MINUTES
COCHISE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Cochise College Benson Center
6:00 p.m.
1.
GENERAL FUNCTIONS
1.01
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Jan Guy, Board Chair, at 6:05 p.m.
Board Members Present:
Mrs. Jan Guy
Mrs. Jane Strain
Mr. David DiPeso
Dr. John Eaton
Mr. Donald Hudgins
1.02
Pledge of Allegiance
1.03
Adoption of Agenda
The agenda was adopted as published.
1.04
Citizen’s Interim
There was one request to address the Board that didn’t pertain to an agenda
item, and four requests to address the Board pertaining agenda item 3.03,
Athletics Program. Mrs. Guy proposed to hear the non-agenda item first, with the
remaining four requests to be addressed when the Board reaches agenda item
3.03.
Ms. Sylvia Burnside, as representative of the San Pedro River Arts Council,
thanked the college administration for allowing the Cochise College Benson
Center to host their event in March. She stated the event was well received, and
without the college it wouldn’t have taken place. She specifically acknowledged
Colin Boyd, Rick Whipple, Keith Ringey, Denise Merkel, Monte Surratt, Lori
Keyne, Angela Moreno, Cultural Events, Becky Orozco and staff of the Center for
Lifelong Learning, Clyne Namuo, Sharon Gilman, Rita Miller, Cora Kramm, and
Victor Malecki for all their invaluable assistance. She also thanked Dr. Rottweiler
for presenting the opening night speech, and the Board for all their support.
1.05
Standing Reports
1.05.1 Representative to the Arizona Association of District Governing
Boards (AADGB)
There was no report on the AADGB.
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
1.05.2 Representative to the Arizona Community College Council (ACCC)
Mrs. Strain reported that she and Dr. Rottweiler attended the ACCC meeting held
on Thursday, April 8, 2010. She stated that there were numerous items
presented; however, one item of significant importance to the college was the
State-wide Longitudinal Data System Report presented by Don Houde from the
Arizona Department of Education. She added that this is extremely important
work in terms of Arizona’s role in the Race to the Top grant. Arizona placed last
in the first attempt, with only two states being awarded the grants. However, the
Race to the Top grant process will be repeated, driven by national level criteria.
Another area briefly discussed was an effort to insure we match standards with
assessments, which translates into Arizona matching the AIMS outcomes with
requirements such as SAT-type standard tests. She concluded her report by
stating it is unclear when the next meeting of the ACCC will be held, and that the
Council is scheduled to sunset in June, 2010, unless there is a reason to
continue.
1.05.3 Representative to the Association of Community College Trustees
(ACCT)
Mrs. Strain reported that ACCT will meet October 20-23, 2010 in Toronto,
Canada. The Communications and Education Committee, on which Mrs. Strain
serves, will meet on October 19th. She encouraged Board members who have a
passport to attend the meeting.
Mrs. Strain then diverted to an ACCC outcome which drove another group called
the Arizona MOA Work. This was driven by Making Opportunities Affordable, a
Lumina Foundation grant that Arizona has, basically redesigning the higher
education segment of our society, which community colleges were included. The
Arizona MOA Work resulted in several committees, one being the Finance
Committee to which Mrs. Strain has been appointed. She attended a Finance
Committee for the Arizona MOA work meeting in Phoenix, on Monday, April 12,
2010. She added that Mr. Butler, Vice President for Administration, attended the
meeting and represented the college extremely well. Mrs. Strain stated that the
committee’s charter is basically to create a finance model for Arizona that is
predictable, productive, and sustainable. The committee is scheduled to meet
through June, 2011. She added that it will be a lot of work and will involve
additional legislation.
Mr. Butler added that their role is to develop a financial model that will impact all
of higher education and stated there are a number of committees looking at
structure and articulation. The short term goal is to enact legislation during the
coming session, so there will be some immediacy as to what needs to be
developed.
Dr. Rottweiler commended Mrs. Strain for volunteering to serve on this
committee.
1.05.4 Senate
Mr. Bob Howell, on behalf of Ray Battee, Senate Chair, provided the report. He
stated the Senate met on Friday, March 26, 2010 at 8 a.m. Items of new
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
business included a review and recommendation for approval of revisions to
Governing Board Policy 628, Sick Leave, and a review and recommendation for
approval of revisions to Governing Board Policy 633, Special Paid Leaves, both
of which are on the agenda this evening as a first-read Information Item. Also
discussed were three documents, presented to the Senate through the Great
Teaching Academy, which included a Statement on Disciplinary Issues, a Civility
Statement, and a Statement of Instructor’s Rights and Responsibilities. No
formal action was taken on those statements; they were tabled pending further
discussion.
1.05.5 Student Government Association (SGA)
There was no Student Government Association report.
1.05.6 College President
Dr. Rottweiler reported he spent most of last week in Phoenix, with the Joint
President’s Council meeting being held on Monday. This is the first time all ten
community college CEO’s and the three regents university presidents were able
to meet. Part of the meeting centered around Making Opportunities Affordable
(MOA), as well as trying to pull some things together to make higher education
more prevalent throughout the state. ACCPC met April 7th & 8th, and some of the
rural community college presidents met to share some concerns. The Arizona
Community College Council met on April 8th. He shared with the Board,
information on funding and the budget, and stated that May 18th will be a critical
day as it relates to Proposition 100. He provided the budgets that came out of
House Bill 2001, which outlines the state-wide community college funding,
pointing out the actual appropriation for 2010, the formula funding for 2011 (no
funding for 2011 as it has been recommended that colleges be held at the 2010
level), and the conditional enactment should the sales tax fail. He stated that we
are well below our formula level, and have taken a cut even if the ‘good scenario’
plays out. Should Proposition 100 fail, the overall cost to the college would be
fairly substantial at approximately $3.2M. Therefore, the May 18th election is very
significant to both to K-12 as well as higher education, in the state of Arizona.
There are greater concerns from of the university presidents, not only regarding
potential budget cuts should Proposition 100 fail, but there is a groundswell
within the legislature that, should that fail, those on the extremes will take it as a
mandate that the people have spoken and may move towards a growing
perception that the state has no role in public higher education, and that we
should be completely funded by students.
He reported there were other bills that were pushed through, stemming from
handguns to be carried by faculty, to transparency bills, to common course
numbering, and voter protected funding. There was a footnote tied onto a bill
that came through in the last couple days which forbids students from attending
ACCT or AACC on student forums on public funds due to the belief that it is
lobbying, where traditionally it has been viewed as educational.
Dr. Rottweiler stated they are watching House Bill 2731 very closely.
He
provided a copy of the presentation provided by Rep. Crandall, from the Mesa
area, who was previously on the school board and who is currently the Chair of
the House Education Committee. He asked some interesting questions related
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
to public education in Arizona, such as when Arizona high school students take
their graduation exam, which is the AIMS (after their sophomore year), and do
most of them pass it the first time (yes). His point was, if that is the graduation
exam, it’s done at a high school sophomore level and most are passing it, what
are they doing their junior and senior years? So the next question was to finish
this sentence, “I can’t wait until my senior year because . . .” with the response
from most being a desire to go to work, among other things. He believes that is
what is causing many students to not be prepared to transition into higher
education – not based upon intellectual capabilities, but instead, just time. They
were prepared at the end of their sophomore year, but by the time they show up
at college as a freshman, they may have forgotten math or other key factors. He
then proposed a pilot study, partnering with ACT. Arizona has the lowest ACT
and SAT participation rates in the country. The three universities, as well as the
community colleges, do not require the ACT or the SAT; therefore, very few
students participate in those college readiness exams.
Dr. Rottweiler then directed the Board’s attention to a graph showing eight school
districts piloted to have juniors take the ACT exam, and how they scored.
Compared to states that test their entire junior class, those eight school districts
scored significantly lower than states that require the ACT as part of their
education. He also provided a chart showing the scores of 4,133 juniors in the
Phoenix Union School District and where they scored.
Rep. Crandall’s
hypothesis from this is, if the students are ready to move on, then let’s get them
moved on, and if they’re not, let’s provide them with educational remediation to
prepare them. Dr. Rottweiler stated there were some alarming numbers, for
4100 students taking the exam and the highest ACT score that came out of that
district was a 33 when the maximum is a 36, doesn’t speak extremely well. Rep.
Crandall is proposing what is referred to as the Grand Canyon Diploma, or the
Move on When Ready, which is a model that would allow students, upon
completion of a set curriculum, to graduate with the Grand Canyon Diploma at
the end of their sophomore year. At that time they would have four options, 1)
status quo – stay where they are; 2) full-time enrollment at a community college,
preferably in the high school in large urban areas and on the campus in rural
areas where the student would be taking a college level curriculum while still
being enrolled in high school, remaining eligible for all of student based activities
while working on a college curriculum. At the completion of their senior year,
they would leave high school most likely having earned their associate’s degree.
Dr. Rottweiler provided information on funding and instructional aspects of this
proposal. Options 3 and 4 relate to traditional college prep, advanced
placement, international baccalaureate, many of which prepare students to
attend university upon completion of the 12th grade, or some full-time vocational
education. Dr. Rottweiler stated this bill has made it through the House and the
Senate Education Committee with some discussion, and he expects it to clear
the Senate within the week. Early indications are that the governor will sign it;
however, follow-up legislation is anticipated.
Dr. Rottweiler believes Making Opportunities Affordable (MOA) has now been
merged with the Arizona Community College Council, with which he has some
concerns, but is his opinion only. MOA is a Lumina grant, initiated by the Board
of Regents, and coming out of the Joint President’s Council, he’s not sure it has
great support from the three university presidents. However, they are willing to
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
go along with it. He added that there is some support from some of the
community colleges.
Referring to the budget, Dr. Rottweiler stated that the state has cut all funding for
the Adult Education and GED programs. We are currently in the process of
working through our budget, and working with the state director of adult basic
education, to see what needs to be done to protect those services. Dr.
Rottweiler feels this is a critical service our county needs, as well as a critical part
of community colleges.
The master facilities planning is ongoing. The issues regarding leakage around
the windows and doors of the townhouses on the Douglas campus have been
addressed. Lloyd Construction recognized the problems and has corrected
them, for which Dr. Rottweiler is very appreciative.
There were some issues related to the flood plain around the Career Technical
Building. The plans have been approved, the remediation has been completed,
and Dr. Rottweiler is hopeful that, as we work with the county and the federal
government, FEMA will redraw their flood plain as there have been some
adjustments.
The 1100 Building is on track and seems to be coming along nicely. Dr.
Rottweiler stated that part of the adjustment the Board will see next relating to
the Douglas campus will be that, with the Adult Basic Education funding cut to
the level it has been, our intention is to move ABE-GED from downtown Douglas
to the Douglas campus, which will save the college some resources. Student
surveys show that they view this as a positive move. The budget provides for
transportation of students between Douglas and the campus. This will also
require looking at facilities, as we do not have classroom space and offices
dedicated to adult basic education. However, with the completion of the 1100
Building, he believes we will.
The Willcox Center is on schedule, and a ribbon cutting ceremony and open
house is being planned for early June 2010.
Dr. Rottweiler stated the 500 and 600 Buildings on the Sierra Vista campus are
under renovation, and he will be pleased when they are completed. He was
excited to report that there is now grass on the quad, which has fundamentally
changed the appearance of the new buildings, and added that the landscaping is
coming together. Signage will be the next step, and is on this evening’s agenda
as an information item.
Dr. Rottweiler was very pleased to announce that Cochise College was selected
to receive the Member of the Year Award from the Bisbee Chamber of
Commerce. He stated it was a wonderful honor, and he was very proud to hear
the great things the Chamber had to say about Cochise College.
Regarding the budget, Dr. Rottweiler stated he would like to schedule a budget
study session, and requested direction from the Board as to when they would like
to meet. He provided a few overviews related to the budget. The college has
been positioned to continue and expand its services in preparation for FY12. He
stated he directed the administration to assemble a budget in anticipation of a
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
10% budget cut coming from the state, which is about 8% in our overall general
funds. The budget will position the college for the future, and will get the college
from where it is now to where we want to be when the funding turns around. The
budget being presented to the Board will show a significant reduction in payroll,
with no loss of, or negative impact to, any employees currently at the college. He
believes we can easily continue this through the next fiscal year, and hopefully
into the future, as we continue to make wise decisions. The administration will
also be requesting a modest 1% plus $500 increase in salaries, which will help
cover a .5% increase in the ASRS, plus an increase in dependent health care.
Dr. Rottweiler stated these will easily be covered within the raise and still provide
a very modest increase to employees. He stated this is important because
employees are being asked to do more with less, he wants them to continue to
serve students, they are our greatest asset, they are what makes the college
great, and we need to recognize that. Likewise, we cannot fall behind in salaries.
He stated the college will experience a significant turnover in the coming years
based upon enrollment and the ‘graying’ of our faculty. He added that, as the
college hires new individuals, we must have competitive salaries and cannot fall
too far behind. As the Board is well aware, the college fell behind a number of
years ago, and it’s very difficult to catch up. He added that, while this is not as
much of an increase as he’d like, it at least recognizes where we are and where
we’re headed in some very difficult times.
Some other areas where the Board will be seeing the administration trying to
make some significant changes includes some reorganization. He stated that,
one of the ways we are showing some ability to cut some costs, to streamline
some things, while continuing to provide the services that students have come to
expect, is a proposal to restructure some instructional areas. He provided the
Board with the current organizational chart and the proposed restructured
organizational chart, reviewed the differences between the two, and explained
the benefits derived from the restructuring.
Dr. Rottweiler added that the administration is currently reviewing an opportunity
within our bookstore to rent books. Instead of purchasing a book at $250 to use
for a semester and then sell it back for $35, this will allow students to rent the
book up front and then return it at the end with a guaranteed price. Early
estimates show about a 15% to 20% savings to students. Students will still have
the option of purchasing books, if they choose to do so.
Dr. Rottweiler reported that he and Dr. Fick traveled to Chicago for the Higher
Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges,
and stated there are some interesting changes as they relate to the federal
government and the Department of Education. All indications are the model of
accreditation that Cochise College has gone through, the PEAQ process, will
cease to exist the year before we are up for our next visit in 2015-2016.
Therefore, we have some significant work to do as we prepare for the new
models. The Board will be informed as we move forward and begin to prepare
the college for those adjustments. There are some decisions to be made in the
next year to year and a half, as to what direction we choose to go. He stated
there are some exciting things about the changes, but it will be a challenge to get
everyone up to speed and moving forward. He added that both he and Dr. Fick
are well aware of the last report and how well it came back, and recognize that
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
they can do no better – so they will be walking very carefully and diligently as
they move through that process.
Dr. Rottweiler then opened the floor for questions. Mrs. Strain requested some
clarification as to where Nursing would be on the revised organizational chart. Dr.
Rottweiler replied that it would come, as its own department, under the Dean of
Language, Education and Health. Mrs. Strain stated she understands this is
being done as the next organizational development step to move the whole
organization more in a focus of the entire district. Therefore, with that
understanding, we still are very sensitive to the perceived differences between
Sierra Vista and Douglas. Dr. Rottweiler stated that is correct, and we will
continue to be that way, and shared that this is purely based upon structure. The
college has been running as if the two campuses were two separate colleges.
Moving forward, we now need to find a way to not view everything through the
lens of campuses, but instead through the lens of students. This proposal will
look at the district’s educational needs and where we can best place our
resources.
Regarding the Budget Study Session, Mrs. Guy suggested it be scheduled for a
time other than prior to a Board meeting, as it doesn’t provide enough time to go
into the details. She requested Dr. Rottweiler to provide some dates, and the
Board can then decide on one that best fits their schedules.
Additional discussion followed regarding Rep. Crandall’s bill. Dr. Rottweiler
shared some concerns that the President’s have. Mrs. Strain stated she is very
concerned and asked Dr. Rottweiler to stay on top of this, as this is a
fundamental systemic change as to the way community colleges do business.
1.05.7 Monthly Financial Report
The Financial Report for March, 2010, was presented and accepted as
submitted.
2.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.01
Acceptance of Minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 9, 2010
The minutes of the March, 2010, Regular Meeting of the Cochise County
Community College District Governing Board were accepted and entered into
record.
3.
INFORMATION ITEMS
3.01
Communications
 The administration received correspondence from Ms. Juliet Wimp on behalf
of herself and her family, thanking everyone at the college for their kind
words, thoughts and cards following the passing of her mother.
 Rebecca Orozco, Director, Center for Lifelong Learning, received a letter of
appreciation from Kathleen Heard, Director of the Area Agency on Aging,
offering her sincere thanks to Rebecca and her staff for their work in holding
the Attorney General’s Senior Anti-Crime University of the Cochise College
Sierra Vista campus.
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010

3.02
Dr. Rottweiler received a card of thanks from the Bisbee Chamber of
Commerce, Board of Directors, Membership Committee and Staff, conveying
their appreciation to him for being their guest speaker at the Bisbee Chamber
of Commerce’s Annual Meeting/Dinner on Friday, March 26, 2010.
Update on Sierra Vista Campus Signage, Marquees, and Monuments
Mr. Karl Derrah from DLR Associates (the Sierra Vista campus architectural firm),
provided a handout and a PowerPoint presentation on plans for signage, marquees, and
monuments on the Sierra Vista campus. The first signage element he reviewed was a
marquee that would replace the existing sign currently located at the corner of Colombo
and Charleston Avenues. He explained that this is a significant and dynamic sign; the
marquee stands 24 feet high, and is about 10 feet wide, with an interactive, full color
LED screen, measuring approximately 4 feet high and 9 feet wide. It is large enough to
allow full movement graphics with a fairly high resolution. The second signage element
he reviewed was a monument similar to the signage at the Benson Center that would be
placed at a third planned entrance onto the Sierra Vista campus. It would still read
Cochise College on a stone base, and three-part pylons with the words Sierra Vista
illuminated. He also reviewed the pedestrian directory that would be located in several
locations around the campus. The plan is to refurbish the existing directories, and to
replace the existing maps with the new maps. It is Dr. Rottweiler’s intention to try to
unify the signage across the college campuses and centers in order to be identified and
recognized as Cochise College.
Mr. Derrah stated that one concern was the brightness of the LED display, and
recommended a sign that automatically dims in the evening. However, he added that
the marquee will be positioned perpendicular to houses on Charleston Road with the
light going out in a fairly straight line, away from the houses, being respectful to the
neighborhood.
3.03
Athletics Program
Mrs. Guy stated that, following the Athletic Program presentation, the Board would
address the requests for comments received during the Citizen’s Interim pertaining to
this agenda item.
Prior to beginning his presentation, Dr. Bo Hall, Dean, Student Services/Athletic Director,
took the opportunity to thank the Board for the new facilities at the Cochise College
Sierra Vista campus, and enthusiastically relayed to them some positive comments he
has heard from students, particularly in regard to the new Student Union Building.
Dr. Hall provided a PowerPoint presentation, highlighting the college’s athletics program.
He began by pointing out that Cochise College Intercollegiate Athletics holds
membership in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), the National
Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (N.I.R.A.), and State Membership with the Arizona
Community College Athletic Association (ACCAC). Dr. Hall is the Assistant Men’s
Regional Director of NJCAA Region I, and is the Conference President of the ACCAC.
He continued by having the head coaches introduce themselves, beginning with Steve
Lane, head coach of women’s basketball (Assistant Coach, Rebecca Pickett); Chris
Bermingham, head coach of soccer (Assistant Coach, Andrea Daniels); Kelly Slover,
head coach of men and women’s rodeo (Assistant Coach position is currently vacant);
and Jerry Carrillo, head coach of men’s basketball (Assistant Coach, Jay Collins). Todd
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Inglehart, head coach for baseball, (Assistant Coach, Andres Padilla) was unable to
attend as he was coaching a double-header baseball game with Eastern. In addition,
there are two athletic trainers, Kelsey Assiter and Josh Bradley, both of which were
involved with an athletic contest this evening and unable to attend the meeting.
The Cochise College athletic philosophy is “Quality in the classroom and quality in the
athletic arena”. The college emphasizes the importance of working towards completion
of an Associate Degree with the goal of transferring to a 4-year institution to obtain a
Bachelor’s Degree while completing their athletic careers. He added that Cochise
College athletic team members graduate at twice the rate in a two year period than
regular students. Dr. Hall reviewed the overall annual student athlete grade point
average, by sport, for 2006 through 2009, and the rankings of the All American
Academic Teams for 2008 and 2009 in Baseball, and in Men’s and Women’s Basketball
for 2007 through 2009. He provided an overview of the athletic achievements of the
Baseball Team, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams, Men’s and Women’s Rodeo
Teams, and the Women’s Soccer Team for 2007 thorough 2009. He shared the
statistics on the transfer rates of Cochise College athletes that have transferred to a 4year institution from 2006 through 2009.
Dr. Hall stated there were some specific questions raised at the last Governing Board
meeting about the baseball team, and he has since researched this area. Since 2004,
the Cochise College baseball team has had the second-best overall conference record,
and third overall total games, in the state. He provided the statistics on the ACCAC
baseball standings since 2004. Dr. Hall addressed the specific question regarding local
representation on the baseball team. He went on to show the number of Cochise
County players who played on a team for an entire fall, as follows: 2003 – 9 out of 28;
2004 – 5 out of 28; 2005 – 5 out of 29; 2006 – 4 out of 28; 2007 – 7 out of 35; 2008 – 6
out of 32; and 2009 – 6 out of 32. He emphasized that all of the coaches are directed by
the athletic director to ask all county athletes to at least come and try out for the Cochise
College team. He stated the college never wants to lose a Cochise County athlete to
another Arizona community college on scholarship. Maricopa County colleges can, and
do, offer scholarships to out of county athletics, but cannot offer scholarships to out-ofstate athletes; however, they can attend on their own. All NJCAA teams must follow
national guidelines concerning the number of international student athletes receiving
scholarships, to which the college adheres. International students who do not receive
scholarships pay the total cost of $13,950 per year, on their own, to compete for a spot
on our team.
Dr. Hall concluded his presentation by stating that we strive for educational and athletic
excellence in all of our teams. He added that athletic excellence is achieved by finding
the highest skilled athletes possible and then having them compete for a spot on a team.
Those selected for the team are determined by the head coaches evaluating the
competition. Therefore, when the coaches go out and talk with students, the students
know up-front the high level of competition involved. Mr. DiPeso inquired where
students are recruited, other than in-county. Dr. Hall replied they are recruited from ‘all
over’, from as far away as Canada. He shared some history where, in 1985, he brought
on a pitching coach, Chuck Hoyack, who was an American Legion coach in Canada. He
brought Dr. Hall five Canadian students, four of which played on the Canadian Olympic
team. This turned the program around. They played for the regional championship in
1985, after which the program excelled. He added that, unfortunately, there is not
enough quality talent in the county to compete at this level – there are some – but not
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
enough. He added that, when their ball clubs went to the world series in 1988-1989, he
was fortunate to have had players from Willcox, St. David, Benson, and Douglas.
Dr. Rottweiler clarified that, by NJCAA rules in baseball, they are allowed to scholarship
six international students. Beyond that, the student has to pay their own way. Currently,
there are a number of international students who are paying the full $13,950 to attend
Cochise College. Mr. DiPeso inquired as to the number of scholarships offered. The
NJCAA guidelines limits baseball to 24, but that is split up. The average scholarship for
any of Cochise College teams is 50%, and sometimes less, because the college doesn’t
have enough money to grant full scholarships, which he feels is one of the biggest
misunderstandings about community college athletics. Dr. Rottweiler added that there is
a scholarship cap model – here is the amount of money you have - you stretch that
amount as far as you absolutely can. He stated that, by analyzing the numbers,
compared to other Division 1 schools, Cochise College is one of the lower funded
athletic programs in the state.
Mrs. Guy then opened the floor to the four persons who had requested to address the
Board. She set a three-minute time limit for each person, with Mrs. Strain being the time
keeper.
Mr. Michael Trujillo began by thanking the Board for addressing this subject. He stated
that the facts he has were taken from the NJCAA website, and reminded the Board that,
under Coach Inglehart, there has yet to be a player from Willcox, Benson, Tombstone or
Bisbee on his roster. Prior to this coach, as Dr. Hall mentioned, there were local athletes
on the team. Of the 40 teams in the top NJCAA, Cochise College is the number one
team for out-of-country players. He stated he met with the athletic coach in the
Maricopa area, and was told that they are mandated to stay within their county when
recruiting athletes. He added that, contrary to some of what Dr. Hall said, his wife will
present letters from local high school coaches stating that have never been contacted in
the last 11 years by the current coach to recruit players. Additionally, he stated that
players from these small communities have gone elsewhere, at the same level or above
the level that Cochise College players play, that were not recruited by Cochise College.
He pointed out that he looked at the rodeo stats, and noted that there is a 30% Cochise
County representation on the rodeo team and 20% on the basketball team, along with
the other teams. In the last four years, Cochise College has only had 6 slots out of 96
positions. He stated that the Board will be presented with letters from high school
coaches in Bisbee and Douglas, and added that the Willcox high school coach has had
players go on to the pros that were never recruited by Cochise College. He concluded
by asking that this situation be looked into as to why Cochise County players are not
being represented.
The next speaker was Miguel Trujillo, who stated he has had some personal experience
with Cochise College. He said he initially didn’t wish to pursue this issue, but after
looking at the stats and percentages of athletes in the Cochise College community, he
began to see an unfair pattern toward Cochise County resident athletes, in particular the
local baseball talent. After being recruited by two Phoenix junior colleges, spending the
summer of 2009 playing with the southwest pacific league Copper Kings (with an equal
or higher level of competition as Cochise College), and seeing many of the same faces
as that in the region, Miguel stated he felt very misled by Coach Inglehart. He reported
he also spent three days a week at practices at inner squads during the Spring of 2009.
He added that Coach Inglehart stated, “You are good enough for the region, but not
good enough for Cochise College.” Miguel felt that seeing several of his close friends
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
and teammates leave to other areas across the country simply for a fair chance to try out
shouldn’t be necessary. This past Fall semester, a total of four local Cochise County
baseball players were cut; two from Sierra Vista, two from Douglas, and a baseball
player from Bisbee left due to a lack of communication between he and the coach.
Miguel concluded by thanking the Board for their attention to this matter.
Mrs. Kristine Trujillo was the next speaker. She began by saying that any of the
information presented can be verified on the college website, and that none of the
coach’s abilities are in question. She stated she is an educator in Sierra Vista, and a
lifelong resident of Cochise County. Her parents supported the building of Cochise
College, and from day one since the doors opened. Her father, being here since the
1930’s, was very proud that local residents would be able to continue their education in
this rural community. He firmly believed in the college that was founded to support local
students, as stated in the Cochise College by-laws. She is here today to support her
son, Miguel Trujillo, who, after voicing his concerns, wanted to assist him. They met with
Dr. Hall, who was very cordial, helpful, considerate, and attentive to Miguel’s concerns,
and they were very appreciative. However, she left with some unanswered questions,
especially regarding the lack of support for talented Cochise County baseball players.
Mrs. Trujillo stated they never asked for scholarship money; they have been able to pay
for tuition, but keeping her son local does make a difference in expenditures. She stated
that history shows the county was very well represented during Dr. Hall’s tenure as
coach. One of the reasons she is here tonight is due in part to a story Dr. Hall shared
with her, which is he came out of the smallest of Cochise County communities, and was
given the opportunity to play for this ball club, which he went on to coach, and is now the
director. Mrs. Trujillo and her family are now asking that today’s ball players be given
the same opportunity that Dr. Hall was given. She brought three letters, addressed to
the Governing Board, from three local Cochise County high school coaches, who, due to
scheduled games, were unable to attend this evening’s meeting. She stated they feel
the lack of support for skilled Cochise County baseball players, graduating from local
high schools, go unrecognized by the current baseball coach and staff. She stated she
could read the letters or provide the Board with copies of the letters, to which Mrs. Guy
requested the letters. Mrs. Trujillo stated the coaches await a response and are willing
to keep the lines of communication open with the college in order to help support youth
in the local communities. She thanked the Board for their time in this matter.
Mr. Jose Tapia, the final speaker, stated he is a resident Cochise County and is here on
behalf of the Trujillo family. However, he shared that he experienced a similar situation
a couple years ago when his son was cut from the team. He stated he had the
opportunity to watch some of the practice games, and being an ex-professional baseball
player, he observed that the local talent was no different than the talent being brought in
from elsewhere. His question at that time was why the local kids were not given the
opportunity to play ball locally. He stated it also causes a hardship, as he ended up
taking his son to New Mexico, who subsequently went on to play at Grand Canyon on
scholarship. He added that, to say that the talent is not here is a misleading statement,
because he has coached some good kids who have gone on to play at different levels,
including the professional level. His issue is that there is not enough support for the
local talent. He stated that prior to his son being cut from the team, Coach Inglehart
would take his calls; however, he stopped taking his calls after his son was cut. He
found out from his son that the coach was evidently known for making the comment,
‘you are good enough to play anywhere else but not at Cochise College’. Mr. Tapia
added that he felt this is not professional behavior, and is very unethical, as well as very
arrogant of Coach Inglehart to be making that type of statement to the kids after they
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
have been cut. Therefore, he believes that this is an issue, and he would appreciate the
Board taking a look at it. He thanked the Board for their time.
3.04
2010 Computer Challenge
Dan Guilmette, CIS Instructor, reported on the 2010 Computer Challenge that was held
on the Sierra Vista campus on March 5, 2010, for area middle school and high school
students. Mr. Guilmette showed pictures of the event while making his presentation. He
reported that 13 schools participated in the event, with a total of 221 students (a 10%
increase from last year), in conjunction with 23 adult chaperones and teachers who
accompanied the students, and 51 volunteers in attendance. There were 13 computer
‘theory’ events, with questions ranging from programming, to game design, to a mystery
test. There were also 14 ‘hands on’ events including PC trouble-shooting, interview
skills, programming, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, with PowerPoint being the most
popular event filling a 30-person classroom in each of the three sessions. Newly added
this year for middle school students only was a special interest scavenger hunt and a
game design session, which worked well. Medals were presented, with Dr. Fick being
among the presenters. Mr. Guilmette stated the event was co-sponsored by the Armed
Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA), along with Cochise College.
He added that this is a great opportunity to get kids on campus to get them to start
thinking about college while still in high school. Also, Sodexo catering was used for the
first time, for which Mr. Guilmette received very good feedback. He concluded the report
by announcing the next Computer Challenge is scheduled for March 4, 2011 and inviting
Governing Board members to attend.
3.05
Alternative Spring Break Project (ASB)
Chuck Hoyack, Douglas campus dean, provided a PowerPoint presentation and
reported on the Alternative Spring Break Project, a service learning opportunity for
students on the Douglas campus. Beginning in 2009, the Douglas campus (available
district-wide this year, but all participants were registered on the Douglas campus)
offered classes in Service Learning and Honors classes that allowed students to sign up
to receive between 1-2 credits. However, their time actually began prior to Spring Break
to plan, schedule, and make contact with community members in order to carry out the
week long service learning projects. This year there were 10 college students that
registered and 12 volunteers from the Douglas High School National Honor Society,
which were great additions. The students were unable to partner with Habitat for
Humanity, but made contact with the Department of Economic Security (DES), who
referred them to a somewhat elderly and needy woman who needed some repairs made
to her home. They also chose to partner with Steve Roark, to clean up trash in Ash
Canyon and the Huachuca Mountains. As it turned out, the 1-2 day house clean-up
actually took almost five days to complete, as the scope of the project was much larger
than anticipated. Mr. Hoyack showed before and after pictures of the house, the yard,
the kitchen floor and ceiling, the bedroom, and the back door. There were numerous
repairs made to both the interior and exterior of the house, including carpentry and
electrical work, painting and flooring, the replacement of countertops and a window, as
well as an abundance of yard work. He added that they had the benefit of Mr. Rudy
Sierra, a counselor on the Douglas Campus who is also a licensed contractor, who
provided much needed advice.
Mr. Hoyack stated that eight students and two instructors participated in the Ash Canyon
clean-up. Large quantities of trash were found at the top of Ash Canyon, enough that
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
each person carried back between 2 – 4 bags of trash, some of which were strapped to
pieces of timber. However, he added that tons of trash still remained. At the end of the
day they celebrated by having a picnic. In two weeks there will be a meeting, and a
banquet will be held. Students will also write papers to talk about their experience, the
challenges they encountered, what they learned, the success of the Alternative Spring
Break, and how it can be improved upon next year.
Dr. Eaton inquired as to how the improvements to the home were funded. Mr. Hoyack
stated that they began with a very small budget, and the students and staff brought tools
and equipment. Mr. Sierra and his company donated some tools, resources, and
supplies. The bags used in the trash removal were provided by the U.S. Forest Service.
3.06
Financial Advisory and Investment Strategies
In an effort to explore strategies to place the college’s funds and investments in financial
institutions that are not operated by the state, Mr. Kevin Butler, Vice President for
Administration, stated that a team from his office met with RBC Capital, the group that
assisted the college through the Bond process. The team went through an RFP that
Maricopa had proposed, and awarded to RBC Capital. After the meeting, the team was
prepared to move forward; however, when RBC presented their fee schedule, which was
very reasonable, it was not the same fee schedule that was presented to Maricopa as
we didn’t have $400M to invest. Nor did the college have the $100M stated as the
minimum amount required for investment. Mr. Butler explored another RFP that the
state had awarded to RBC Capital, but that didn’t work out. He and Mr. Howard,
Director of Financial Operations, will now probably go through an RFP of their own.
However, there is not enough time to go through the RFP process prior to May 18 th. He
stated the current rate of return is .3% on the college’s investments through the Local
Government Investment Pool (LGIP). The minimum, very conservative strategies will
garner the college at least twice that, less their management fee of which we will
probably be looking at 65% - 70%. Therefore, he will go out with an RFP, and will award
to the most favorable, responsive firm that specializes in public funding strategies in an
attempt to at least do considerably better than the $60,000 worth of income we’re
receiving on an $18-$20M investment. Mr. Butler added that, if we pull the money out of
the LGIP, FDIC will only insure the first $250,000, which means the remainder of our
money will need to go into non-investment monies in order to be insured. For a brief
period of time, the college will be making zero dollars on nominally $17-$18M. Mr.
Butler feels it is prudent to move the monies out of the LGIP, at least for a month, until it
can be determined in which direction the state is leaning. Mr. DiPeso asked if there
were any other community colleges with which we could pool our money. Mr. Butler
replied that this is an area that needs to be explored. Discussion followed around how
the state can take, or request, the college’s money, and the steps the college can take to
prevent that from happening. Dr. Rottweiler assured the Board that an RFP will go
forward, and if it doesn’t come back favorably for the college, then different decisions will
need to be made, with assistance from the Board.
3.07
First Reading of Revisions to Governing Board Policy 628, Sick Leave and
Governing Board Policy 633, Special Paid Leaves
Dr. Eaton stated he philosophically doesn’t agree with taking sick leave as a payment at
the end of tenure. Mrs. Guy stated that in her experience, it is standard policy with the
government that unused sick leave is not paid out as a monetary payment but counted
toward years of service. Dr. Rottweiler stated that this issue has been long standing at
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
the college, and is viewed somewhat as a benefit. The policy revision will put a cap on a
reasonable amount of sick leave. Mr. Howell, Vice President for Human Resources,
stated the Employee Relations Committee devoted three meetings this year to
discussing and debating these proposals. The policy then went to Senate, where it was
very thoroughly discussed. The final product before the Board this evening puts a cap of
876 hours on sick leave; currently there is no cap, and employees can accrue an
unlimited amount of sick leave. However, when someone retires or terminates, the
maximum amount of hours for which they can be paid, by current policy, is 396 hours,
and that will not change. They cannot get paid for all of their accrued sick leave, just a
very small portion, which is based upon years of service, being eligible at 10 years,
increasing a bit more at 15 years, and then a bit more at 20 years. He added that, with
the short and long term disability policies, there is no reason to have unlimited sick
leave. Another important aspect of the these revisions is that they formalize the sick
leave donation program, which has been in place at the college for at least the last eight
years, but not as a formal policy. Mr. Howell stated this has worked very well to help
employees get through the initial period to qualify for short term disability.
4.
NEW BUSINESS*
4.01 Consent Agenda*
Mr. DiPeso moved and Dr. Eaton seconded a motion to approve the Consent
Agenda. There was no further discussion by the Board. The Board unanimously
approved. MOTION CARRIED.
The following items were approved:
4.01.1
* Classified; Appointment (Mary Fogleman, Library Administrative
Assistant-Principal, Douglas Campus)
4.01.2 * Administrative Support; Appointment (Tamara Melton, Student
Government and Activities Advisor/Recruiter, Douglas Campus)
4.01.3 * Administrative Support; Appointment (Holly Prince, Credentials
Evaluator, Fort Huachuca)
4.01.4 * Administrative Support; Appointment (Keishini Bhura Vincent,
Coordinator-Science Lab, Sierra Vista Campus)
4.01.5 * Administrative Support; Appointment (Tina Maria Zazueta, Student
Government and Activities Advisor/Recruiter, Sierra Vista)
4.01.6 * Administrative Support; Promotion (Maria Morales, Buyer, Douglas
Campus
4.01.7 * Classified; Resignation (Mary Fogleman, Administrative Assistant,
Douglas Campus)
4.01.8 * Administrative Support; Resignation (Ashley Hamilton, Student
Recruitment Coordinator, Douglas Campus)
4.01.9 * Faculty; Resignation (Elizabeth Mallett, Flight Instructor, Douglas
Campus)
4.01.10 * Classified; Retirement (Martha Ann Bakarich, Shipping/Receiving
Clerk, Sierra Vista Campus)
4.01.11 * Faculty; Retirement (Dorinda (Dori) DuVall, Counselor, Sierra Vista
Campus)
4.01.12 * Curriculum Changes
Cochise College Regular Governing Board meeting
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
4.02 Personnel Listing for 2010-2011
Mr. DiPeso moved and Mr. Hudgins seconded a motion to approve the list of
employees to be issued employment contracts for the 2010-2011 fiscal year
subject to finalization of the FY11 budget; the continued availability of grant,
auxiliary or intergovernmental agreement funding; program needs; and the
college’s organizational structure. There was no further discussion by the Board.
The Board unanimously approved. MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Guy then opened the floor for comments from Board members.
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5.
Mr. DiPeso stated he would like to see a policy/statement regarding in-county athletes.
Mrs. Guy said this needs to be discussed during a work session.
Mrs. Strain commented on HRC 2039 which concerns the sweeping of all voter
protective funds, which would be a substantial hit for community colleges in terms of
Prop 301.
Dr. Eaton commented that the San Pedro River Arts Council event held at the Benson
Center was a very nice affair, and he looks forward to the same opportunities for Willcox
when the new facility is built.
ADJOURNMENT
Mrs. Guy adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Ms. Loretta Mountjoy, Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of the President
Mrs. Jane Strain, Secretary of the Governing Board