SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
June 8, 2006
The Board of Trustees of the Houston Community College System held a Special Board Meeting
on Thurs, June 8, 2006 at the System Administration Building, Second Floor Seminar Room A,
3100 Main, Houston, Texas.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Jay Aiyer, Board Chair
Yolanda Navarro-Flores Vice-Chair
Diane Olmos-Guzman, Secretary
Bruce Austin, Deputy Secretary
Abel Davila
James Murphy
Christopher Oliver
Richard Schechter
Dr. Michael P. Williams
ADMINISTRATION
Gloria Walker, Acting Chancellor/Vice Chancellor, Finance and Administration
Doretha Eason, Deputy to the Chancellor
Miles LeBlanc, General Counsel
Charles Cook, Vice Chancellor, Instruction
Irene Porcarello, Vice Chancellor, Student Success
Winston Dahse, Interim President, Southwest College
Fena Garza, President, Southeast College
William Harmon, President, Central College
Zach Hodges, President, Northwest College
Marsal Stoll, President, Coleman College
Carole Keeney, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor, Communications
Willie Williams, Associate Vice Chancellor, Human Resources
Remmele Young, Executive Director, Government Relations
OTHERS PRESENT
Philip Fraissinet, System Counsel, Bracewell & Giuliani
David Wilcox, President, Faculty Senate
Other administrators, citizens, and representatives of the news media
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Jay Aiyer, Board Chair called the meeting to order at 5:14 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.
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Special Meeting – June 8, 2006 – Page 2
Mr. Aiyer expressed appreciation to Mr. Austin, Mr. Davila, and Mr. Murphy for their efforts as
the Board Search Committee.
Mr. Austin presented the following recommendations from the Board Search Committee:
1. Association of Community Colleges Trustees (ACCT) is charged with executing the
Interim Chancellor search.
2. Board Search Committee for Interim Chancellor is given the charge to also serve as the
Board Search Committee for the permanent Chancellor.
3. The Interim Chancellor tenure is from June 30, 2006 until December 31, 2006.
4. Begin the RFQ process immediately for the search firm as it relates to the permanent
Chancellor and that the top three firms identified by the Board Search Committee will be
presented to the Board for evaluation.
Mr. Schechter asked if the Interim search was limited to external candidates only. Mr. Austin
informed that search is open to anyone interested in applying; however, applicants should contact
ACCT when applying. He mentioned that the information will be provided on HCC’s website with
an ACCT link.
Mr. Schechter asked if the Board Search Committee recommended whether there should be an
expanded committee for the permanent search. Mr. Austin informed that there is an advisory
committee mentioned in the material provided; however, they are not on the Search Committee.
Mr. Austin noted that the Board Search Committee did not discuss the permanent search in detail
because the posting was related to the Interim Chancellor search only; however, there are two
options which will provide for a blue ribbon committee which will engage the community in a
formal Chancellor search. The Search firm will be responsible for coordinating these efforts.
Mr. Schechter inquired if the search committee is reviewing best practices of other search
committees. Mr. Schechter also asked if the search will include stakeholders beyond the Board of
Trustees. Mr. Austin stated that his judgment was solely based on the custom usage at HCC where
a blue ribbon committee consisting of citizens participated in the review of the candidates at some
point.
Mr. Aiyer noted that no action can be taken as it related to the permanent Chancellor and suggested
that specific changes are reviewed prior to the next posting which is scheduled for June 14, 2006.
Mrs. Guzman asked if the Board could later make adjustments to the options discussed today. The
Board concurred that these are merely options which can be adjusted.
(Mr. Oliver arrived at 5:23 p.m.)
Mr. Schechter asked why a deadline of December was set for obtaining a permanent Chancellor.
Mr. Davila stated that they believe the process can be done in 6 months. Mr. Murphy stated that
extenuating circumstances would be taken into consideration; such as a Chancellor from another
university may need more time to take office.
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Special Meeting – June 8, 2006 – Page 3
Mr. Oliver stated that it seems like an accelerated pace, but is not necessarily unrealistic.
Motion – Dr. Williams motioned to approve ACCT to initiate Interim Search process. Mr. Davila
seconded the motion. The motion carried 9-0.
Motion - Dr. Williams motioned to create an interim period of June 30, 2006 – December 31,
2006. Mr. Davila seconded the motion.
Discussion of the Motion - Mr. Schechter and Mr. Oliver expressed concerns that the interim
period identified may exclude candidates who might potentially apply who may want to finish out
the academic year with their current employer/position.
Dr. Williams stated that the interim period can be changed if a potential candidate needs more time
before taking office.
Mr. Oliver suggested that ACCT provide some direction on timelines. Mr. Murphy concurred that
the consultant should provide directions as it relates to the timelines.
Mr. Schechter asked if other colleges are advertising start dates for Chancellors in their searches.
Dr. Williams stated that given our history, six months is a good time frame.
Move Question - Dr. Williams called the question.
Vote - Motion passed 8-0-1 with Mr. Schechter abstaining.
Mr. Aiyer informed the Board could enter a discussion on the items pertaining to the Permanent
Search Committee and the RFQ process; however, the Board could not formally approve because
of the posting requirement. The Board discussed the following suggestions from the Board Search
Committee:
Suggestion 1:
Constitute that the Board Search Committee for interim search be extended as the committee for
the permanent search.
Suggestion 2:
Begin Request for Qualification process of search firms to conduct the permanent Chancellor
search. Board Search Committee will create a short list of three firms to be presented to the Board
for review and selection.
Mr. Aiyer asked the Board to consider for discussion what specific parameters will be given to the
Interim Chancellor such as whether the individual will be given full authority as a permanent
Chancellor.
Mr. Austin stated the Board needs to review which goals and objectives need to be accomplished
by Interim Chancellor as well as defining a performance matrix.
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Mrs. Guzman suggested that the Board rank each category and develop a matrix of the top five
objectives.
Mr. Aiyer suggested that the Trustees send their goals to Trustee Austin for the matrix
development.
Mr. Murphy stated that five goals may be too many and suggested that the top three choices are
submitted.
Mr. Oliver suggested that the Board present those ideas that the Interim Chancellor should focus on
during the interim period.
Mr. Murphy stated that the goals need to be achievable within six months.
Dr. Williams stated that the Board needs to define the essential item for the Interim Chancellor to
focus on during the six month period. He further noted that the six month period is long enough to
find a permanent Chancellor but truncates the ability to make the changes discussed by the Board.
Mr. Schechter asked if Board can talk with Administration before scaling down to three goals for
Interim Chancellor.
Mrs. Flores stated that Mr. Schechter’s suggestion is important since administration has to carry
out what is established. She would like to sit down face-to-face with the Presidents similar to the
format at the retreat in March.
Mr. Aiyer instructed Board Services to schedule a meeting with the Presidents to discuss the goals.
Dr. Williams requested that the Vice Chancellors are included in the meeting.
Mr. Oliver stated that it is critical to make certain that the unpleasantness of some of the issues that
must be addressed is not passed on to the Interim Chancellor.
Mr. Austin noted that the Board is charged with governing the College and stated that the question
remains whether HCC is competitive globally.
Mr. Aiyer informed that the Board will meet with the Administration (Vice Chancellors), the
College Presidents, and Dr. Polonio.
Dr. Williams commended the Board Chairman on the appointment of the Board Search Committee
members for the interim search, however, he suggested that at least one junior seniority member is
added to the Committee for the permanent search.
Mrs. Guzman commented on the suggestion of implementing a blue ribbon committee. She noted
that the Board members are elected officials by stakeholders in their districts who have entrusted
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the Board with the duty to make decisions like these. Mrs. Guzman stated that the selection should
be limited within the context of the Board.
Mr. Davila stated it is important to engage external stakeholders so that the new Chancellor will
have an opportunity to build a relationship with the community and this will allow the community
to be a part of the Houston Community College process.
Mr. Oliver added that it has always been a practice of the Board to include stakeholders in an
advisory role, so that when the Board approaches to community, they are more acceptable to
working with the Board on other issues.
Mr. Aiyer stated that the Interim Search Committee has done a great job.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further actions coming before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.