June 2020 Governing Board meeting

June 2020

BOARD REPORTS

Board members welcomed new student trustees Benjamin Blevins (Grossmont College) and Robert McClain (Cuyamaca College). They also commended the colleges for their work on putting together the virtual commencement videos, and said they hoped some aspects of the videos would be kept for the future.

Board member Debbie Justeson talked about how she has been emotionally affected by the protests since the death of George Floyd. She said she was heartened to see people from all races participating in the protests and hopes that systemic change will occur.

Board member Elena Adams said she is committed to putting students first and wants to serve as an example to ensure that everyone is taken care of and everyone matters. She said she was sad but hopeful about recent events.

Board member Bill Garrett thanked Chancellor Lynn Neault for putting Resolution 20-015 on the agenda, saying he had had been wanting to express his thoughts about the Black Lives Movement and anti-racism.

Board member Brad Monroe said he was encouraged by the diversity of those participating in protests and that the protests are continuing. He said was also impressed by those who volunteered to help clean up La Mesa the day after businesses were damaged there.

Cuyamaca College Student Trustee Robert McClain thanked the board members for welcoming him and said he was honored to be serving on the Governing Board.

Grossmont College Student Trustee Benjamin Blevins also thanked board members for their welcome. He attended the Student Trustee Caucus meetings and heard about other boards are planning to reopen their campuses.

Board President Linda Cartwright said the continued protests for police reform show that people are serious about wanting change. She said the protests must lead to changes in policy and laws.

GCCCD

Governing Board

Linda Cartwright

Debbie Justeson

Elena Adams

Bill Garrett

Brad Monroe

Student Trustees:

Benjamin Blevins

Robert McClain

Chancellor

Lynn Ceresino Neault, Ed.D.

Grossmont College

President

Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, Ed.D.

Cuyamaca College President

Julianna Barnes, Ed.D.

Vice Chancellors

Tim Corcoran, Human Resources

Sean Hancock, Ed.D. Student & Institutional Success

Sahar Abushaban, Business Services, Interim

Next Meeting

The Governing Board's next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, July 21. The open session will begin at 4:15 p.m., with closed session to follow.

Site Reports

Grossmont College

Cuyamaca College

Facilities Project Report

Meeting agendas are posted on the District website and in the district and presidents' offices 72 hours before regular meetings and 24 before special meetings.

BOARD ACTIONS

At the June 16, 2020 meeting, the Governing Board:

Administered the oath of office to new Grossmont College Student Trustee Benjamin Blevins and Cuyamaca College Student Trustee Robert McClain.
Heard public comment from speakers concerned about budget cuts to the Grossmont College math and English tutoring centers.
Approved Resolution 20-015 in denunciation of Violence against Black Americans and commitment to anti-racism.
Approved Resolution 20-017 in support of Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5.
Approved Resolution 20-016, an emergency resolution extending the deadlines for the approval of the 2020-2021 budget and 2019-20 audit report due to the effects of COVID-19.
Approved College and Career Pathways partnership agreements between the District and the Health Sciences High and Middle College Charter School, and the Steele Canyon Charter High School.
Approved Grossmont College course, certificate, and degree changes for 2020-2021.
Approved the District’s five-year construction plan for 2022-2026.
Approved personnel actions.
Approved cancellation of a sabbatical leave for a management employee due to the impact of COVID-19
Approved a successor agreement between the California School Employee Association, Chapter 707, and the District in effect from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022.
Received a presentation on the District’s investment plan.

CHANCELLOR'S REPORT

Chancellor Lynn Neault said the community is saddened and outraged about the deaths of George Floyd and other Black people who have lost their lives because of blatant acts of racism. Employees and students are demanding bold action and an inclusive anti-racist environment. Resolution 20-015 is the beginning of the district’s commitment to

bold action. She said she has been educating herself on systemic racism and what it means to be anti-racist.

Neault introduced Cuyamaca College Articulation Officer/Counselor Dr. Ticey Hosley and Dr. David Inniss, a Professor at William Jessup University. Their presentation included moving remarks and a video tribute to some of the many Black men and women who lost their lives to racism in America.

Grossmont College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh said the college has been engaging in equity conversations that will guide professional development offerings and that convocation in the fall will focus on race. He said the college will work on acting in a race-conscious way to enable growth for all members of the community.

Cuyamaca College President Julianna Barnes said the college must take action against institutional racism. She recently held a Zoom meeting with employees with breakout sessions to discuss tangible ways to address racism. The college is also holding racial healing circles for students. She also recognized and commended the college’s Facilities, Maintenance and Operations employees for their commitment to preparing the campus to reopen, including constructing their own plexiglass shields and doors at a fraction of the cost of purchasing them.

Both colleges reported that they have joined the California Community College Equity Leadership Alliance, which provides resources, training and annual assessments to its members, all aimed at improving equity.

8800 Grossmont College Dr.; El Cajon, CA 92020

(619) 644-7010