November 18, 2014
Grays Harbor College Board of Trustees
Discussion with Grays Harbor County K-12 School Districts
The Grays Harbor College Board of Trustees met with superintendents and school board
members from Aberdeen, Hoquiam, Mary M. Knight and Wishkah School districts. The purpose
of the meeting was to discuss how Grays Harbor College can improve collaborative efforts with
local school districts.
Topics discussed included the following:
College Spark Grant
Ms. Clary, GHC Vice President for Instruction, explained that GHC math instructors worked with
High School math teachers to develop cross walks with math classes. One hundred percent of
those who used the cross walk and enrolled in the suggested classes, completed them with a C
or better grade. Mr. Parker (Hoquiam supt.) responded he would like to continue and expand
the program.
Smarter Balanced
Smarter Balanced is a state-led consortium working collaboratively to develop assessments
aligned to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) that accurately measure student progress
toward college and career readiness. Dr. Brewster stated that it is the College’s interest to
make every effort to help students transition from K-12 to college. He asked those in
attendance, “How can we better facilitate that transition?”
Mr. Parker responded that in an effort to get students thinking about college, all Hoquiam sixth
graders take a field trip to GHC. All seventh graders visit a vocational/technical college and 8th
graders visit a four-year institution.
College Bound
The College Bound Scholarship program is an early commitment of state financial aid to eligible
students who sign up in middle school and fulfill the pledge. The program encourages students
who might not consider college because of the cost to dream big and continue their education
beyond high school. Dr. Brewster said it is similar to GHC’s World Class Scholar’s program. He
added that we have the highest percentage of students in the lowest income level in the state.
Last year, the Grays Harbor College Foundation awarded $550,000.00 in scholarships.
Poverty
Dr. Brewster reported the college received a grant from the Community Foundation to bring
Ms. Donna Beegle, nationally known expert on poverty, to campus February 12 and 13, 2015.
The purpose is to strategize how to address poverty in our community. She will offer a
presentation for the college community one day and one for the community the next day. K-12
representatives will be invited to attend.
Vocational/Technical Programs
Dr. Opstad (Aberdeen superintendent) said many high school students graduate with a number
of vocational credits. Dr. Brewster said there are students in our technical programs who are
Running Start students. We have an articulation agreement with the high schools that
vocational students can be Running Start students, but they have to pass the placement test.
Shortage of K-12 Teachers
In the last election, an initiative passed that would decrease the amount of students in K-12
classes. This will cause a shortage of teachers. Dr. Brewster stated that the College has a 2 + 2
teacher program through City University. However, last year they did not start a cohort here
because of a lack of students. We are making efforts to rectify that situation. Dr. Brewster also
reviewed other 4-year partners and the proposed bachelor in applied science degree that the
College will offer.
Financial Aid Assistance
It was suggested that the high schools have all of their students take the college placement test
and complete the application and financial aid applications. College personnel would be
available to guide students through the process. It was noted that all students at Elma High
School take the college placement test.
On-Line Classes
Apex is an on-line program where high school students receive college credit, but work
independently and do not need a teacher for the class. Dr. Brewster responded that the college
offers an extensive selection of online classes.
College in The High School
College in the High School program is a cooperative program between local school districts and
the college; none of our area high schools are currently offering this, it has been tried by
several. Much like Running Start but on the high school campuses, the program allows high
school students the opportunity to earn college credit while simultaneously earning their high
school credit for approved advanced high school courses. High School instructors need to have
the same qualifications as the college instructors. The college is responsible for selecting the
instructors, evaluating the instructors, and developing the curriculum and selecting the books.
It was noted that College in the High School enables students to stay at the high school and not
have to go to the college campus. For students who want to earn their AA degree
simultaneously with their high school diploma, there would not be enough qualified high school
instructors to fulfill the AA requirements.
Running Start
Running Start students have the opportunity to earn their two-year college degree at the same
time as their high school diploma. The high school student who was present at this meeting
said that the majority of students prefer Running Start (to College in the High School) because
they enjoy the college environment. She said most Running Start students are also involved in
their high schools, but would choose attending college over taking College in the High School
classes.
Education Funding
Dr. Brewster said there is concern regarding higher education funding being reduced because of
mandates for K-12 funding. He suggested the College joining with K-12 to approach the
legislature with the message that higher education is necessary for students to have skills
beyond the high school level. Mr. Parker said the superintendents are taking the position that
they don’t want to take funding from social services and higher education to fund the McCleary
decision.
GRAYS HARBOR COLLEGE
Aberdeen, Washington
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
November 18, 2014
Members Present:
Mr. Art Blauvelt, Ms. Rebecca Chaffee, Ms. Denise Portmann, Mr. Randy Rust
Members Absent:
Ms. Fawn Sharp
Others Present:
Ms. Kristy Anderson, Dr. Ed Brewster, Dr. Darby Cavin, Ms. Laurie Clary,
Mr. Forrest Gonzalez, Mr. Jason Hoseney, Mr. Darin Jones, Mr. Justin Kjolseth,
Ms. Barbara McCullough, Mr. Peter Williams, Ms. Gail Winkelman,
Ms. Sandy Zelasko
Prior to the meeting Dr. Brewster introduced Mr. Peter Williams, dean at Clark College. He is a
participant in the WELA program and Dr. Brewster is his mentor.
1. Call to Order
Chair Ms. Chaffee called the meeting to order.
2. Agenda Changes
It was moved and seconded to accept the agenda as presented. Motion carried.
3. Approval of Minutes
It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes from the October 28, 2014 meeting.
Motion carried.
4. Public Comments
None
5. Awards and Recognition
6. Board Development
Grays Harbor County Superintendents and school Board members were invited to join the Board after
the regular business meeting.
7. College Input (Reports)
a. Board of Trustees
TACTC Legislative Conference – Mr. Blauvelt, Ms. Chaffee and Dr. Brewster attended the
recent TACTC Legislative Conference. Topics discussed included:
• This year’s legislative session will probably focus on transportation and K-12.
• Governor requests that all state agencies look at a 15% cut. A 15% reduction would
require a 24% increase in tuition.
• The state of Kentucky pays the first year of college for all students who graduate from
high school.
• There are efforts to get a bill through the legislature to allow people in correctional
institutions to earn their AA while incarcerated.
• TACTC will change their name to the Washington Association of College Trustees.
• Smarter Balance Program – high schools and college’s partner to determine what college
readiness standards are.
• Explanation of the proposed new allocation system that will need to be approved by the
State Board.
• Request to the legislature to increase the amount of funding that goes into the Student
Achievement Initiative. Ms. Chaffee requested the Board view the power point
presentation.
• Walla Walla Community College’s selection as an Aspen Award recipient.
b.
Board Goals
At the recent Board study session, Board goals were discussed and set but time did not allow
for discussion of individual Board goals. It was decided that Ms. Zelasko will send Board
members a list of their current goals and they will bring them to the January Board meeting.
c.
Student Representative on the Board
Ms. Chaffee stated the legislature has given colleges the option of having a student
representative on the Board. She is in favor of the option and asked for discussion.
Comments included:
• The process involves forwarding three names to the Governor’s office and the Governor
selects a student to serve a one year term. They do not attend executive sessions and do
not vote on tenure.
• Currently two community colleges have opted to have student board members.
• What would prevent other entities to want to be represented on the board, i.e., classified
staff, faculty, etc.?
• The ASGHC president attends Board meetings and is encouraged to join discussions.
• State in Board policy that students have an opportunity to speak and are on the agenda.
• Would like more feedback from students.
• Student government has solicited comments from students with little response.
• There is student representation on campus committees, including tenure committees.
• Student government president receives same backup materials as Board members.
• Would it be helpful to rearrange seating at Board meetings?
Mr. Kjolseth stated when you add someone to the Board they have to be in compliance with
the Open Act and other laws.
b.
ASGHC President’s Report (Mr. Forrest Gonzalez)
Mr. Gonzales reported community college students from throughout the state will be going to
Olympia to meet with legislators on February 5 to discuss specific student issues and concerns.
c.
Classified Staff (Ms. Gail Winkelman)
Ms. Winkelman reported that students who have twenty-four credits or more can register this
week and have the option of registering on-line. Those with twenty-three credits or less and
new students will register later and need to meet with their advisor. Dr. Cavin noted that
veterans can register early.
d.
Faculty (Dr. Darby Cavin)
Dr. Cavin reported the following:
He will report on two divisions at each Board meeting. This month’s report focused on the
Business Division and Social Science Division.
1. Business Division

Curriculum changes were made as a result of suggestions from their advisory
committee. For example:

Computerized accounting functions is now called Quickbooks.

Math class increased from three to five credits which brings them into alignment with
business programs at other state colleges.

Business tech program added another keyboard skills course.
All technical programs have advisory committees comprised of community people.
2. Social Sciences Division
 The Human Services department is holding their annual toy drive.
 Mr. Gary Arthur, social sciences faculty member, serves as our reservation based degree
coordinator. Washington State University has invited him to present information about
the program.

The full curriculum for our proposed Bachelor of Applied Science in Management degree
will be available at the January Board meeting. The State Board will hear our proposal in
February or May and, if approved, it will be forwarded to the Northwest Commission on
Colleges for approval and we will be designated a BA degree institution.
Ms. Clary added that in collaboration with Green River Community College we are
developing a BAS degree in Forestry. It is hoped that we will be able to offer both
bachelor degrees Winter Quarter, 2016.
e.
President (Dr. Ed Brewster)
1) WACTC Report – Highlights from the November presidents’ meeting were included in
the backup packet received prior to the meeting.
2) Final 2013-14 Student Achievement Points and Total Budget Award – Ms. Anderson
reviewed SAI information included in the backup packet. She stated that points are based
on accountability data. The three areas considered are total points, completion points,
and total points less completion. Points are earned for moving students through specific
milestones. As students’ progress, more points are earned which leads to funding. This
information helps us to understand how students are making progress and presents
opportunities for us to put more resources in needed areas. More details will be provided
at the Board retreat in February.
Dr. Brewster stated the college received a grant from the Grays Harbor Community
Foundation. It is for students who are close to completion who need funding so they can
continue with their education. We have a success coach who is working with students on
early intervention and completion.
3) Transforming Lives Award – Dr. Brewster asked the Board to consider nominating
Ms. Deidre Pearson as GHC’s Transforming Lives nominee. Her nomination materials
were reviewed. Each college nominates a graduate who demonstrates transformation as a
result of attending a community or technical college. It was moved and seconded to
nominate Ms. Pearson as GHC’s Transforming Lives nominee. Motion carried. All
nominees will be recognized at the TACTC Winter Conference.
4) Legislative Update – The system’s 2015-17 operating budget request was reviewed.
5) Other Items of Interest
Dr. Brewster reported we have a fund that is associated with GHC that is the Bishop
Scholarship fund that provides scholarships for area students when they go to a four-year
college. The fund has been managed by Bank of America. The bank needs to stop the
management of the fund because it is considered public funds. Several options were
considered. Dr. Brewster said TIAA/CREF meets the definition of a bank that could
manage the funds. After more discussion it was moved and seconded to authorize
moving the Bishop Scholarship fund from the Bank of America to TIAA/CREF with the
provision they are structured so we can move those funds to other institutions if desired.
Motion carried.
The college received a grant from the Community Foundation to bring a nationally
recognized expert on poverty, Dr. Donna Beegle to the college for two days. She will
spend one day with college staff and the one day with community members.
f.
Vice President for Instruction (Ms. Laurie Clary)
None
g.
Vice President for Student Services (Mr. Jason Hoseney)
h.
•
1)
Enrollment – Mr. Hoseney reported Fall Quarter enrollment is up 2% over last year at
this time. He reviewed enrollment comparisons between 2013 and 2014 in academic
transfer, ABE, occupational and state support.
2)
Student Success – Mr. Hoseney reviewed information included in backup materials
received prior to the meeting. They included:
 Fall 2013 and Fall 2014 high school capture rate comparison.
 Campus site Information as of 11/07/14.
 Comparison of retention rates for Opportunity Grant students in 2013-2014.
Vice President for Administrative Services (Ms. Barbara McCullough)
First Quarter Budget Analysis – Ms. McCullough reviewed the following funds:
 State General Fund by program
 State General Fund by Object of Expenditure
 Multi-Year Comparison of Tuition Collected
 Cash Position Analysis
8. Executive Session
The Board entered into executive session at 4:50 p.m. for approximately ten minutes for the purpose of
receiving and evaluating complaints against or reviewing the qualifications of an applicant for public
employment or reviewing the performance of a public employee; consultation with legal counsel regarding
agency enforcement actions, or actual or potential agency litigation; considering the sale or acquisition of
real estate; and/or reviewing professional negotiations.
9. Action Items as a Result of Executive Session
None
10. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
__________________________
Edward J. Brewster, Secretary
_____________________________
Rebecca Chaffee, Chair