ANNEXATION COMMITTEE MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
July 30, 2008
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a
Annexation Committee Meeting on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Bracewell &
Giuliani, 711 Louisiana, 22nd Floor, Houston, Texas.
Board of Trustees Present:
Yolanda Navarro-Flores, Chairwoman
Bruce A. Austin, Vice Chair
Diane Olmos Guzman, Secretary
Mills Worsham, Deputy Secretary
Abel Davila
Neeta Sane
Richard M. Schechter
Administration Present:
Mary Spangler, Chancellor
Art Tyler, Deputy Chancellor/COO
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
Others Present:
Jarvis Hollingsworth, Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
Brad Deutser, Consultant, Yaffe|Deutser
Catherine Campbell, Consultant, Yaffe|Deutser
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mrs. Sane, Chairwoman, called the meeting to order at 1:49 p.m. and declared the
Board convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College
System as listed on the duly posted meeting notice.
REVIEW AND DISCUSS THE ALIEF EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PLAN
Mrs. Flores informed that there were some questions and concerns that have been
brought forth.
Mrs. Sane mentioned that there are some questions regarding the Early College
high school and the timeframe specified in the service plan.
Mrs. Flores mentioned that there have been some concerns about how the idea of
the Early College has been presented on the proposed service plan. She noted that
some members of the Alief ISD have stated that the Early College has been
presented as if they are in partnership with HCC and have approved the ideal of an
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Special Meeting – July 30, 2008 – Page 2
Early College in Alief ISD. Mrs. Flores mentioned that she has been advised that
the information is in print where the statements were made regarding the Early
College and she requested to see any printed material regarding the Early College in
Alief ISD to see if the comments are true.
Mr. Schechter noted that he had a copy of the proposed service plan with the action
and benefit portion, which reads “HCC will offer Early College High School to match
the demand of the community enrollment”.
Mrs. Sane noted that it is a general statement but the funding needs to be
discussed.
Mr. Schechter informed that Alief ISD position maybe whether it will be in
partnership with Alief ISD or in partnership with someone else or if the college will be
doing it on its own.
Mrs. Flores noted that if this information is taken in conjunction with the other
statement under community partner, which does identify Alief ISD as a community
partner providing classes for high school students and career planning, then possibly
the two were combined to give the implication that they have approved it.
Mr. Worsham informed that the Chancellor advised that there is the possibility to
have an Early College with the ISD; however, he does not see where it has been
stated that Alief ISD has partner with HCC regarding an Early College.
(Dr. Spangler arrived at 1:59 p.m.)
Mr. Worsham mentioned that the concept has been introduced to Alief ISD. He
asked Dr. Spangler to elaborate on her comments from the meeting held on July 29,
2008.
Dr. Spangler apprised that today she learned that there may be some
misunderstanding and noted that Alief ISD may have possibly taken the service plan
as the final plan and possibly assumed that they would be the only ones involved.
Dr. Spangler mentioned that the proposed plan does not commit Alief ISD to any
cost.
Mrs. Flores informed that the concern is that HCC has put in print and is promoting
the ideal that Alief ISD is partnering with HCC and has specifically agreed to
promote the Early College. She noted that there was a statement made to her that it
is in print and they have not agreed.
Mr. Austin suggested that whether than getting caught up in the Early College the
focus should be on the policy. He noted that the principal of the issue is getting
students to graduate at a fast pace and getting them college ready as opposed to
dealing with the specifics of Early College.
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Mr. Austin suggested removing the Early College and to discuss the various
methods colleges are utilizing around the country to increase learning among young
people.
Mr. Davila mentioned that the focus could be on providing dual credit and to allow
students the opportunity to graduate from high school with an associate.
Dr. Spangler mentioned that perhaps a way to explain it is an opportunity to
accelerate students through high school.
Mr. Austin noted that there should have been some discussion on community
colleges today and how they are transforming.
Mr. Schechter recommended that the Board should mention the item at Alief ISD
meeting on August 5, 2008 what phrasing is acceptable for them.
Mrs. Guzman suggested engaging the community’s involvement on the service plan.
She noted that she received an article on community colleges from Kitty Boyle,
which mentioned that HCC was asking for the history for community colleges. Dr.
Spangler mentioned that she requested the information in the development of a
power point presentation. Mrs. Guzman noted that she has the information and
could provide it to the entire Board.
Mr. Worsham noted that “proposed” is the key word and that the plan presented is
not the final plan but was presented to get input from the community.
Mrs. Sane noted that Alief ISD is just one of the partners listed as a community
partner. She noted that it may be a good idea to get the input from some of the
other organizations and noted that the focus should be on the community as a
whole.
Mrs. Flores stated that she associated with Mr. Austin in that the focus should not be
just on Early College but on combination of items. She noted that the focus should
be on the policies developed for educating students and dual credit.
Mrs. Flores mentioned that in regards to the service plan, it will probably be asked
on what bases was the draft developed, who helped in building the plan, from who
did we seek input, etc. She noted that the straight forward we are with Alief the
better.
Mrs. Guzman noted that the Board should have very succinct and polished well
message. She noted that the answer to the public during the public hearings were
not succinct.
Mr. Austin suggested that an engagement session is held with a facilitator present
who does not have an interest on either side. Mr. Austin noted that this would
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Special Meeting – July 30, 2008 – Page 4
provide the opportunity to allow Alief ISD to inform of their needs for consideration in
developing the plan.
Mr. Worsham advised that the fundamentals should be reviewed. He noted that the
citizens of Alief came with petitions and the first step was to draft a proposed service
plan. The next step was to hold public hearings to get the input from the community.
Mrs. Flores noted that she does not feel that Alief ISD wants to make certain all
vested interests are covered. She noted that HCC should not go in on the defensive
but must understand that Alief ISD is only considering what is in their best interest.
Mrs. Sane asked Dr. Spangler how she plans to address the concerns.
Dr. Spangler mentioned that one thing would be to display how well HCC has been
able to work with other school districts. She mentioned that the purpose of the draft
plan was to get the input of what is needed and wanted by the community.
Mrs. Sane asked if any of the Board members would be involved in the development
and fostering of relations. Dr. Spangler mentioned that she will discuss with the
Greater Houston Partnership on August 13, 2008 and hoped that the Board Chair
could attend to discuss intentions.
Mrs. Sane provided the preliminary questions that were presented to administration
and requested that the Board review them.
Dr. Spangler mentioned that there are some items that are not included on the
service plan.
Mrs. Flores informed that Sarah Winkler, President, Alief ISD Board of Trustees,
asked if the HCC Board could attend their workshop meeting scheduled for
Tuesday, August 5, 2008. She apprised that she informed Ms. Winkler that several
of HCC Board members would be attending a workshop in New Mexico and noted
that she has asked Mr. Austin to attend the meeting on her behalf.
Trustees Guzman, Sane, Austin, Davila, and Schechter agreed to attend the
workshop. Mr. Hollingsworth informed that the meeting may need to be posted as a
joint meeting since there maybe more than five members present.
Mr. Schechter noted that the Board would be asked to approve a call for election in
August; he asked if there has been meetings and discussions with other entities to
present the plan with community leaders.
Dr. Spangler mentioned that there has been discussion with various organizations.
Mrs. Flores asked Martha Barrera to provide a report on the various organizations
that the plan has been presented.
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Mrs. Flores informed that HCC was notified last year that Alief ISD would go out for
a bond during the November 2008 election, but we proceeded with the proposed
annexation.
Mr. Davila asked if a poll has been conducted to show the vote status at the present.
Dr. Spangler mentioned that such a survey has not been conducted at the moment
and she noted that she has discussed with one of the consultants regarding if there
was any negative or resistance with HCC annexing.
Mr. Davila asked if there is known resistance at this time regarding the annexation.
Dr. Spangler noted that it is important that the Board recognize that this is an
important piece and make the best effort.
Mr. Davila mentioned that some information has been sent to the Board via email,
but he is not certain if there is a plan that the Board may not be aware of. He
mentioned that he hopes that the Trustees who service the area are involved.
Mrs. Sane apprised that she requested information from the Chancellor regarding
the writing strategy and how we will move forward.
Mrs. Sane stated that she would like to have answers to the concerns posed in a
timely manner.
Dr. Spangler advised that there is a plan although it may not be in a step by step
format. She noted that a meeting was just held a couple days ago with the
consultants who will be developing the material. She noted that she received today
information from one of the consultants regarding proposed targeting groups,
timeline for the mailing campaign, proposed method for communicating the plan, and
costs. She noted that is a draft concept document.
Mr. Schechter stated that the Board is clear regarding the item and mentioned that
he would not want to hold a public discussion regarding HCC’s campaign. He
recommended discussing with Counsel the most efficient way to discuss the matter.
Mrs. Sane noted that she agrees with Mr. Schechter. Dr. Spangler provided
information on the demographic and population overview of Alief and noted that the
information was crafted from the questions posed from the Board.
Mr. Austin mentioned that every day there is a new campaign; therefore, the
campaign that was good last year may not be applicable today. Mr. Austin asked if
there has been a review of the Nielsen ratings to determine the best media
mechanism for the Alief area.
Brad Deutser apprised that the community is diverse; however, there is a need for a
recruitment campaign utilizing television, print and direct mail, and education
campaign, which is being done through direct contact with the community-based
organizations.
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Mrs. Sane mentioned that when the Annexation Committee met, it sensed that there
is a somewhat detachment and she would like to know what the strategies are.
(Mr. Davila stepped out at 2:56 p.m.)
Mrs. Flores noted that there were questions asked by the Board but seems that they
were considered to be trick questions. She noted that the Board is not trying to trick
anyone and therefore, this creates a dividing line and apprised that the Board is the
ultimate decision maker for the college. She noted that she feels that she has not
been part of the process as well.
(Mr. Davila returned at 2:58 p.m.)
Mr. Brad Deutser noted that his job is to protect the institution and noted that if the
college answered the question posed, it could have been a liability for the college.
Mrs. Sane stated that it was her understanding that PAC meetings had been moved
to 3100 Main.
Mr. Deutser noted that the PAC meetings have not been moved. He informed that
the meeting held at 3100 Main on July 29, 2008 was a college meeting.
Mr. Austin informed that his discussion was regarding the personal and impersonal
contact with people and penetration of the market. He noted that this would be
something that the focus group could concentrate on; however, Mr. Davila is
apprising that each time we get closer to the election, then the drive must increased
for winning the election. He noted that the negative should be downplayed and to
focus on the positive.
Mr. Austin noted that his reason for asking the question about the media penetration
is to determine interest. He noted that television would possibly be too costly;
therefore, radio could serve as a mechanism in developing a strategy.
Mr. Austin noted that once a strategy has been identified then the next process
would be to generate tactics to deal with anti-negative issues.
Mr. Davila noted that his concern is to get information on where the college is
regarding the election (polling) and the engagement piece and noted that there
needs to be at least 100% support from the Board. He asked if the Annexation
Committee has held discussion with the Communications Committee to review the
expense.
Mrs. Sane noted that she has requested the break-down on the expense regarding
the campaign. Dr. Spangler noted that she will provide the information to the Board
within the next week.
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Mrs. Sane asked administration to provide information on the plan, educational
engagement piece, and cost prior to the committee meeting scheduled for August
2008.
Mr. Davila asked when a communications plan will be presented. Dr. Spangler
noted that a plan could be developed within a week or so.
Mr. Davila informed that he is not looking for the answer today but would like to
know (1) how much has been spent since approving the budget in June 2008 and
(2) how the Board will be engaged.
Mrs. Sane informed that she would like to streamline the questions and noted that if
she asked a question, the response should be disseminated to the entire Board.
She noted that her concerns were given to Dr. Spangler last month.
Dr. Spangler noted that the consultants met on yesterday (July 29, 2008) and noted
that a timeline has been provided by the consultants designed to target the entire
community.
Mr. Davila asked if the Alief population is similar to the Houston population and
asked why it is so complex. Dr. Spangler mentioned that the message is
concentrated at specific groups.
Mr. Deutser mentioned that the Alief ISD is so complex because of the diversity of
the community. He noted that there will be a larger turn out for the election and part
of the education is how to get the voter to go down the ballot and noted HCC is at
the bottom of the poll.
(Mrs. Flores stepped out at 3:26 p.m.)
Mrs. Guzman reiterated that the message must be succinct. Dr. Spangler noted that
there is a need to practice and improve the presentation and noted that similar
questions will be asked.
Dr. Spangler mentioned that there will be opportunities to engage the Board. Mrs.
Sane noted that the best way to allow for the Board to be engaged is to provide the
responses to the requested information. She noted that none of the Trustees should
feel that they are uncertain about anything.
Dr. Spangler asked if the questions should be forwarded to Trustee Sane and then
to her. She asked if there would be some latitude in responding.
(Mrs. Flores returned at 3:30 p.m.)
Mr. Davila informed that he would suggest a phone call and informed that a more
formal answer should be provided to the entire Board.
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Special Meeting – July 30, 2008 – Page 8
Mr. Schechter mentioned that he was discussing with Counsel how there could be a
discussion without having to post at a meeting. He noted that counsel informed that
if one person from the annexation committee and one from the communications
committee could meet for a discussion.
Mrs. Sane reiterated that Dr. Spangler recommended that any questions should be
provided to the Committee chair or the Chancellor. Mr. Davila informed that the
question could be posed via a phone call.
Mr. Hollingsworth noted that he recommends that the information is provided from
the Chancellor or through Board Services so that the information is not disseminated
from a board member.
Mr. Worsham noted that the communication should be confined and channeled in a
certain way. He noted that certain information about the campaign does not need to
be widely disseminated; however, the plan should be made available. He noted that
this is a different dynamic than other HCC election’s because this election will
possibly draw a significant number of voters as well as new voters.
Mr. Davila mentioned that he associates with Mr. Worsham and stated that he just
wants to know that there is a plan.
(Mr. Davila stepped out at 3:43 p.m.)
Dr. Spangler asked Dr. Tyler to provide an overview of concerns from the two public
hearings:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Childcare
Opening/Outdoor Learning Center
Library with books
Vocational and Career Technical Education
(Mr. Davila returned at 3:46 p.m.)
Mrs. Sane asked if there is the capability of providing a library. Dr. Tyler informed
that the capabilities are available; however, the numbers would have to be worked.
Mrs. Sane asked that a draft of the language to be added be provided by the next
committee meeting.
Dr. Spangler asked if the four items of concern should be incorporated.
Mrs. Guzman informed that it would be feasible to include the concerns in the draft.
Mr. Davila asked if there have been any questions regarding representation on the
Board. Mrs. Flores informed that there has been some inquiry at one of the
breakfast meetings.
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Special Meeting – July 30, 2008 – Page 9
Dr. Spangler informed that the statute would have to be reviewed as it relates to the
requirements for representation and a possible change to State law. Mr. Austin
noted that there must be preclearance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and
noted that there will be redistricting in 2011.
Mr. Davila recommended that the consultants review different options regarding the
Board representation in lieu of a successful annexation and noted that if this could
be offered to the Alief ISD.
Mr. Schechter asked for the due date to finalize the proposed service plan. Dr. Tyler
informed that according to legal counsel, the plan will be adopted at the meeting
scheduled for August 21, 2008.
Mrs. Guzman announced that it was Trustee Sane’s birthday.
(Present: Trustees Austin, Davila, Flores, Guzman, Oliver, Sane, and Schechter,
Williams and Worsham)
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 3:55
p.m.
Minutes recorded and submitted by:
Sharon Wright, Executive Administrative Assistant, Board Services
Minutes Approved as Submitted: