Board of Trustees Report
Southwest College
November 3, 2010
Budget and Finance Committee
Most of the meeting consisted of a follow up by our internal auditor Arnold Blanshard to
the report he presented a few months ago. The resolution of most problems identified
was routine, but a few striking irregularities showed up. Harbor has $44,000 missing
from its Business Office. An accounting error has been ruled out, and the Sheriff's have
been asked to investigate. At City, a lease agreement was given to a workforce center in
2008 without a contact. This is a clear violation of established rules. Ironically, the center
was dedicated with a considerable fanfare, with Mayor Villaraigosa present. The
administrator involved left the district some time ago, but no accusation of personal gain
is alleged, in any case. A workshop to review rules and procedures for district
administrators is planned for December.
Tina Park, an auditor by profession, said it was "absurd" to see so many findings at one
time (there were approximately 18). Blanshard replied that the lack of any internal
auditing for several years was one reason. (The internal audit unit was just formed again
a few years ago). Chancellor Dan LaVista reiterated the importance of follow up and
training, saying "just expanding the net" is not enough.
Blanshard said the whistle-blower phone line is about to be launched, after a long delay,
caused partly by problems with AT&T. He has been working with the Inspector General,
as the same number will serve for both bond and non-bond complaints.
Finally, Jeanette Gordon gave a brief First Quarter Status Report. Much was just a
restatement of state budget news that I've reported earlier, so I won't repeat it. She also
pointed out that only about $10 million of the $73 million balance is available for
discretionary purposes, given that $7 million is in open orders, $49 million belongs to
East and Pierce, $3 million needs to be set aside for the election next year, as does
another $4 million for various reasons. Gordon and the Cabinet are proposing that $8
million (1.5% of the total budget) be set aside in a General Reserve. No
recommendation about that has yet emerged from FPRC, however. Kelly Candaele
talked about the desirability of restoring some of the student services cuts made in
recent years.
Planning and Student Success Committee
For the first time (at least, as far as I know), the Financial Aid managers gave a
comprehensive report to a Board committee. Six of the nine mangers were present, with
Sheila Millman from Harbor making the main presentation.
It included a brief summary of the history of financial aid nationally. A major revision to
the law was made in 2007, including a simpler FAFSA form and increased award
amounts. Further federal improvements are in process. The district application process
was also reviewed, as were both out-reach and in-reach (on campus) efforts.
Processing time was reduced from 87 days to 30 a few years ago, the result of a
concerted effort by the managers, Yasmin Delahoussaye, and others. District award
totals have increased from $100 million in 2006-07 (just $70 million in 2001-02) to over
$250 million in 2009-10.
Our Pell Grant totals as a percentage of enrolled students has gone up, but still only
reaches approximately 25% of our eligible students. Millman was insistent that the
financial aid offices have much more work than in the past, due to increased federal
reporting requirements, and that more staff and IT support is needed. LaVista and Sylvia
Scott-Hayes were receptive. I suggested that we need to involve faculty further, if we’re
going to increase our percentage of Pell recipients.
Delahoussaye reviewed the status of our partnership with LAUSD. She described a
faculty dialogue being planned with six colleges and high schools. Another joint Board
meeting is being discussed, according to Scott-Hayes.
Maury Pearl, attending his first Board meeting in his new role as Interim Associate Vice
Chancellor for Institutional Effectiveness, described the on-line Program Review system
that is being developed.
Proposed agenda items for the rest of the year were discussed briefly. I mentioned that
the Sustainability Institute Coordinators were eager to present, and that we should try to
schedule a presentation regarding the special needs of gay and lesbian students as
soon as possible.
Finally, Delahoussaye described the Gates "Completion by Design" grants. LACCD will
be applying as part of a consortium with Los Rios, San Diego, and Foothill/De Anza.
Southwest will be the sole applicant from the district, as it's the only one to have over
25% of its (total) students on Pell grants, a Gates requirement.
Open Session
In his welcoming remarks, President Jack Daniels first introduced his custodial and
clerical staff leaders, drawing attention to the hard work done by their units. He then
introduced his administrative team (currently there are no vice presidents, but an
executive VP will be hired shortly). He noted that some deans had taken on new duties
during this transition period. Faculty, staff, and ASO leaders were also recognized.
ASO representative Lisa Perry spoke about the need for student orientation programs.
Nothing was reported out of Closed Session.
Candaele and Scott-Hayes gave reports on the committee meetings in the morning (see
above).
In his Chancellor's Report, LaVista saluted the foundations at City and Trade for raising
$400,000 and $500,000 respectively at their recent galas. He reminded the Board that
the Shulock/Moore study of LACCD would be out Nov. 9. He promised a report on it at
the next Board meeting. He also gave a summary of the Citizen's Oversight Committee
annual report on the bond program. It stated that "things are well managed," and it
highlights district sustainability efforts. It also referred to the recent Capstone study, as
well as the ongoing LA Times investigation. While the report was "not a pure valentine,"
it did conclude that the bond program was "very strong."
Daniels then introduced Dan Walden, Dean of Research, and Sharon Maselli, Chair of
the English Department. They detailed a reworking of English 21, involving a common
syllabus and textbook, a common final with a retake option, and “culturally responsive
pedagogy.” A Writing Center was also opened. They claimed to see significant
improvements in eight of ten variables assessed. This effort is part of a three-year
strategic basic skills project with USC's Center for Urban Education. Implementation
began two years ago and includes all the English 21 sections offered at Southwest.
The Consent Calendar was approved with little discussion.
There was a public hearing regarding two bond projects for the district office. No one
spoke, however, other than Tom Hall, filling in for Larry Eisenberg.
The Board will be holding a retreat in early December.
Comments
Yes, a short meeting! There were no public speakers. That’s a rare event.
The increase in financial aid is striking. We are now awarding one-quarter of a billion
dollars each year. But we’re still only reaching something less than 25% of all students.
Given that we know that over 85% of all students are eligible (per George Prather), that’s
an enormous number of students we’re still missing.
The English 21 project was very impressive. I’m eager to learn more about it.
All the best,
David
District Academic Senate President
213-891-2294
dbeaulieu@email.laccd.edu
www.laccd.edu/das