LANE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
October 14, 2014
1. Attendance
Board members present: Bob Ackerman, Pat Albright, Gary LeClair, Tony McCown, Rosie Pryor, and Sharon Stiles. Matt Keating participated by teleconference. Also present were: President Mary Spilde; Vice President Brian Kelly, Executive Dean Dawn DeWolf; and Lane Community College Employees Federation President Bob Baldwin.
A. Chair Albright called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
B. President's Report
It's a pleasure to once again be at the Florence Center, and I want to thank Dean Kuhar and her staff for hosting us. It was a delight to celebrate the college's 50th anniversary with the Florence community this evening.
I would like to congratulate MJ on her appointment as Lane's new Executive Dean of Career Technical education. As the Florence community knows, MJ is a cheerful, tireless and effective leader, and we are pleased she is willing to take on a broader span of responsibility. I want to assure the Florence staff and community that we will find a capable successor. I think we've always been blessed with our Florence leadership and that won't change. There will be a transition period to allow MJ to segue into her new duties while making sure things go smoothly in Florence until a new manager is on board.
I hope we carry tonight's high spirits back to Eugene for our main campus celebration of the 50th anniversary tomorrow with ceremonies beginning at 4 p.m. There we will meet our five Distinguished Alumni for the year, one from each of Lane's five decades. We also will welcome guest speakers, Governor John Kitzhaber, Oregon Lottery Director Jack Roberts, and US Congressman Peter DeFazio.
I would like to thank Chair Pat Albright for speaking at our annual fall in-service last month and to Vice Chair Matt Keating for attending. It was fun and energizing to see board members Rosie Pryor and Sharon Stiles answer students' questions and pour coffee at our annual Fall Welcome Week booth on main campus on the first day of classes.
Week 3 enrollment reports show that we are down 15.2 percent in registrations and about 12.1 percent in headcount.
I am sorry to report that Milt Madden passed away last month at home in Portland. Milt taught history at Lane for many years, and was Instructor of the Year in 1989-90. He will be missed.
Kudos to our employees for their efforts in working safely. As a result, Lane will receive a dividend check from SAIF, the State Accident Insurance Fund, for $150,000 this fall, because of reduced workers compensation claims and reduced losses. SAIF only has dividend savings to distribute when most or all employers who contract with SAIF for workers compensation coverage support high levels of workplace safety in order to reduce and manage claims and losses. Kudos to Todd Smith and Facilities, Jace Smith and Public Safety, Dennis Carr and Human Resources, and the college Safety Committee led by Barbara Dumbleton.
I attended Oregon Education Association's rally for public education on October 11 at Kesey Plaza downtown.
Thanks to the board for your commitment to hold Community Conversations to support the strategic planning work. Fall term dates have been set for November 17 at main campus from 6-7:30 p.m.; November 19 in Veneta from 6-7:30 p.m.; and December 2 at Lane's Cottage Grove Center from 6-7:30 p.m. Donna will let you know when we have specific locations.
In addition, the Executive Team is planning to host Global Conversations for faculty and staff to get broader understanding of our key issues and what we can do working together.
Have you noticed that we've been doing some award-winning work around here? We were named a 2014 Leader College by the Achieving the Dream (ATD) project. We were one of only 16 community colleges selected nationwide and the only one in Oregon. Leader College status is awarded to colleges that commit to improving student success and closing achievement gaps. We are anticipating a site visit from ATD the last week of November.
We were also one of only five community colleges, and the only one on the West Coast, to win a Green Genome Award from the American Association of Community Colleges. We were commended for infusing sustainability concepts into the structure of college policies and procedures, which has allowed us to apply principles of sustainable economics, resource use, and social institutions to learning and working environments.
Finally, I was surprised to receive the Vision Award from Connected Lane County last week, and even more surprised that the award will be named after me. As I said then, the power of our local work lies in collaboration and the Vision Award belongs to many. As you know, Connected Lane County is a local coalition of school districts, colleges and universities, early childhood, and community partners. It was formed to help fulfill Oregon's 40-40-20 educational attainment goal and has served as a role model for other regional achievement collaboratives around the state.
I pitched for KLCC during their fall radiothon on October 7 and also invited listeners to our 50th anniversary celebration on October 15. Thanks to Brian Kelly and other ET members for volunteering.
I had a 50th interview with KUGN this morning and will call KPNW tomorrow. The next day I will be on KNND's Beeper Show in Cottage Grove. Earlier this month, I interviewed with The Register-Guard and with the Eugene Chamber's Open for Business magazine. Both did great stories on our 50th anniversary.
The last week of this month, on October 29 through 31, we will have our seven-year accreditation site visit from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Executive Dean of Transfer Maurice Hamington has done a great job of leading the team to this moment. Given the years of state disinvestment that we've been battling, we expect a few recommendations as well as commendations. Both will support the strategic planning work we have ahead of us this year.
Coming up, if you visit campus on 10/16 at 10:16, you will experience our annual participation in the Great Oregon Shakeout earthquake drill. Thanks to Public Safety and our Emergency Planning Team for involving Lane in this important drill.
I am looking forward to a calmer occasion on October 29, when we sit down for our annual Harvest Dinner. Thanks to this year's dinner and auction co-chairs, Tracie and Ramin Shojai, and Mike and Jennifer Solomon. Last year's dinner raised nearly $300,000 for scholarships and programs.
Last month, the college welcomed another delegation from Mobility International USA. This time, about 10 individuals from Armenia visited the Downtown Center to learn more about the efforts Lane makes to serve students with disabilities. Thank you Brett Rowlett and Michael Weed for meeting with the group. The idea of community colleges and serving students was new to them.
This Thursday, as part of our 50th anniversary week of events, I will be speaking to the Springfield City Club. The event runs from 11:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Willamalane Center in Springfield.
This Friday, Senator Ron Wyden and State Treasurer Ted Wheeler will be visiting the Downtown Center to hold a conversation with community members about retirement security. The event is invite-only, but if you're interested in attending see Brett.
Last Thursday the Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) met on campus. I would like to thank Pat Albright for attending. I had the opportunity to welcome them to campus at the beginning of their meeting, and the members were also able to take a tour of campus following the meeting. The members were impressed with Lane's commitment to student success, the artwork on campus, and of course the food in the CML.
1) Personnel
The college's current personnel appointments were presented.
E. Board Agenda Review/Changes
No changes were made to the agenda.
F. Statements from Audience
Rachel Pearson, Chair of the Florence Center Advisory Committee, welcomed the board to the Florence Center. LCC at Florence partners with several community entities such as the hospital, the bank, the casino, and the school district. She and her son went to the emergency room and saw many LCC success stories who were friendly, well educated, and trustworthy. She appreciated the board's dedication to the Center.
Martha Lehr recently retired as Florence Center counselor but remains dedicated and inspired by the campus and the students. She has recently seen five different students that she worked with, and all of them told her that they now had a full time job with benefits. She asked the board to continue supporting the Florence Center and congratulated Kuhar on her promotion.
Kerry Tatum, Siuslaw High School Principal, is a new member on the advisory committee. The high school has a great partnership with the Florence Center and with the main campus. High school students are able to take College Now classes, and just recently an upper level math class was added to the offerings.
Nola Xavier, Florence Mayor, thanked the board for coming to Florence. She is proud to have Lane's presence in the community for students and seniors. Almost 50% of Florence's population classify as senior, and many are life-long learners. The opportunities for classes and activities at the Florence Center increase the citizens' quality of life.
Ron Green, President of Oregon Pacific Bank, and member of the advisory committee, stated that the bank is proud to maintain partnerships with key organizations in Florence, including Lane's Florence Center. The bank employs fifty people in Florence; many have taken classes and whose families have been positively impacted by Lane. It is important to have a higher education option in the community for creating and maintaining local jobs, intellectual stimulation, and improving lives. Oregon Pacific Bank is proud to provide funds for Lane scholarships.
Erin Reynolds, Finance Director for the City of Florence, is a new member of the Florence Center Advisory Committee. One of the goals of the committee is for students to be aware of Lane campuses in Florence and Eugene. LCC at Florence provides local access for classes and distance education, and breaks the distance barrier.
Sally Wantz, Advisory Committee Member and Manager of Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians, stated that LCC at Florence is an integral part of the community. The nursing program is vital. She encouraged the board members to do all that they can to maintain and sustain the center at a healthy level to help students be successful members of their community.
Ethel Angal, Superintendent of the Siuslaw School District, thanked the board for coming to the Florence Center for the meeting. Angal has been in the community for six years, and she is impressed with the offerings at the Center. For some rural students, making the trip to Eugene for classes is a huge barrier for them and their families. The Center is important to the schools and the community, and she requested continued support of the Florence campus.
Ron Scherer, Vice President of PeaceHealth, congratulated Lane on its 50th anniversary. Medical assistants and nurses have received training at Lane and many of the community members take classes at the Florence Center. PeaceHealth in Florence was voted the top rural hospital in the state the last two years, which in no small part is due to the collaboration with Lane. He thanked the board for opening doors and achieving dreams.
2A. Consent Agenda
McCown moved, and seconded by LeClair, approve the Consent Agenda consisting of:
• Approval of the September 16, 2014 minutes with the suggested revision
• Revisions to the Community College Rules of Procurement
Motion passed unanimously.
4. Discussion/Action Items
A. Spotlight on Student Success: Florence Center
Dean Mary Jeanne Kuhar reported that the Florence Center was built in 1976. The college mission is alive and well, and students are at the heart of it all. The center is 70 miles away from Lane's main campus. Kuhar listed some of the classes and programs that are offered, such as career technical classes as well as transfer courses, ESL, adult basic skills and GED testing, and plenty of opportunities for the community, such as the Outward Ventures activities. The center participates in College Now courses with the high school; in 2012-13, 62 high school students received 490 college credits through College Now.
The center has a strong partnership with PeaceHealth Peace Harbor Medical Center, which offers a clinical site for many of the nursing students, not only for the students in Florence, but main campus students get experience in a rural area as well.
The Center also has a solid connection with the LCC Foundation in providing scholarships for the Florence students. In June, students were awarded $48,000 in scholarships.
Some of the challenges the Center faces are sustainable class sizes, the ability to offer prerequisites, especially for the nursing students, recruiting faculty, and site based student services and financial aid assistance.
All in all, the center is an excellent resource for the Florence area and has solid support from organizations, businesses, and leaders in the community.
B. Accreditation
Hamington reported that attention has turned to the accreditation visit itself now that the self-study report is completed. The schedule for the peer evaluators is being refined. The visitors will meet with students, faculty, staff, and various groups working on different aspects of the college's work. He reported that a managers' meeting on accreditation had been held where documents were reviewed and managers were prepped as to what to expect during the visit. A couple of forums were held during inservice, and staff are working with students on preparation. The first issue of The Torch had a front page article and an advertisement on accreditation.
He informed the board that a luncheon will be held with the peer evaluators and board members on October 29 and asked board members to respond to him regarding attendance.
C. Enrollment Update
DeWolf reported that enrollment is down 15% compared to the same point in Fall 2013. Registration for Winter term begins in mid-November. Spilde stated that budget implications will be brought to the next meeting.
D. Strategic Planning
Kelly announced that the first three community conversations have been scheduled: Main campus on November 17, Veneta on November 19, and Cottage Grove on December 2.
Several processes are running concurrently to assist with producing the next strategic plan: community conversations, global conversations, college council and the other governance councils, and working with the board. In November, the board will receive a copy of the strategic direction report which outlines the work that is going on in divisions and how that aligns with the strategic plan.
E. Financial Aid
Executive Dean Kerry Levett and Financial Aid Director Helen Faith updated the board on the student loan default rates. The current default rate is 30.2%, which represents the second year in which Lane's default rate is over 30%. Colleges with three consecutive years of CDRs of 30%+ may be subject to loss of Pell Grant and Direct Loan eligibility. It is critical to reduce Lane's default rate in the future, both to protect our ability to continue providing access to high-quality education for our poorest community members, and to help our former students avoid the significant financial consequences of default.
Staff in Financial Aid are working with students to make strides to reduce our default rate with future cohorts. Progress that has been made so far include student success initiatives, establishing academic progress standards, mandatory orientation and advising, financial literacy efforts, providing unsubsidized loans only by request, and exit counseling. Financial Aid staff are also identifying errors and challenging data in the default rate information.
There is more work to do. A recommendation was made to increase the staffing in the Financial Aid Department and assign a project coordinator to ensure accountability in managing default prevention efforts and coordinate student financial education, and reassign an existing advisor to focus primarily on default management and student assistance. It was also recommended to partner with an experienced, successful service provider to intensify default aversion outreach. There also needs to be campus-wide engagement to support student persistence and graduation (most defaulters are non-completers), deliver financial education and planning for students, and analyze data on an ongoing basis to target efforts effectively. The estimated cost for all initiatives is $539,800.
Board members discussed the average amount of debt for Lane students and the detriment to the college and education of students if the ability to provide the Pell grant is lost. Student debt harms everyone – the students, the college, and the community – and needs to be addressed.
LeClair moved to approve the recommendations to improve the student loan default rates. Pryor seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
F. HECC Budget Recommendations
At the September meeting, the board had discussed the recommendations made by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission for community college funding and whether the board should make a formal response. Spilde suggested that a response would be more appropriate after the November elections are held. The board tabled this item until the November meeting.
G. Research Regarding Student Dropout
At the September meeting, the board had requested information regarding student dropout. In the meeting materials, Institutional Research Assessment and Planning Director Craig Taylor included a brief descriptive summary of a 2013 study done by the Community College Research Center about characteristics of "early dropouts" from community colleges. Also included were summaries of Lane student responses to the Community College Survey of Student Engagement question: "How likely is it that the following issues would cause you to withdraw from class or from this college?" The board discussed the information they had received, noting the connection to the Financial Aid discussion, and talked about the benefits from adding services that will improve student persistence.
H. Governance System
The board reviewed the structure and manual for Lane's Governance System and the charters for each council. Discussion was held regarding the roles of the chair and vice chair, timeframes, assessments of the system and reporting mechanisms, and rules of procedure. The board was in agreement that the minutes from the council meetings should be posted online. A decision was made to include a discussion of the system at the board retreat in November and bring this back as an item at the December board meeting.
I. Budget Committee Appointment
Stiles moved, seconded by McCown, to approve the appointment of Jeffrey Farm, Zone 1, to the Lane Community College Budget Committee to complete a three-year term effective immediately and ending June 30, 2015.
Motion passed unanimously.
4. Policy Review
A. Second Reading
1. College Governance System
The second reading on this policy was moved to the December meeting.
2. Ending Fund Balance
McCown moved, seconded by Ackerman, to approve the second reading of BP 245, Ending Fund Balance.
Spilde called attention to the data the board had requested on ending fund balances at other colleges. The board noted that Lane's ending fund balance percentage is below that of the other community college in Oregon. Kelly pointed out that the best practice is 90 days to 2 months' worth of the budget, which is 10-15% and would be a big shift.
Spilde suggested that the administration bring back a proposal on the policy to the November board meeting.
McCown and Ackerman withdrew their motions. The board agreed to bring the policy back for another reading at the November meeting.
Policy Number: BP 245
Category: FINANCE AND BUDGET
Policy Title: ENDING FUND BALANCE
Lane Community College shall maintain an unrestricted General Fund Ending Fund Balance equal to or greater than 5% of total budgeted expenditures.
The Ending Fund Balance target shall include the Unappropriated Ending Fund Balance (UEFB) as set by board policy BP 295. When the Ending Fund Balance falls to 4% or less, the college shall adopt a plan to replenish the Ending Fund Balance to 5% within two years. When the Ending Fund Balance exceeds 6%, balances in excess may be set aside for reserves or investment in one time expenditures.
If the total Ending Fund Balance (including restricted) falls to levels that require short-term borrowing, the levels set by this policy shall be automatically reviewed and adjusted as necessary.
ADOPTED: January 14, 2004
REVIEWED: February 14, 2007
REVISED: October 19, 2009
3. General Fund Contingency
Pryor moved to approve the second reading of BP 270, General Fund Contingency. LeClair seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Policy Number: BP 270
Category: FINANCE AND BUDGET
Policy Title: GENERAL FUND CONTINGENCY
Board Contingency:
The annual budget shall set aside approximately one-half percent (0.5%) of the budgeted revenues each year for Board Contingency. Use of Board Contingency shall be at the discretion of the Board of Education and shall be allocated by formal approval of the board according to its policies.
Administrative Contingency:
Administrative Contingency shall be approximately one percent (1%) of the budgeted revenues each year. Administrative Contingency shall be allocated by approval of the president.
ADOPTED: January 14, 2004
REVIEWED: April 23, 2007
REVIEWED: November 4, 2009
REVIEWED: October 14, 2014
4. Stabilization Reserve Fund
McCown moved to approve policy BP 290, Stabilization Reserve Fund. Ackerman seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
Policy Number: BP 290
Category: FINANCE AND BUDGET
Policy Title: STABILIZATION RESERVE FUND
The board may require the president to establish a separate reserve fund (as described in ORS 341.321 and ORS 294.525) for the purpose of providing short-term stabilization in anticipation of possible shortfalls in revenue.
A stabilization reserve fund may be established under one or more of the following circumstances:
• State budget appropriations for community colleges are not approved by the time the college budget is approved and adopted.
• A situation exists where significant changes in enrollment are possible but not reasonably predictable.
• When any major revenue source has a reasonable possibility of decreasing after the college budget is approved and adopted.
• When any operating expenditure that is beyond the control of the college could reasonably be expected to increase after the college budget is approved and adopted.
• Any other situation in which the board determines that there is a reasonable expectation that major shifts in revenue or expenditures could occur during the budget year.
Stabilization reserve levels:
• Minimum reserve levels shall be at the discretion of the board under advice from the president.
• Maximum reserve levels shall be no more than the maximum reasonably estimated shortfall at the time of the adoption of the budget.
Stabilization reserves will be reviewed annually as part of the budget development process. The stabilization reserve fund shall be closed out when the board determines that the precipitating threat to revenues and/or expenditures no longer exists. As long as the conditions exist that caused the fund to be established, the funds shall be kept in reserve for the purpose intended. If and when the fund is closed out, any remaining balance shall be released for use as a resource in the General Fund.
ADOPTED: January 14, 2004
REVIEWED: January 10, 2007
REVISED: October 19, 2009
REVIEWED: October 14, 2014
5. Tuition
Stiles moved to approve board policy BP 725, Tuition. LeClair seconded.
The board held a discussion regarding the possibility of not increasing tuition every year and the need to balance the budget. Spilde reminded the board that the need for a policy to review a tuition increase index arose in the early 2000s. After no tuition increase for over ten years, the board voted at that time to raise tuition first by $11 and then $14 dollars. With the tuition index to guide increases, tuition could be raised incrementally instead of a large increase all at once. The board discussed a possible change to the wording of the policy and the need to accurately represent the review process.
Motion passed 5 – 2. Ackerman and Keating dissented.
Policy Number: BP 725
Category: STUDENTS
Policy Title: TUITION
In order to maintain a constant tuition rate relative to inflation, each December, the board will adjust the per credit tuition rate to reflect changes in an appropriate index for two-year public colleges since the last tuition adjustment. The rate will be rounded to the nearest half-dollar and become effective the following academic year (Summer Term).
For other adjustments:
Periodically and as needed, the board will review Lane's tuition rates to ensure: a) that tuition revenues are appropriate for the needs of the district and, b) that Lane's tuition is comparable with other Oregon community colleges that are similar to Lane in terms of student FTE and instructional programs. Prior to approval of the tuition increase, the board will review the index options, affordability and access for students, and the revenue requirements of the college.
ADOPTED: November 13, 2002
REVISED: July 27, 2004
REVISED: July 13, 2005
REVISED: June 11, 2008
REVIEWED: June 10, 2009
REVIEWED: October 14, 2014
B. First Reading
1. Interfund Transfers
No changes were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in November.
Policy Number: BP 280
Category: FINANCE AND BUDGET
Policy Title: INTERFUND TRANSFERS
All transfers between funds shall be in conformance with ORS 294.361. The Budget Document shall clearly show for each fund the amounts, origin and destination of each transfer. Accompanying documentation shall list the specific purposes for each transfer and will be submitted to the board for approval in initial budget or subsequent resolution.
Transfers from the General Fund to other funds shall be for the following purposes:
• Debt service on an obligation incurred as a part of normal operations of the college;
• Goods and services provided to General Fund units by units in other funds;
• Construction, maintenance and acquisition of facilities and/or real property used by the college in support of its mission;
• Acquisition of capital equipment for use by the college in support of its mission;
• Matching funds for grants and contracts;
• Operation of certain financial aid functions and matching funds required for financial aid grants;
• Contractual and legal obligations to employees and retirees for compensation and benefits;
• Other needs as deemed appropriate and necessary by the board for fulfilling the obligations of the college.
ADOPTED: January 14, 2004
REVIEWED: April 23, 2007
REVISED: February 3, 2010
2. Global Executive Directions
No changes were recommended to this policy. A second reading will be held in November.
Policy Number: BP 356
Category: GOVERNANCE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS
Policy Title: GLOBAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS
The president shall assure that every activity, decision, or organizational circumstance shall be lawful, prudent, and in accord with commonly accepted business and professional ethics.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: April 12, 2000
REVIEWED: September 10, 2003
REVIEWED: June 28, 2007
REVIEWED: January 13, 2010
3. Membership on the Board of Education
A first reading was held on this policy. A second reading will be held in November.
Policy Number: BP 370
Category: GOVERNANCE AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTIONS
Policy Title: MEMBERSHIP ON THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education of the Lane Community College District shall consist of seven members, each member elected to a four-year term by the qualified voters of the entire district. A member shall reside in the zone from which elected and shall not be employed by the College during the term of office. Two members shall be elected to represent the district at large and five members elected from zones, each to represent one of the following areas:
Zone 1 is the western college district, which includes the Bethel area of Eugene, Veneta, Dunes City, Florence, and Monroe.
Zone 2 is the northern college district, which includes North Eugene, Coburg, Harrisburg, and Junction City.
Zone 3 is the northeastern college district, which includes Springfield, Thurston, and the Marcola area.
Zone 4 is the southeastern college district, which includes the McKenzie River Valley, Creswell, Cottage Grove, Lowell, Oakridge, Westfir, and portions of the Churchill district.
Zone 5 is entirely within Eugene and, in general, the area south of the Willamette River and east of City View Street.
At-Large – Position 6 represents the entire college district.
At-Large – Position 7 represents the entire college district.
ADOPTED: November 9, 1998
REVISED: July 17, 2002
REVIEWED: October 14, 2003
REVISED: October 10, 2007
REVIEWED: June 9, 2010
REVIEWED: December 3, 2013
5. Accountability/Reports
A. Benchmarks
The following Benchmarks were presented to the board:
• Student Engagement – Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE)
B. Facilities Update
An update on the status of bond and facility projects was presented.
6. Reports
LCCEF President Bob Baldwin reported that the doctors at PeaceHealth have unionized and joined AFT. LCCEF has agreed to come back to the table for the mediation process facilitated by Kevin Boyle. There were a number of members of the LCCEF executive team who felt there was a concern regarding a perceived inadequate display of respect, but that was a minority position.
Interim Vice President Dawn DeWolf distributed a handout listing the 2013-14 division and department accomplishments aligned to the Lane's strategic directions. She thanked Pryor and Stiles for participating in the Welcome Tent. She informed the board about the Aspire project which trains mentors to provide ambassadors for high school students.
Ackerman left the meeting at 9:05 pm.
Vice President Brian Kelly was thrilled to hear that the administration and LCCEF will be restarting the process with Kevin Boyle. He was proud to note that the college received the Green Genome Award. He recognized KLCC for raising $303,000 in their largest fall drive ever. He informed the board about LaneStarter, a concept that came of conversations from last year that will give an incentive for forward thinking entrepreneurial ideas that focus on revenue.
Board Reports
Stiles thanked Spilde for presenting at a Philanthropic Educational Opportunity meeting in Florence. She congratulated Kuhar on her new position. She will be missed at the Center and in the community. She enjoyed working the Welcome Booth with Pryor at the main campus on the first day of fall term. She learned a lot, and it was a great experience.
Pryor congratulated Spilde on receiving the Connected Lane County award. She attended a fundraiser at Ophelia's Place where Spilde was the honorary chair. She thanked Spilde for all she does in our community. She congratulated the college on reducing the number of SAIF claims.
LeClair relayed a story about education in Morocco being required through the 8th grade. College is provided free, but only for girls if supported by the community. He told of a 13-year-old girl there who was waiting to get married and had never been to school.
Keating congratulated Spilde on receiving the Connected Lane County award. He congratulated MJ Kuhar on her new position. He thanked Alen Bahret and Dean Middleton for connecting him to the board meeting tonight. He had a great meeting with the LCCEF Executive Committee and thanked them for the invitation. He participated in inservice. He met with Congressman DeFazio last week and reminded him about Lane's 50th Anniversary. Although he has a debate, he will be on campus participating in the celebration. Keating had a good discussion with Senator Warren to talk about student loan reform.
Albright expressed appreciation to the staff at the Florence center for hosting the meeting. He gave kudos to President Spilde who spoke before the HECC about the inconsistency of expressing the goal of 40-40-20 and then recommending $519 million for the community college support fund. OCCA is reviewing its strategic directions. He hoped that everyone can be there for the 50th anniversary celebration.
7. Date, Place, and Proposed Agenda Items for the Next Regular Meeting
Tuesday, November 4, 2014, Lane Community College Main Campus, Boardroom
8. The board meeting unanimously adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
______________________________ _____________________________
Mary Spilde, President/District Clerk Pat Albright, Board Chair
Prepared by:
Donna Zmolek, Assistant to the Board