distributed over a twenty-three month period.
Lane Community College has been awarded a three-year grant totaling $782,144 from the Advanced Technological Education fund of the National Science Foundation to develop geographic information science (GIS) curricula. The first-year award is $280,620 and begins July 1, followed by $269,052 in 2007, and $232,472 in 2008. The grant project, "Mapping, Analyzing and Problem Solving Using Geographic Information Science: Implementing a GIS Curriculum for Technical Literacy," will bring GIS learning opportunities to students in science, social science and computer information technology.
Geographic information systems are mapping and analysis tools used in a growing number of workplace settings. For example, when a power outage occurs, a connected network finds and directs a location-specific response. When a police department analyzes crime data, it uses GIS software to map crime areas. Anything that has a location can be mapped, from the migratory patterns of whales to brain activity. In Oregon, GIS is used by planning authorities, public utilities, human services, public safety, forestry, geosciences, and bio-resources. Other occupations increasingly use GIS to create visual-spatial representations of data, solve spatial problems, and combine quantitative data with qualitative analysis and reporting capability.
GIS activities at Lane will be integrated into science and social science courses and are targeted to begin Spring 2007. In addition, a three-course GIS sequence will be developed for articulation with universities. At the end of the grant period, about 700 students per term will be introduced to GIS through the classroom activities or the GIS courses.
Jane Benjamin, a geography instructor, will work with geology instructor Sarah Ulerick; computer technology instructor Linda Loft; and geography instructor Lynn Songer. Several community partners will serve as advisors on the project, including the Bureau of Land Management, Lane Council of Governments, Weyerhaeuser Company, Eugene Water and Electric Board, Eugene Public Works, Eugene Police Department, Clackamas Community College, University of Oregon, Oregon State University, and Western Oregon University.
I want to again pass around the publication of writing by our Adult Basic and Secondary Education students. It is a testimony to the learning that is going in that program.
I am distributing this article from Newsweek—another indication that community colleges are more visible at the national level.
Every year we give you an update on League for Innovation activities. Tamara Pinkas continues to represent us very well at the League. She will now provide some information about the League activities this year.
In the League for Innovation Student Competition, Lane had one honorable mention in the Art division and first-place and third-place winners in the literary competition. This is the third year that Lane students have won either first, second, or third place.
This year’s “Innovation of the Year” award for Lane went to the Lane Health Clinic for the vast changes in the clinic which provide increased care for students and staff, resulting in keeping more students healthy and in school, keeping employees productive, and reducing the financial burden of healthcare to the college.
The League for Innovation website now has many resources for faculty, such as I-stream videos, faculty professional development, and league polls.
I would like to end by wishing everyone a relaxing summer. Many of us will still be working, but hopefully there will be a little time for rest and relaxation.
1) May Highlights
May 2006 Highlights at Lane Community College as offered in the board mailing were presented.
2) Personnel
The college’s current personnel appointments were presented.
3) Budget Hearing
A. The board meeting recessed, and the Budget Hearing was called to order at 6:56 p.m.
B. Statements from the Audience
Dennis Shine, budget committee member, urged the board to accept the budget committee recommendations, including the changes to international student tuition and fees. International students are part of Lane’s diversity. He also hoped that the addition of the associate vice president of finance will make it much easier for budget discussions next year.
Sharon Sudoff, student, expressed concern about staffing in the computer labs. With more dependency on technology, computer labs are needed more than ever.
Caryle Tylerkays, student, shared her dismay at the elimination of the Transitions to Success program coordinator.
Rob Spooner, Florence publisher, did not feel that ideas for solving the budget problems have been adequately examined. He will be establishing a website on which a forum will be available to post ideas for Lane’s budget.
C. Budget Recommendations
At the May 17, 2006, budget committee meeting, the committee moved to forward the following recommendations to the board for action.
Bozievich moved to approve the following recommendations. Holman seconded.
To accept the 163 recommendations as presented by College Council and accept the recommendations on the additional items from the President in her memo dated May 10, 2006.
To institute an enrollment fee of $30, eliminating the testing and graduation fees, with the additional revenue utilized to support the priorities of the Student Affairs Plan.
To reduce the international student tuition from $230 to $200 per credit and implement a $10 per credit fee.
To continue to allocate funding to the PERS Reserve.
Motion passed unanimously.
D. Resolution 504, 2005-06 Budget Adoption and Appropriation
Holman moved to adopt Resolution 504, 2006-07 Budget Adoption and Appropriation. Johnston seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
E. Resolution 505, Imposing and Categorizing Taxes for 2006-07
Riggs-Henson moved to adopt Resolution 505, Imposing and Categorizing Taxes for 2006-07. Rose seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
The public hearing adjourned, and the board meeting reconvened at 7:12 p.m.
C. Board Agenda Review/Changes
No changes were made to the agenda.
D. Statements from the Audience
Justin Blakely, former student, expressed concern regarding the Disability Services department and the way his case has been handled.
Sarah Hassett, student, supported Justin Blakely in his efforts.
Caryle Tylerkays, student, spoke regarding the ASLCC student elections, stating that the election results are questionable. She asked that either the results or the decision regarding a new election be posted.
2. Consent Agenda
Holman moved to approve the consent agenda. Rose seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
3. Policy Review
A. Second Reading, Student Activities Fees, D.090
Rose moved, seconded by Riggs-Henson, to approve the second reading of board policy D.090, Student Activities Fees.
Motion passed unanimously.
POLICY NUMBER: D.090
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: STUDENT ACTIVITIES FEES FOR STUDENT-INITIATED PROGRAMS
Students may be assessed a mandatory fee for the purpose of supporting a board approved student-initiated program. The board may approve those student-initiated programs that it determines provide educational value to the students consistent with the college mission and goals. After board approval, the fee initiative will be placed on the ballot for the student elections. The student election results, as they relate to the fee initiative, are advisory only. After the student elections, the fee initiative will come before the board for final approval or disapproval.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: July 12, 2000
REVISED: December 2002 (former Policy Title: Tuition and Fees)
REVISED: July 27, 2004
REVIEWED: June 14, 2006
B. First Reading, Affirmative Action, D.100
A first reading was held for this policy. A second reading will be held in July.
POLICY NUMBER: D.100
POLICY TYPE: MISCELLANEOUS
POLICY TITLE: AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
The board directs strict adherence to the principles embodied in Oregon and Federal “Affirmative Action” legislation.
Lane Community College shall take affirmative action in the recruitment and employment of members of protected groups. Protected groups are those groups of persons who have historically been subject to discriminatory practices. Protected classes include age, sex, race, religion, disability, national origin, veterans, sexual orientation, and expunged juvenile record. Lane Community College has an adopted affirmative action plan and is committed to maintaining and following its affirmative action plan in the recruitment and employment of members of protected groups.
ADOPTED: December 13, 2000
REVISED: July 27, 2004
Romine questioned the term “veteran,” wondering if it should be changed to “U.S. military veteran.” Kieran agreed to research ORS language to determine the correct term. The board will revisit the issue at the second reading in July.
4. Discussion/Action Items
A. Local Option Ballot Language
Matsen offered background information on the drafted language for the local option levy planned for the November ballot.
Rose moved to approve the language. Seconded by Riggs-Henson.
Several board members were concerned with the wording. The caption and question state that the levy is for operations. While the summary does explain that the levy will provide for instructional programs and services, some voters may not read past the caption.
It was also felt that the following language included in the summary may not give the voters a complete picture:
“Adoption of this levy would minimize additional budget impacts, such as program eliminations and layoffs, necessitated by reductions in state funding for community colleges.”
Perhaps the sentence should end after the word “layoffs,” to read:
“Adoption of this levy would minimize additional budget impacts, such as program eliminations and layoffs.”
The above motion was withdrawn by Rose and Riggs-Henson. Kieran agreed to seek alternative language for the ballot for the board’s consideration at the July meeting.
B. Board Evaluation Process
The board discussed the board evaluation process and gave direction to Craig Taylor, Institutional Research Assessment and Planning, who will be compiling the results.
Holman moved to approve the process and the current board evaluation instrument. Riggs-Henson seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
At 7:50 p.m., the board took a ten-minute break.
5. Accountability/Reports
A. Benchmarks
Craig Taylor, Institutional Research and Planning director, responded to questions and comments on the following Benchmarks:
• Reasons for Attending Lane (New Credit Students)
• Students by Age Group – Fall Terms
• Credit Students: Gender and Enrollment Status – Fall Terms
• Race/Ethnicity of Students – Credit Students
B. Treatment of Learners
Sonya Christian responded to questions and comments on the Treatment of Learners monitoring report.
6. Reports
LCCEF President Bob Baldwin acknowledged that it was Matsen’s last board meeting, and he recalled other board meetings which lasted well into the night and sometimes into early morning. He addressed the budget reductions, which are affecting the classified staff significantly. In terms of difficulty to deal with, widespread layoffs are second only to strikes. He appreciated the way in which the college has dealt with the process. It has not been easy for Human Resources or for LCCEF. In meetings with affected staff, they are concerned with how the students will be affected. This has been the single surviving philosophy of these cuts. If that philosophy survives, Lane will remain a strong college.
LCCEA President Jim Salt has been working on developing a contract implementation plan. He explained the reasoning for the faculty vote on the insurance change, which was the reduced cost of PacificSource and savings to the college, but it is important for the board to realize the sacrifice that faculty have made. Regarding fundamental redesign, the faculty are committed to working on it but are still wondering what it means. Governance councils met earlier in the week to discuss the progress of the councils. Although there is a strong commitment to shared governance, there is concern whether the council system is where the decisions are made. The hope is that the process will be strengthened and improved in the coming year. Exiting LCCEA officer David Shellabarger’s position as Secretary will be filled by Stacey Kiser, Science instructor. Salt was reelected as President for another two-year term.
Vice President Sonya Christian recognized the work and integrity of Vice President Matsen. Christian attended the graduation ceremony and acknowledged the faculty speaker Shannon Gaul. Enrollment growth has been the primary focus in instruction, with the biggest enrollment push being in Continuing Education. The faculty and staff worked very hard and will meet this summer to determine how to sustain the growth. Recruitment has been a collaborative effort. The schedule of classes has been redesigned and will be put into practice Fall 2006. Retention was another focus, and the work of student services and instruction has been more closely integrated. Concentration on revenue enhancement will continue. Although it is a challenging time, many sections of the college are excitedly looking at summer to prepare for next year.
Vice President Matsen thanked everyone for the kind comments. She appreciated having Greg Morgan take on the budget and finance, so that she will be able to concentrate on other areas in college operations. She commented on the way that classified staff have dealt with layoffs – they are a class act. College operations doesn’t always provide direct services to students, but the staff have still been concerned with serving the community and students. She acknowledged that enrollment growth is a long-term solution as part of our funding problem, but it needs to be done for the right reasons. The work of the past couple of years is starting to pay off, but it will take time. She distributed a handout explaining the state community college funding formula. The KLCC Garden Tour is Sunday, June 25.
Bozievich congratulated the college on the GIS grant, having spent the day in Portland at a GIS conference. Congratulations to the Health Clinic for their award. The college can be proud to have found an innovative way to reduce insurance costs. He also acknowledged Matsen’s work.
Holman said goodbye to Matsen, even though she’ll be working part-time for the next few months. He requested a board retreat be scheduled to work on items which have been discussed this year.
Riggs-Henson remembered when Matsen began her position as Vice President of College Operations. She acknowledged the students that came to the board meeting. They exercised their right to speak to the board about the pain that is felt regarding diminished resources. The students are the conscience of the board, and they keep the board aware that there are people attached to every decision that is made. Without the students, there is no reason to have a college.
Johnston passed on a comment from automotive technology student: The current technology supports only General Motors and American-made cars. The student is concerned about being prepared to work on foreign cars. The graduation ceremony was wonderful, and the speakers were terrific. Johnston congratulated the college for the GIS and Health Clinic awards.
In response to Baldwin’s report, Romine remembered another long board meeting for The Register Guard – one that lasted from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Rose appreciated comments from the students, assuring them that they have been heard. He and Spilde attended a governance conference at OCCA but didn’t think it was particularly fruitful. He and Spilde also attended the OCCA board meeting.
Hall attended the Graphic Design graduation and was impressed with the quality of work. When we are beaten down by the difficult things, it’s good to have an experience like that.
7. Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for the Next Regular Meeting
Wednesday, July 19, 2006, Boardroom, Building 3, Lane Community College
8. The board meeting adjourned at 9:06 pm.
| _____________________________ | _____________________________ | |
| Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk | Roger Hall, Chair |