REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
April 24, 2003
Minutes
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Regular
Meeting on April 24, 2003, at the HCC System Administration Building, Second Floor
Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
James R. Murphy, Chair
Christopher W. Oliver, Secretary
Herman Litt, Deputy Secretary
Jay K. Aiyer
Bruce A. Austin
Abel Davila
Yolanda Navarro Flores
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
Herlinda Garcia, Vice Chairman
Michael P. Williams, D. Min.
ADMINISTRATION
Bruce H. Leslie, Chancellor
Jose Villarreal, Vice Chancellor, Economic Development
Gloria Walker, Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Irene Porcarello, Interim Vice Chancellor, Institutional Development, and
Deputy to the Chancellor
Pat Williamson, Interim President, Central College
Margaret Forde, President, Northeast College
Zachary Hodges, President, Northwest College
Diana Castillo, Interim President, Southeast College
Sue Cox, President, Southwest College
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
Willie Williams, Jr., Interim Executive Director, Human Resources
Rosie Barrera, Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
OTHERS PRESENT
Arturo Michel, System Counsel, Bracewell & Patterson
Dale Foster, President, Faculty Association
Dottie Pearle, President, COPA
Other administrators, citizens and representatives
from the news media
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CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Murphy called the Meeting to order at 4:20 p.m. and declared the Board
convened to consider matters pertaining to the Houston Community College System as
listed on the duly posted meeting notice.
PRAYER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Ms. Navarro Flores led the prayer and pledge of allegiance.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dr. Leslie announced that Jennifer Daley, Student Activity Specialist, had passed away
following a lengthy hospitalization. Ms. Daley was best known for her efforts in
coordinating commencement ceremonies over the past several years. Among her
many accomplishments, she served as a past-editor of the Egalitarian, created and
edited “HCCS Remembers: A 9/11 Anthology,” and served as a mentor to students. Dr.
Leslie encouraged everyone to participate in a silent auction to be held to establish the
Jennifer Daley Memorial Scholarship Fund.
AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS
Presentation of Chancellor’s Medallion - Chancellor Leslie recognized Madeline Burillo,
Director of the ACT Center, and presented her with the Chancellor’s Medallion. Ms.
Burrilo established the first Microsoft certification-training program at HCCS and
assisted the colleges in creating their own programs. She initiated several industry
partnerships, secured authorization for HCCS to become an approved testing center for
the Microsoft Office user specialist program, significantly expanded CEU offerings for
Health Science careers and developed pediatric nurse aide and massage therapy
programs.
ACCT Equity Award - The Chancellor and Board of Trustees are the recipients of the
ACCT 2003 Equity Award, one of four regional awards presented annually by the
Association of Community Colleges Trustees. The award will be presented June 26,
2003, at the ACCT Regional Leadership Conference in San Francisco. The Equity
Award is given to a two-year postsecondary or state system of two-year post secondary
institutions demonstrating board and chief executive leadership in setting policies and
achieving results for the enhancement and expansion of opportunities for minorities and
women. This award was also presented to HCCS in 1995.
Small Business Development Program – Jose Villarreal introduced Frank Thompson,
Chair of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and the e-Center. Mr. Thompson discussed
the benefits of the e-Center grant to Southeast College. He introduced Massey
Villarreal, CEO of Precision Task Group, Inc., and Chairman of the Texas Economic
Development Governing Board. Mr. Villarreal presented a plaque from Governor Perry
commending the organizers of the Small Business Symposium for promoting small
business opportunities in Texas.
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United States Postal Service Award – Ken Hoyle, Mailroom Manager, was recognized
as the recipient of the United States Postal Service “Mail Center Manager of the Year’
award for achieving significant cost reductions through the inventive use of postal
products and services. Mr. Hoyle joined HCCS in June 2002 and was featured in a
2003 article in the Journal of Communication Distribution on creativity and multimedia in
the mail center. Dr. Leslie noted that Mr. Hoyle has promoted the Contract Training
Center through an initiative with the Postal Service and the Houston Postal Council, in
which HCCS provides computer training and hosts four annual seminars for the Council.
Dr. Roger Wood Honored - Dr. Williamson announced that Dr. Roger Wood recently
published a book entitled Down in Houston: Bayou City Blues. A reception and book
signing will be held on April 30 in his honor. Dr. Wood is a full-time English professor at
Central College and has twice received the Faculty Association Teaching award, as well
as the Chancellor’s Medallion. He is a regular contributing writer for Living Blue’s
Magazine and the Houston Press and has published numerous scholarly articles,
features and reviews. Dr. Wood expressed appreciation for the support he received
from HCCS staff during the preparation of his book. Dr. Leslie announced plans to
dedicate space for a library of works by HCCS faculty at 3100 Main.
HEARING OF CITIZENS
Chairman Murphy gave preface to the hearing of citizens and asked if anyone were
present to speak.
Dr. Carolyn Dessens addressed the Board during closed session, regarding nonrenewal of her contract.
The following speakers addressed the Board in support of Dr. Dessens:
o Marilyn Jansen
o Johanna Magness-Lawson
CHANCELLOR’S REPORT
Introduction of New Staff – Willie Williams, Interim Human Resources Director,
introduced Ms. Daler Wade, newly appointed Compensation/Benefits Director.
Cinco de Mayo Observance - Jose Salazar reviewed activities planned to celebrate
Cinco de Mayo across the System and presented a brief history of Cinco de Mayo and
the significance to Mexican culture. Trustee Navarro Flores encouraged the other
Trustees to participate in the Cinco de Mayo parade and other activities.
Financial Report - Gloria Walker presented the financial report for the month ending
March 2003. She reported the results of the reduction in state appropriations, including
the reduction in the part-time staff budget of 50% of remaining balances. She explained
that expenses and revenues are projected to be below the adjusted budget due to
Continuing Education and Contract Training; however, a remedy is being sought. She
responded to questions and comments from the Trustees.
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Student Success Model – Southeast College - Diana Castillo, Interim President,
presented a status report on the Student Success Model at Southeast College. She
discussed the implementation plan, which includes a comprehensive recruitment
process, an orientation program, and success teams to provide support services. Ms.
Castillo stated that the Student Success Center would serve as the entry point for new
students and provide information for potential students. Ms. Castillo introduced Dr.
Olga Flores, Dean of Student Services, Southeast College, who summarized some of
the activities being promoted such as career fairs, information seminars and career
conferences.
A DJOURNMENT TO CLOSED OR EXECUTIVE SESSION
Chairman Murphy adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 5:45 p.m., notice
having previously been given, and reiterated by him, in accordance with Sections
551.071 of the Open Meetings Law. He stated that any final action, vote, or decision on
any item discussed in Executive Session would be taken up in Open Session or in
subsequent Public Meeting. He reconvened the meeting in Open Session at 7:03 p.m.
and entertained motions on pending matters.
PERSONNEL AGENDA APPROVED AS AMENDED
Motion — Mr. Litt moved approval of the Personnel Agenda with the exception of item
XI.A.5, regarding non-renewal of employment for Dr. Carolyn Dessens. Mr. Oliver
seconded the motion, which carried 6-0.
NON-RENEWAL OF EMPLOYMENT APPROVED
Motion — Mr. Litt moved approval of Personnel Agenda Item XI.A.5 to uphold
administration’s recommendation and approve the proposed non-renewal of
employment of Dr. Dessens. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion, which carried 5-0. Ms.
Navarro Flores abstained.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Board Calendar/Upcoming Events
Chairman Murphy encouraged all Trustees to participate in the upcoming March of
Dimes Walk-a-Thon. Alex Warren, campaign coordinator, announced that Central
College student Blanca Soto was the winner of the tee shirt design contest.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Academic & Student Services – The Learning Corridor - Mr. Austin, committee chair,
gave a report on the Learning Corridor concept and information on the Maricopa and
Hartford models, which engage education feeder systems in an invigorating successoriented model with emphasis in math, science and the arts. The Learning Corridor
focuses on linking schools with neighborhood institutions in a collaboration to create
safe, viable and vibrant neighborhoods. It becomes the process whereby urban
education becomes a dynamic and effective way for a city to regenerate itself by
seeking to renew the neighborhood from within by building a community of learning
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spanning pre-kindergarten, high school, and adult education and by establishing a
range of programs and services aimed at increasing home ownership and economic
opportunity.
Mr. Austin pointed out that the Learning Corridor policy adopted by the Board last
semester, and the advent of a bond election, would provide HCCS with an opportunity
to construct historically needed facilities and transform the workforce with skill
upgrades, retraining and lifelong learning. State demographer Stephen Murdock has
stated on numerous occasions that HCCS is one of the region’s most vital resources.
Mr. Austin concluded his presentation by stating that HCCS has the proper vision and
values for the future. Chairman Murphy commended Mr. Austin for providing the Board
with this vital information.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS FOR THE LEARNING CORRIDOR MODEL
Motion — Mr. Aiyer made a motion that administration move forward with an
implementation process for the Learning Corridor and present a timeline to the
Academic and Student Services Committee. Mr. Oliver seconded the motion. Motion
carried 6-0.
APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
RESOLUTIONS PROVIDING ADDITIONAL PENALTY ON DELINQUENT TAXES
APPROVED AS AMENDED
Motion – Mr. Oliver moved to approve resolutions providing for the imposition of an
additional penalty on delinquent taxes, Sections 33.07 and 33.08. Mr. Litt seconded
the motion.
Amendment to Motion Ms. Navarro Flores moved to amend the motion to reflect that
any increase in the penalty amount would not apply retroactively. Mr. Austin seconded
the motion, which carried 6-0.
Main Motion — The main motion was approved as amended 6-0.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES TABLED
At the request of Trustee Litt, consideration of the minutes was tabled until the next
meeting.
RECORD OF VOTE TO APPROVE PAYMENT TO POLICY CONSULTANT
AMENDED
Ms. Navarro Flores asked that the record reflect her vote against authorizing the
Chancellor to expend up to $67,500 for payment to Guadalupe Rangel for consultant
services to be rendered (up to 500 hrs. at $125/hr.) and expenses (up to $5,000.00) for
completion of the HCCS policy project. This recommendation was approved by the
Board meeting as a Committee of the Whole on April 17, 2003. Mrs. Navarro Flores
was not present when the vote was taken.
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ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING
The next Committee of the Whole Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2003, 4:00
p.m., System Administration Building, 12D11, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
The next Regular Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 22, 2003, 4:00 p.m.,
System Administration Building, Auditorium, 3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
ADJOURNMENT
The Meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
DINNER
Following adjournment, the Board of Trustees met for dinner in the Chancellor’s
Conference Room on the 12th floor, where they may generally discuss System
business, but will not take action on such business.
Minutes Prepared by:
Erica Carmen DelValle
Secretary, Board Services
Reviewed and Submitted by:
Christopher W. Oliver
Secretary, Board of Trustees
Minutes Approved as Submitted:
June 24, 2003
Reviewed and Revised
5/7/03 lg
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