Board of Trustees Report
District Office
April 9, 2008
Workforce and Economic Development Committee
This newly constituted committee met for the first time at 9:30. Chancellor
Drummond described our current workforce efforts in the district as a bit like
"Swiss cheese," lacking in consistency across the district, adding that the
formation of this committee is an attempt to give greater cohesion to our efforts.
Marvin Martinez, the new Vice-Chancellor, presented the members with a list of
what is currently being offered by our nine colleges, as well as neighboring
colleges. A presentation followed from three city representatives, including Larry
Frank, the Deputy Mayor. They reviewed the routing of federal money to Los
Angeles for job creation. While that sum has declined a great deal in recent years
(from $148 million to $38 million), they do claim that it is better utilized now. Valley
College was cited as a district leader in terms of working with the city. Their goal is
to bring people to us for training, as they have no money for that. On the other
hand, Adult Ed and Oc Ed programs in LAUSD total approximately $300 million,
as compared to our total of about $120 million.
One huge problem, according to the Chancellor, is that we do so little with LAUSD.
Their 70 high school Career Prep programs are not connected to us, though Trade
works with one school. Little is done system to system. With Adult Ed, we have
almost no contact at all. We will also need a significant investment in faculty in
coming years, given new technologies.
Marvin Martinez cited his trip to Washington DC next week as a member of the
Mayor's contingent, and the Mayor's representatives stressed that they want to
work closely with us. Sylvia Scott-Hayes pointed out that this commitment wasn't
clear in the past.
The need to address the needs of the 100,000 16-24 year olds in LA who are
neither in school nor working ("disaffected" youth) was a focus of discussion. They
make up 20% of their age group. Non-credit programs are one way to bridge the
skills gap, according to John Clerx. Better marketing of our programs was
important, according to Angela Reddock.
Finally, Diane Factor from SEIU spoke about health care industry needs. She said
the district is their most important partner in training workers for career
advancement. She had some particular suggestions: that we consider using
county employed nurses in a teaching role; that we do clinical training at County
Hospital; that we consider using an apprentice model in our programs; and, finally,
that we build classrooms on county property adjacent to medical facilities.
The Committee is resolved to meet on a regular basis.
Swearing In of New Trustee
At 11:00 Miguel Santiago was sworn in as a new member of the Board of
Trustees. He was selected two weeks ago, and is replacing Warren Furutani.
Santiago is the deputy assistant for Judy Chu, a member of the State Board of
Equalization. Chu, a long-time member of the East LA faculty, conducted the
swearing in. Santiago's appointment was praised by Chu and all the members of
the board. She noted the consistently excellent relations he maintains with all the
stakeholder groups he works with. A brief reception followed.
Committee of the Whole
The full Board then met as a Committee of the Whole to again discuss the
possibility of a third bond.
The results of the recent field poll were presented. They show an approximately
64% to 20% preference in favor. Democrats and independents are more partial
than Republicans, but not by a great margin, and Valley support is as strong as in
the rest of the city. Three amounts were presented to the respondents, ranging
from $3 billion to $5.5 billion, and there was no drop off in support for the larger
total. The surveying was done by the same firm that has worked for us extensively
in the past.
No Board member spoke in opposition to a third bond and two positively endorsed
it. There was some concern, however, as to the timing and the amount. The
desirability of presenting a bond proposal in November was emphasized, given the
anticipated large turnout, especially of sympathetic voters. Mona Field and Mark
Drummond both registered concern about asking for the larger amounts, but Larry
Eisenberg argued that all our major planning has been completed and that if we
ask for $4 billion only then we will have spent all of it by 2012 (adding that all of
our A/AA money will be spent by the end of next year).
Competition on the ballot from other bonds and the need to solicit support from the
media were mentioned. A campaign requiring over $1 million is anticipated.
Finally, several faculty spoke in favor of a bond. They included Tom Rosdahl,
Leslie Milke (Mission), Marian Prochter ( Pierce), Ken Sherwood, and Carole
Anderson (Trade). Board members noted their appreciation about hearing directly
from faculty. A vote is planned for the next meeting, and, if positive, an amount will
be settled on at that time.
Open Session
Carl announced upcoming union marches and Lisa Winter talked about plans for
Denim Day (a day to draw attention to rape) on April 23.
There was a student complaint regarding an alleged lack of administrative support
for the formation of an African-American student support group called the
Journeymen at Trade.
Nothing was reported out of Closed Session.
Reports of the morning committee meetings were made by Kelly Candaele (see
above).
Resolutions were passed in support of the following: Asian Pacific American
Heritage Month (May); Classified Employees Week (May 18-24); Day of
Remembrance: Armenian Genocide (April 24); Earth Day (April 22); El Dia del
Maestro y de la Maestra (May 14); Mexican American Heritage Week and
Recognition of Cinco de Mayo (May 4-10): Month of the Young Child (April):
National Nurses Week (May 6-12); and Peace Officers Memorial Day and National
Police Officers Week (May 11-17).
Jack Daniels, President of Southwest College, presented the Southwest College
Players, a theater group which recently won seven awards at a major competition
of the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts. The company presented
an extended excerpt of a dramatic reading.
In his report, Chancellor Drummond reviewed the attempt to reach our enrollment
base this year, lest we lose $10-15 million per year. He also mentioned a
conference on climate change that he attended last week in Maryland, and
reviewed our district goal of reaching carbon neutrality. On Earth Day, the switch
will be flipped at East for the new solar panels in the parking lot, which will supply
a great deal of energy for the campus (up to half, I believe).
There was a brief discussion about maintaining our district balance, and whether
or not ACCJC required us to keep 5% all year long, as opposed to just ending the
year at that figure. Mona Field asked that we get this clarified.
Comment
We need to give more attention to WF and Economic Development issues in the
Senate. Marvin Martinez is off to a great start. He clearly has a strong sense of
shared governance and of the importance of working closely with the Senate, and
is eager to attend one of our meetings.
I was especially happy to see faculty leaders again participate vigorously in this
very important bond discussion. Board members were clearly pleased to have
heard from us. Thanks again to all those who attended, either at Southwest in
March or this week!
They seem clearly disposed to vote in favor of another bond. The size is the
remaining question, I would say.
The Southwest theater group were terrific! The reading dealt with a troubled
relationship. It was frank and passionate and witty.
That said, this report is still too long! What can I say? It was a very busy day.
David
213-891-2294
dbeaulieu@email.laccd.edu