December 2020
BOARD REPORTS
Board Clerk Debbie Justeson congratulated Elena Adams on her re-election and welcomed Julie Schorr to the board. Justeson and other board members also acknowledged veterans for their service to the country.

Board Member Elena Adams said she attended the Community College League of California virtual conference. Adams particularly enjoyed a session with a panel of students telling their stories and said a session on analyzing equity data brought to the forefront the work being done at the District on equity.

Board Member Brad Monroe noted the passing of former Cuyamaca College counselor George Murphy, who worked at the college from 1998 to 2016.Monroe recognized Cuyamaca College Child Development coordinator Kristin Zink on her retirement and noted that Doug Howarth, a former counselor at Cuyamaca College, lost his home in the recent fires. Monroe also praised the online exhibit held by Grossmont College’s Hyde Art Gallery, and congratulated Grossmont for being recognized as a Champion of Higher Education by the Campaign for College Opportunity.

Board Member Julie Schorr, who was attending her first Governing Board meeting, said she was looking forward to meeting her fellow board members and others at the District. Schorr stated she was honored and privileged to serve on the board and will be learning more about the District.

Cuyamaca College Student Trustee Robert McClain joined the other board members in welcoming Schorr to the board and congratulating Adams on her reelection. McClain also joined in recognizing the service of veterans, noting that his father is a veteran.

Grossmont College Student Trustee Benjamin Blevins recognized the efforts of Grossmont College Student Engagement Coordinator Susan Berry in setting up the regular food distributions to students in need. Blevins reported that he was the first student to be elected chair of the Distance Education and Educational Technology Advisory Committee through the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.

Board President Linda Cartwright echoed congratulations to Adams and a welcome to Schorr. She acknowledged our veterans who are honored on Veterans Day, and wished everyone a happy holiday and a better 2021.
GCCCD
Governing Board


Linda Cartwright
Debbie Justeson
Elena Adams
Julie Schorr
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
Sahar Abushaban, Business Services, Interim
Next Meeting

The Governing Board's next meeting will be held Tuesday, January 19. The open session will begin at 4:15 p.m., with closed session to follow.

Site Reports

Meeting agendas are posted on the District website 72 hours before regular meetings and 24 hours before special meetings.
BOARD ACTIONS
At the December 15, 2020 meeting, the Governing Board:

  • Swore in new board member Julie Schorr and re-elected board member Elena Adams.
  • Elected Brad Monroe as board president for 2021; Linda Cartwright as board vice president; and Debbie Justeson as board clerk.
  • Set the board meeting schedule for 2021: meetings from January to August will be held on the third Tuesday of the month and from September to December, meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month. Open session for the meetings will begin at 4:15 p.m. Meetings will be held virtually during the public health emergency. When the emergency ends, meetings will alternate between the Cuyamaca and Grossmont College campuses.
  • Extended the ad hoc Board Facilities and Construction Committee and appointed Julie Schorr to fill a vacant seat on the committee.
  • Appointed five people to serve on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee: Odie Goward, financial or accounting-related field; Karmin Noar, college advisory committee; Alba Orr, senior citizen’s organization; Aundrea Kaiser, Grossmont College student; and Kristie Macogay, Cuyamaca College student.
  • Approved course, certificate, and degree changes for 2021-2022 for Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges.
  • Adopted a resolution authorizing the District to issue a tax and revenue anticipation note (TRAN), if needed.
  • Approved notice of completions for the Grossmont College Performing and Visual Arts Complex furniture acquisition and the Cuyamaca College Building H Annex-Stucco and Autoclave.
  • Selected Carol Kim and Bill Garrett to serve as community members on the Grossmont College presidential search committee.
  • Approved changes to the Governing Board benefits plan.
  • Approved personnel actions.
  • Heard an update on the District’s Community Benefit Agreement.
  • Heard an update on the District’s construction bond program.
CHANCELLOR'S REPORT
Chancellor Lynn Neault honored Grossmont College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, who is retiring this month after more than five years leading the college. Neault noted the many awards that Grossmont College has received for its academic excellence and high number of university transfers. She said
Abu-Ghazaleh has also forged many partnerships in the East County community and thanked him for his service.

Neault also recognized the 35 District employees – with a total of 758 years of service – who will be retiring this month. She applauded their dedication to the District, and displayed the District’s holiday card that celebrates the District’s service to the community this year.

Grossmont College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, reflected on the leadership transition at the college and reported that the college is adapting to the virtual environment in many ways, including distributing about 400 meals a week to students and offering a variety of virtual performances and events.
Cuyamaca College President Julianna Barnes reported that monthly food drives are being held for students and employees in need. The college is also distributing laptops and hotspots to students, school supplies to EOPS students, and gas cards to CalWORKs students. Cuyamaca College’s counseling department has had more than 10,000 remote appointments since the school went online. About $1.2 million has been distributed to students through CARES Act funding.
8800 Grossmont College Drive; El Cajon, CA 92020 
(619) 644-7010