MINUTES OF THE BUSINESS MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Clark College, District No. 14
May 22, 2006
Penguin Student Union Building – Gaiser Hall
Rooms 258B & 258C
Present: Kim Peery, Chair, Rhona Sen Hoss, Vice Chair, Addison Jacobs, Sherry
Parker
Administrators: R. Wayne Branch, President; Bob Knight, Vice President of
Administrative Services; Sylvia Thornburg, Acting Vice President of Instruction;
Rachel Ruiz, Vice President of Student Affairs; Sue Williams, Associate Director of
Human Resources; Lisa Edwards, Executive Dean of Workforce Development and
Continuing Education; Candy Bennett, Executive Dean of Planning and
Advancement; Barbara Kerr, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing;
Wonder Baldwin, Executive Assistant to the President; Leann Johnson, Director for
Equity and Diversity; Ray Korpi, Interim Dean of Basic Education, English,
Communications and Humanities; Travis Kibota, Interim Dean of Life Sciences,
Health and Physical Education; Ted Broussard, Dean of Student Enrollment and
Financial Programs; Karen Wynkoop, Director of Business Services; Phil Sheehan,
Director of Computing Services; Carl Flipper, Director of Auxiliary Services; Todd
Oldham, Director of Corporate Education; Alice Phillips Director of Workforce
Education; Robin Terjeson, Dean of Math, Physical Sciences and Engineering; Glen
Jenewein, Director of Distance Learning; John McKee, Dean of Business and
Technology; Tim Cook, Acting Dean of Student Success and Retention; Chuck
Ramsey; Interim Dean of Social Science of Fine Arts; Tracey Reilly Kelly; Jim
Green; Lee Brand, Melinda Talley; Lisa Quednow-Bickler; Alex Montoya; Karen
Brown; Julie Taylor; Janis Miller.
Faculty: Miles Jackson, Larry Mains, Roxane Sutherland, Darla Utter, Anita Kay,
Ralph Stevens, Joan E. Carey, Judy VanPatten, Anita Fisher, Gail Liberman, Valerie
Vest, Marcia Roi
Staff: Billie Garner, WPEA; David Sims, WPEA; Jennifer Wheeler, Eugene Carroll
Students: Benjamin Hayford, ASCC Finance Director; Amanda Mayeral, ASCC Vice
President, Justin Taylor, Mariah Action, Lukas Bardue
Others: Lisa Gibert, Clark College Foundation President; Barbara Chen, Foundation
Director of Resource Management & Gift Planning; Michael Shinn, AAG; Jesse
Ferrell, Howard Buck, Al Flory, Valree Joshua, Aqiylah Collins (NAACP), Cleo R.
Smith, Shareefah Abdullah, Kris Long, Earl Ford (NAACP), Bob Andrews (NAACP),
Jean Andrews, Bruce Davis, Lucien Loisedv, Omar Collins (NAACP), Joseph Harrison
(NAACP), Vicki Cheng, Nicole L. Porter, J. Thompson, Ronald Sanders (NAACP),
Donald Ricketts (NAACP), Ashley Hines (NAACP), Nadine Fattaleh, Dian Winer, Kitty
Mackey, Robert Hughes, Ralph Stevens, Gordon Trousdale, Deborah K. Trousdale,
Carol Beima, Judy Van Patten, Dan Anderson, Lory M., Shoshanna Porter, Chet
Benson, Claudia Fife, Herman A. Flores, Natasha D., Gerald Baugh, John D. White,
Charles L. Simmons, Roxanne D., Jenny F., Kenneth Pacheco, Don Gonser, Rick B.,
Mike Worthy, Lyn Kirby, Charles Smith, Joe Pitkin, Joan C., Skip Collier, Carol
Collier, Diana Knight, Steven Befesford
I.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Trustee Peery at 5:05 p.m. Trustee
Peery began the meeting by stating that in consideration of the audience he
would take the AHE report first. He continued to say that after the AHE
report by Mr. Jackson, there are members from the audience representing
the public and various community groups that would like to express their
thoughts. Trustee Peery began the meeting by asking everyone to be
professional and respectful. He stated that this meeting is not a referendum
of employment of anyone at the College including the President, Dr. Branch;
we are taking the report and community statements and presentations as
input only. The Board is committed to following an established review and
evaluation process and the contractual agreements. Trustee Jacobs gave an
update of where they are in the process of the President’s evaluation.
Trustee Peery stated again the Board is committed to following a process.
Trustee Jacobs said she appreciated the passion that everyone brings to
Clark College and their willingness to share their thoughts and understanding
what the Board is undertaking. She explained the process that took place
three years ago at the end of the Presidential search. The Board worked
very diligently with Katrina Golder, the Associate Vice President of Human
Resources and with Dr. Branch to develop a very clear evaluation
performance review process for the time that he is here. She also explained
that they looked at other college’s performance evaluations and developed
an instrument that they all agreed upon. That process was an annual
performance evaluation in June of every year, including this year, as well as
quarterly informal evaluations using the same instrument. They have
conducted this process faithfully since President Branch has joined Clark
College and they will continue to honor this process as the Board moves
forward. She continued to explain that in the fall of this year the Board will
begin the process to address the third year of President Branch’s contract.
The Board hired a consultant to assist them with the evaluation process.
They signed with Gold Hill Associates this year and have consulted with Mr.
Bob Barringer, a facilitator and consultant well-known in presidential
searches. He worked with them to develop an evaluation instrument and
establish a list of stakeholders. Mr. Barringer has completed the interviews
and will provide the Board with a report in early June. Mr. Barringer will
meet with Dr. Branch as well. An evaluation performance review with Dr.
Branch will be held at the June Board meeting as announced three years ago.
Trustee Jacobs mentioned that this is no different than an evaluation anyone
gets in their employment and restated that it is not a referendum of
employment.
With that said, Trustee Peery invited Miles Jackson to speak on behalf of
AHE. Miles stated his reluctance to give a report on a resolution; however,
he explained that a year ago faculty began asking him to look into and to
lead a no confidence vote against the President. He was skeptical at the time
and noted some concerns, but as he had more meetings and conversations
with faculty members, employees, former employees and people in the
community, there appeared to be a pattern of concern that could not be
ignored and that needed to be brought to the Board’s attention. He also
wanted to make the Board aware that a number of faculty and staff
administrators chose not to partake in the on-line survey for fear of
retaliation and felt a “no confidence” vote would allow them to be publicly
heard. Lastly, Miles stated that before he summarizes the results, this is not
meant to be a referendum about the direction of the College, college
initiatives or the strategic plan. The faculty is motivated by the ideas and
goals in the strategic plan, e.g., open communication and shared governance
and improving the college climate by collaborative decision-making.
Therefore, the faculty voted on three clauses and a number of resolutions
whereas President Branch has demonstrated the style of leadership that
violates the College’s commitment to shared decision-making of open
communication thereby hindering the effective functioning of the college. He
continued by stating that President Branch has created a college climate that
played a role in the resignations of a substantial number of highly qualified,
experienced college personnel, thereby negatively effecting the morale of the
campus community. The results of the faculty vote concluded that the
faculty at Clark College has no confidence in President R. Wayne Branch’s
leadership of Clark College and that the faculty strongly encourages the
Board of Trustees to take this resolution into consideration as they deliberate
whether to retain or dismiss President Branch. The faculty “exhorts” the
Board to inform the College community about its decision before the end of
the academic year, June 16, 2006. Miles continued by reporting that over a
period of three days, 239 faculty participated in the in the vote, a 90%
representation of full-time faculty. 229 supported the resolution, 8 opposed
and 2 voted no opinion or abstained. In closing, Miles agreed with Trustees
Peery and Jacobs that this important decision is the privy of the Board and
that the intent of the faculty is not to usurp that decision-making power.
II.
BUSINESS MEETING
A. Review of the Agenda
There were no changes to the agenda.
B. Statements from the Audience
Trustee Peery invited any additional comments from the audience. To
insure that clear and accurate minutes are written, Trustee Peery asked
that speakers talk into the microphone and identify themselves or the
group they are associated with.
Earl Ford, President of the Vancouver Branch of the NAACP (National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People) stated that the
NAACP has provided over 61 years of service in Vancouver and to the
Clark County Community. Mr. Ford stated that at no time before Dr.
Branch’s arrival have they felt welcome at Clark College. He shared some
personal remarks about the community and the changes that have taken
place since Dr. Branch’s arrival. During President Branch’s leadership,
Clark College has partnered with NAACP’s African American Rights of
Passage Summer Academy, a cultural emerged program to sell children
on academic performance and accountability.
Billie Garner, representing the Washington Public Employees Association
(WPEA), read a statement from the WPEA Executive Director. “The WPEA
has not approached our bargaining unit members in seeking a no
confidence vote in President Branch’s abilities, however; we have had our
own difficulties in establishing a cooperative working relationship with
President Branch. President Branch has chosen not to participate in our
labor management communication committee meetings. We have invited
him on several occasions to participate and be present at these meetings.
WPEA believes participation in these meetings would have been an
opportunity to facilitate better communication and also to demonstrate
President Branch’s desire to work with and resolve issues that are
concerns of classified staff. It is with great disappointment that President
Branch has refused to participate in these meetings. His refusal to
participate is also indicative of the management philosophy he has chosen
to actively implement administratively at Clark College.”
Ms. Kris Long, a resident of East County and a member of the NAACP
referred to the policies and procedures of the Board upon learning of the
“no confidence” vote. After reviewing the expectations of the Board, she
believes President Branch has met them. As a parent, she stated her
concerns regarding diversity and the stability of the College and
community for her child and the importance of having a diverse ethnic
leadership in our community.
Mr. Arch Miller represented the Miller family and stated he was not
surprised by the number of attendees at the meeting. He noted that he
and his family invited President and Mrs. Branch into their home shortly
after their move to Vancouver. He commented to Dr. Branch at that time
that it would not be easy for people at Clark College to handle change.
He stated his appreciation to Dr. Branch for the changes he has made at
Clark College. He then expressed his personal thoughts, giving examples,
on how the community does not welcome “strangers” and tends to
promote people from within the community. He reminded the Board of
why they brought President Branch here, because Clark College needed
change.
Mr. Mike Worthy, Chief Executive, Bank of Clark County, stated that he is
not speaking on any official capacity. He has come to rely upon the
workforce planning and opportunities at Clark College. He noted that he
and the company he works for are donors to the Clark College Foundation
and he is a member of the Higher Education Coordinating Board for the
State of Washington. He considers himself to be an advocate of Clark
College and is proud to share his praise of the college when he travels
throughout the state. He stated that enrollment continues to be strong,
partnerships and collaborations have evolved and notable co-admission
agreements have been entered into thanks to the collaboration efforts of
faculty and staff. He has had many constructive and communicative
meetings with President Branch and appreciates the opportunity to be
heard. He is unclear of what the issues are that resulted in the no
confidence vote, but finds it damaging to the College and the community,
particularly for those like himself that advocate for Clark College. He
asked the Board to sustain the success of Clark College and make a
decision that facilitates the outcome to focus on the primary constituents,
the students of Clark College.
Mr. Jesse Ferrell, expressing his perspective as a student, spoke to the
remarkable changes that have taken place over the past three years
under President Branch’s leadership. In working with Dr. Branch, Mr.
Ferrell stated that it is apparent that students come first. Mr. Ferrell
stressed his disappointment with the actions of the faculty, saying that
they should lead and guide students in their higher education.
Mr. John White, local business person and member of the Foundation
Board of Director, provided a perspective from the community. The
relationship between the Foundation and Clark College has improved
tremendously since Dr. Branch’s leadership. In his role on the WSUV
Advisory Board, he has watched WSUV and Clark College partner in a
building exercise that resulted in a four-year program at WSUV that will
serve Clark College well in the future.
Ms. Cleo Smith, Vice President of NAACP, questioned the percentage of
faculty/staff living in the community. She relayed her views on
community involvement and diversity.
Ms. Gail Thomas, member of the AME Zion Church praised President
Branch’s outreach efforts and his involvement in the community.
Ms. Mariah Action, student and College Council representative, stated her
personal views on the detrimental effect the vote has taken on the
students. She wants the best for the school, which she is very passionate
about, and believes that examining these issues in an open and public
manner may be the best step for resolution.
Mr. Ralph Stevens, business person in the Community, came to
congratulate the Board. He questioned why the community was present
at the meeting. He stated that the Board put together a vision prior to
hiring a new President and set out to find the best candidate for the job.
President Branch has been out in the community with character and
leadership and Mr. Stevens thanked the Board for their decision.
Mr. Eugene Carroll, staff member, conveyed his personal views on the
issues. He stated that management style is the main cause and that the
problem should be handled internally. Trustee Peery explained that since
it is being presented in a public meeting, it is not necessarily an internal
matter.
Another Gentleman stated he is completing his teaching courses for a
certificate in paralegal from Clark College. He noted he applied for
several positions before President Branch’s arrival to Clark College and no
one would hire him. He believes the reason was because he was
different. He noted the issues of the faculty need to be known.
Shareefah Abdulla, business owner and Clark County resident, spoke in
support of Dr. Branch and Clark College’s innovation, achievements,
construction of new buildings and the effects it has on the community.
She feels that under Dr. Branch’s leadership, the College has the potential
of becoming a “business incubator”.
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. and reconvened at 6:25 p.m.
C. Statements and Reports from the Board Members
Trustee Jacobs spoke on the 360–degree evaluation of the President. The
Board appreciated the passion brought to Clark College. She explained
the review process for the time that President Branch has been at Clark
College. The Board of Trustees agreed on conducting an annual
performance evaluation and quarterly evaluation every June. Trustee
Jacobs reported this has been done faithfully. This is an additional
process. They chose to have an outside consultant company, Gold Hill
Associates conduct the President’s 360-degree evaluation. Mr. Bob
Barringer, consultant with Gold Hill Associates, has worked hard in
compiling a list of stakeholders. The consultants have completed the
interview process and will provide a report in June. Trustee Jacobs noted
that this is not a referendum of employment of President Branch.
D. President’s Report – Dr. R. Wayne Branch
President Branch recognized and thanked Lukas Bardue, ASCC Public
Director for his role in the unveiling of the Phoenix. He also recognized
Benjamin Hayford for the ASCC support of hosting the 10th Annual
Women’s Conference. Trustee Jacobs asked President Branch if there was
an update of the master facility plan. President Branch responded that
there will be a full update presented to the Board at the June Work
Session. He added that a meeting has been scheduled with the City of
Vancouver in July to provide a glimpse of the Fourth Plain and Fort
Vancouver Way Development. He will update the board on June 10th.
Trustee Jacobs had a question on the updates of the East County Property
and the search for the Vice President of Instruction. President Branch
asked Mr. Bob Knight to respond to the question regarding the updates of
the East County and asked Ms. Katrina Golder to provide an update to the
Board on the Vice President of Instruction. Mr. Knight reported that
construction will begin next July and added there will be a meeting with
workforce development and the architects. President Branch added that a
note was sent to the Legislature Delegation on the signage. Ms. Golder
reported that the Vice President of Instruction position was reopened and
a screening committee was formed. The interviews for the position are
being conducted and the committee will be selecting two candidates from
this group. Mr. Miles Jackson asked a question whether the first pool
would consist of 5 or 3 candidates. Dr. Branch stated it could be up to 5.
E. Association Reports
1. AHE – Miles Jackson, President - Mr. Jackson elaborated on the “no
confidence” vote.
2. ASCC – Benjamin Hayford Acting President – He thanked Ms.
Karen Brown, Dr. Rachel Ruiz and Dr. Tim Cook for working with the
ASCC through some difficult issues and also thanked them for their
continued support.
3. WPEA – Billie Garner - Billie Garner had one addition to his report.
The May 18 communication meeting has been re-scheduled to May 30.
F. Campus Reports
1. Instruction – Dr. Sylvia Thornburg had two additions to her report.
The Women’s Conference of the previous weekend was a tremendous
success with record numbers of participants and broad representation
among college staff and faculty in the array of volunteers that made it
possible. Dr. Thornburg also introduced Dr. Ray Korpi as the new
Dean of Basic Education, English, Communications and Humanities.
Trustee Jacobs asked what the NSF grant application for $142,228 was
for (page 9). Dr. Robin Terjeson responded that it was for a nuclear
magnetic resonance spectrometer to analyze the atomic structure of
molecules in organic compounds. This provides students experience
with realistic industry equipment. Trustee Jacobs commended the
college for applying for grants of this size. Dr. Branch added that the
college currently has roughly $1.3 million in grants submitted.
2. Administrative Services - Mr. Bob Knight introduced Mr. Jim Green
as the new Director of Plant Services. Mr. Knight has no additions to
his report. There was a discussion on budget and construction from
Mr. Knight’s report. President Branch clarified a question asked by
Trustee Jacobs she asked would a report of auxiliary services for
grants and for distance learning be brought to the June board work
session in addition to the report in workforce development corporate
training. Dr. Branch stated that each area would provide updates and
or reports at each of the next few board meetings. Workforce is
scheduled for the June meeting.
3. Student Affairs – Dr. Rachel Ruiz had one addition to her report.
She announced the commencement ceremony will be on June 15 and
noted Governor Christine Gregoire is the keynote speaker. She also
mentioned the GED Ceremony is June 17.
4. Human Resources – Ms. Katrina Golder had no additions to her
report. Ms. Golder presented a PowerPoint presentation on the
recruitment process of Administrative/Exempt, Faculty and Classified
positions (hand-out included in the minutes).
5. Planning and Advancement – Ms. Candy Bennett had one addition
to her report. She announced the award from the Education
Assistance Foundation in the amount of $70,050 to develop and
implement a one-credit college course creating a two year academic
plan for students and focusing on low-income and first-generation
students. Dr. Tim Cook, Ted Broussard and Dr. Sara Martin of Student
Affairs collaborated with Grants Development Director, Kitty Brokaw,
to prepare and submit the grant. A public announcement of the grant
has not yet been made by the Education Assistance Foundation.
Student Affairs will coordinate and implement the grant activities.
6. Workforce Development – Dr. Lisa Edwards has no additions to her
report. Trustee Jacobs raised a question regarding the status of
transportation work. Dr. Edwards replied that Clark College is in the
process of the next phase. She noted workforce is working on a tool
kit. Dr. Edwards also noted President Branch met with the President of
Portland Community College, Dr. Pulliam on how we can submit a
grant through the Department of Labor to access training dollars and
will join them in pursuing this funding. She notes that Clark College
has been collecting market data. Trustee Jacobs asked how the
money will be divided between the colleges.
7. Communications and Marketing – Ms. Barbara Kerr had no
additions to her report.
8. Clark College Foundation – Ms. Lisa Gibert had no additions to her
report.
G. Policy Discussion
The policy discussion focused on the proportion of the tuition increase
to be allocated for needy student waivers. The State Board in its
provisions for a tuition increase is allowing institutions to provide up to
2% to needy students. Mr. Bob Knight informed the Board that the
Executive Cabinet recommends that no percentage be allocated to
needy students. Dr. Branch informed the Board that College Council
recommends the full 2%. Mr. Jackson informed the Board that College
Council had heard from various people and concluded that the 2%
works in the best interest of the students. Mr. Alex Montoya, Director
of Financial Aid stated that he believed the parameters for the use of
the funds to be so narrow that the dollars would be best used for
support services/staff.
Trustee Jacobs stated she had concerns about not supporting putting
funds into the needy student program. Trustee Sen Hoss commented
that it seems like this is saying Clark is taking student financial aid and
reallocating the funds elsewhere. Trustee Peery commented that
these are tuition dollars in the operating budget. Trustee Peery
announced that this will not be decided tonight, stating that more
decision is needed. Trustee Peery commented that the Board will have
time to announce action on a decision after the June 10 Board work
session. President Branch noted that a proposed Budget A & B will be
presented to the Board in June but will not include any realignment of
appropriation in the growth FTE sector from the state board. He noted
this will be reported in July. There was no action taken on the Policy
Discussion. Trustee Peery noted this will be revisited.
III. CONSENT AGENDA
A. First Reading
1. Foundation Funds Allocation Recommendations
2. Tuition Increase/Needy Student Waiver – the Board reviewed the
proposed Tuition Increase/Needy Student Waiver and will take action
in the future.
Trustee Jacobs moved the Foundation Funds Allocation
Recommendations to consent agenda. Motion carried. The motion
was approved unanimously and seconded.
IV.
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes for April 17, 2006 were approved by the Board.
2. Foundation Funds Allocation Recommendations
Trustee Peery made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Trustee
Parker seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion
was unanimously approved.
V.
VI.
Future Agenda Items
1. President’s Evaluation (June)
2. AHE Agreement (June)
3. Signage Plan (June)
4. Internal Communications Plan (June)
5. Planning/Budgeting & Workforce Continuing Ed. Update (June10th
Board Work Session)
6. Accreditation (August)
Date and Place of Future Meetings
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees will be
held on Monday, June 26, 2006, in the Board Room.
VII.
Adjournment
The Meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
______________________
Kim Peery, Chair
Clark College Board of Trustees
Wonder Baldwin, Recorder