Board of Trustees Report
Valley College
November 5, 2008
Open Session
Kelly Candaele opened the meeting with words of thanks to all those most involved with
the successful passage of Prop J: the Chancellor, the college presidents, Larry
Eisenberg, and the various unions. He singled out the work of Carl Friedlander, in
particular. He also mentioned his hope for a better future for both the country and our
district with the election of Barack Obama.
Sue Carleo, Interim President at Valley, welcomed the Board, as did others: Don
Gauthier, Joanne Waddell, Selma Cohen (the Classified rep), and Josh Rybal (sp?), the
ASO president. Carleo cited the dedication that morning of the new science building, and
said the aquatic center was almost completed. The DSPS gym is coming along, as is the
Child Development complex. She also reviewed recent work on the Valley Educational
Plan, as did Rebecca Stein, Senate Vice President.
Velma Butler raised a concern about a new position for a district ADA Compliance
Officer. The Chancellor insisted that it was being created for legal reasons, as we don’t
currently have adequate policies and procedures in place for ADA compliance. He
suggested the discussion be taken up in the DBC. I stated that I would be glad to put it
on the agenda for the Nov. 12 meeting.
A brief CalPIRG report was given.
There were no committee meetings in the morning to report on.
In his own report, the Chancellor gave thanks to all involved in the passage of Prop J.
He cited the work that faculty had done in updating the ed plans, which was then
translated into facilities needs. He said that teaching and learning needs were
emphasized throughout the decision-making process.
He then cited the worsening budget situation, stating the Governor’s determination to
seek a November decision about cuts and taxes and the certainty of mid-year cuts.
(Given the Chancellor’s letter to all employees this week, I won’t go into further detail
here.)
The Consent Calendar was approved unanimously with only small corrections and few
questions. Mona Field cited the various labor agreements included (having to do with
compensation adjustments, for the most part) and said that it was a good moment to see
them, given the worsening budget situation.
Valley’s Ed Plan’s Vision and Mission Statements were approved. Nancy Pearlman
pointed out the reference to sustainability in the Mission Statement.
The Nov. 7 Student Transit Summit at Trade was announced, as was the League
meeting during the week of Nov. 17
David