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Published on 10/3/2023.

Comments/Board Business

Land Acknowledgement:  President of the Board Biggin read the District’s revised statement recognizing our area’s Indigenous Peoples as the original stewards of the land that College of the Redwoods occupies. 

We acknowledge that the land on which we are gathered today is unceded territory of the Wiyot, Hupa, Karuk, Mattole, Tolowa, Wailaki, and Yurok. We honor them and all neighboring tribes by our ongoing commitment to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long-lasting partnerships.

Member Comments: President Biggin informed the Board that Trustee Kelley has agreed to serve as a mentor for Student Trustee Godfrey. President Biggin also mentioned that she participated the September 20 press conference with Senate Majority Leader Mike McGuire and Assemblymember Jim Wood. I want to thank Trustees Pedrotti and Kelley for attending the press conference with us.

Trustees Mathews, Dr. Mullery, and Pedrotti mentioned that they attended the CCLC’s Government Relations webinar. I attached the PowerPoint of the information provided during the September meeting to this update as information. Trustee Mathews mentioned that she attended a recent Crescent City Council meeting when it was announced that the Crescent City Police Department received Measure S funds to hire additional police officers. This will, most likely, have a positive impact on the enrollment in our law enforcement academy.

Appoint Ad Hoc Committee on Nominations for Board Officers: It’s that time of the academic year when the Board begins considering their officers for the 2024-25 year. Per policy, President Biggin appointed Trustees Dorn, Pedrotti, and Mathews to the Ad hoc Committee on Nominations for Board Officers. The ad hoc committee is expected to present a suggested slate of potential officers at the November Board meeting. The Trustees will conduct an election for their officers in December.

Discuss Trustee Benefits: I applaud the Trustees for engaging in an in-depth and collegial conversation related to the pros and cons of reinstating benefits for the Trustees.

Consent Calendar Action Items

Approve/Ratify Personnel Actions: The Trustees unanimously approved or ratified several personnel actions as this meeting. We have an opportunity to welcome Joseph Glass (Instructional Support Specialist II – Automotive) and Timothy Wolcott (Research Analyst) to our classified staff service. We also welcome Calvin Johnson as an associate faculty in coaching.

Please join me in congratulating David Desso’s change of employee status from Custodian I – Evenings to Custodian II – Evenings and Maria Merezko from a parttime Custodian I – Swing Shift to a fulltime Custodian I – Swing Shift.  Also, Morgan Solem, Manager of College Grant Initiatives and Programs, moved from Range 123, Step 3 to Range 125, Step 3 as result of her performance evaluation and a review of her position description that includes additional higher-level duties.

The Trustees also ratified my recommendation to have Dr. Crystal Morse serve as our permanent Vice President of Student Services effective October 1, 2023. If you’re unfamiliar with Crystal’s background, she has served CR in several positions including Interim Vice President-Student Services, Veterans Program Coordinator as well as work in evaluations, curriculum, and articulation. She’s also served a CSEA Chapter President.  Her certifications and specialized training include Certified Trauma Support Specialist (CTSS); Integrative Trauma Practitioner – Level 1; Crisis Prevention & Intervention Certificate; Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certificate; ASIST Suicide Prevention; NABITA Risk Assessment & Interventions; Title IX Coordinator - Levels 1, 2, 3, 4; Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher Certificate; Positive Psychology Practitioner Certificate; Resilience Practitioner Certificate; and Substance Awareness & Harm Reduction Strategies.  A press release announcing Crystal’s hiring has been sent out.

As we say hello to several new colleagues, we also have to say goodbye to Athens Marron. Athens resigned his position as our Student Services Specialist III in Counseling to focus on his studies at Cal Poly Humboldt.

Contracts, Agreements, MOUs: I want to provide a bit more information on Wilsey Ham contract. We had originally hired CSI to manage the Creative Arts building project.  CSI was recently bought out by Wilsey Ham. Therefore, we had to amend the contract from CSI to Wilsey Ham. We also had to extend the contract period from August 2023 to December 2023 since the work has not been completed.

Curriculum Changes: The Board approved the curriculum agenda item that included three new courses and 17 course revisions. I want to thank the faculty for writing, and Academic Senate for approving, AQUA 5 Principles of Mariculture, CINE 10 Beginning Motion Picture Production, and ECE 35 Guiding Young Children.  Also approved were nonsubstantial changes to the Forestry and Natural Resources, Geomatics, and Graphic Design certificates of achievements, the Liberal Arts Fine associate of arts degree, and the Studio Arts associate of arts for transfer degree.

Approve Design Drawings and the Solicitation of Construction Bids for the Community Stadium Upgrade Project: Gaining the Board’s approval to solicit bids for the community stadium upgrade project represents a significant step in moving our athletics field renovation project forward. This project has been in the works for a year. We plan to award the project after DSA approves our architectural plans.   

Approve Six-month Report on Equivalencies to Minimum Qualifications: I am happy to say that the Board approved the recommendation to permit Madeline Lopez to teach in Biology.

Action/Discussion Items

Approve Monthly Financial Status Report:  This month’s financial report noted that our Other Local Miscellaneous Revenue is much higher than at this point in time last year and our overall revenues are slightly higher than last year. Additionally, the Capital Outlay expenditure is tracking higher than last year because we purchased Lexipol to support our Police Department to develop and maintain industry standard Public Safety policies.

The report also noted that the $1,414,720 in total transfers out are comprised of $90,000 to the Child Development Center, $74,720 to the Shively Farm, $750,000 to the OPEB fund, and $500,000 to the Debt Service Fund. The report also showed a projected 2023-24 Unrestricted General Fund ending fund balance of $8,412,678 or 19.4%. This number may change depending on the results of the budget closing process.

Discuss Potential Funding Options for the new Residence Halls: Thanks to the phenomenal leadership of Julia Morrison and Leslie Marshall, we are close to completing the design of our proposed new residence hall/cafeteria complex.  Our current estimate to complete the construction of this project is between $80-85 million. The State intends to provide $28 million toward the cost of construction. This leaves an approximate $52-57 million funding gap to construct new dorms.  I asked the Board of Trustees to discuss potential ways we can fill the funding gap.

This is an important project for the College and our students. We are competing with several community colleges and 4-year universities for students. How can we stay competitive? Our current dorms are outdated and offer few amenities. The pressure is on us to add amenities and provide housing that our current and future students expect. The challenge we’re facing is the fact that the cost of building materials and labor is driving the cost of construction up. According to a February 1, 2023, article in Tradeline, a Facility Planning and Management magazine, construction materials and labor a both more expensive now than they were two years ago.

Informational Reports

Institutional Effectiveness Summit: I want to thank Amy Moffat, Nicole BryantLescher and Julie Gilbride for their work on the September 29 Institutional Effectiveness Summit and the faculty, staff and administrators who participated in this wonderful event. Amy is working with Rory Johnson to determine an appropriate time we can hold an IE Summit for our Del Norte colleagues.

Organizational Reports

Academic Senate: President Dr. Herrera's written report noted that the Academic Senate is working on several action including the following:

• Reviewing the Senate Constitution, Senate, and Senate Executive Committee Bylaws.
• Continuing to provide the Accreditation Oversight Committee with feedback on the ISER.
• Educating the Senators on the Brown Act, Committee activities, and 10+1.
• Educating the Senate on how to create Resolutions, their purposes, and how to use them for documenting recommendations.
• Reviewing BP 2520.  
• Receiving reports from faculty on District planning committees to ensure that the Senate is informed, and faculty input is integrated into District planning.
• Researching Baccalaureate Programs and the process by which these are evaluated along with funding issues, and costs of these programs.
• Continuing the Senate's efforts to create a more inclusive educational environment.

Also, Vice President Erin Wall and President Dr. Deanna Herrera have joined the Rural College Caucus at ASCCC to make sure that CR’s concerns are heard at the state level.

President Dr. Herrera’s verbal comments focused on the Senate use of resolutions and Brown Act training. She also publicly thanked Rachel Warze for her work on creating the Senate Handbook.

CRFO: President Haggerty’s written report noted that she continues to sit on the FACCC Board of Governors as a contract school of FACCC and she serves on the legislative committee.  Michelle also wrote that she and Erik Kramer are continuing to meet with senate leaders a few times a month to consult and coordinate efforts and that the CRFO negotiation team is working through the reopeners that were identified in the 22-25 CBA:

• The District and CRFO agree to continue negotiating criteria for applying occupational experience for initial step and column placement of new faculty and associate faculty in vocational-technical disciplines.
• The District and CRFO agree to continue negotiating articles related to distance education.
• The District and CRFO agree to continue negotiating revisions to Article XI: Faculty Tenure and Evaluations.
• The District will provide an opening proposal related to Assembly Bill 190 for providing associate faculty medical insurance to CFRO by July 1, 2023. The negotiation of this subject will be conducted using traditional (i.e., “positional”) bargaining methods and not interest-based methods of bargaining. CRFO leaders are talking with unions throughout the state on how they have implemented the program. The Chief negotiator is also in contact with the Chancellor’s office attempting to clarify the bill’s language.

President Haggerty commented on AB 811 that was presented to the Governor on September 14, 2023.  If you did not know, this bill would require the governing board of each community college district to establish policies for the repetition of credit courses offered by the community colleges in the district. The bill would require these policies to include, but not be limited to, authorization for a student to repeat, up to, but not exceeding, 2 times, a credit course in arts, humanities, kinesiology, foreign languages, and English as a second language, for which the student previously received a satisfactory grade and which the student is retaking for enrichment or skill-building purposes, and a requirement that the community college inform a student whether the decision to repeat those credit courses will impact the student’s federal financial aid qualifications, as provided. The bill would also require policies to provide priority registration for credit courses to students who require the course for their intended major and to students who have not taken the course.

CSEA: President Engman’s wrote that CSEA is continuing to move forward with reviewing job descriptions and that CSEA has representatives on some of our shared governance committees. In addition to representing the classified staff on committees, the representatives are expected to provide a report at CSEA’s monthly chapter meetings. Tami also wrote that CSEA is grateful to have Dr. Crystal Morse serving as the permanent Vice President of Student Services.

Management Council: President Barber thanked the District and the Professional Development Leadership team for the abundance of training opportunities that have been offered for Management Council members in the last few months. Recently, a cohort of 10 managers began the AALRR training series, 2023-2024 Leadership Series for Higher Education. Additionally, Ericka mentioned that we are sponsoring two managers for the upcoming Eureka Chamber of Commerce class offering, Management: Navigating for Success. 

In her verbal comments, President Barber mentioned that the Management Council is very involved in the accreditation efforts. She noted that Colin Trujillo, Leigh Dooley, and Molly Blakemore serve on the Accreditation Oversight Committee (AOC).

Student Trustee: In her first report as Student Trustee, Student Trustee Godfrey noted that:

• The ASCR is enjoying the new location in LRC 104B, there are tentative plans to buy some new furniture for the space and to try and have a regular schedule that it will be open to students to increase awareness of the ASCR and offer other resources. 
• The ASCR has funded $8,500 for five members and the advisor to be able to attend the 2023 CCCSAA student leadership conference in San Francisco October 27-29th.
• ASCR President Katherine Ziegler appointed students to several of ASCR’s internal committees and to the College Council, Expanded Cabinet, and the Facilities Planning Committee.
• The ASCR is working on short- and long-term goals that will better guide its decisions throughout the academic year.
• The ASCR is trying to set up plans for some October events in collaboration with the Multicultural and Equity Center and the dorms. It is tentatively planned for October 23rd-27th. 
• This month, ASCR is planning to pass a formal budget for the term, plan a safe driving campaign for the campus, review projects from the last term that did not pass, and increase student awareness of the ASCR and possible appoint more members in an effort to reach a full senate. 

Administrative Reports

President/Superintendent's Report: I am continuing to advocate for the College on the state level.  I sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom requesting that the Governor veto AB 299 (Holden): Hazing: educational institutions: civil liability: resources. I also sent a letter to the Governor asking him to sign AB 1096 (Fong)– Community Colleges: Native Language Instruction. AB 1096 clarifies that community colleges may offer credit and noncredit courses taught in languages other than English and authorizes a community college to offer courses taught in languages other than English without requiring students to concurrently enroll in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

In my written report I also noted that I will open a national search for the permanent Chief Human Resources Office in January 2024 and we are partnering with Cal Poly Humboldt and the Hoopa Tribe to pursued shared educational interests. The MOU memorializing the collaboration will focus on promoting high school college-readiness and increase transfer rates from CR to Humboldt, developing internship opportunities, providing a supportive and welcoming environment for Native students attending CR and Humboldt, developing training programs for Hoopa Tribal member athletes that will increase their ability to move on and play sports at the collegiate level, and conducting data gathering activities and complete community needs assessments that will help the Tribe increase funding opportunities for the benefit of Native American students.

In my verbal comments, I thanked Jose Ramirez and Brian Van Pelt for their work on rebuilding our website. I also mentioned that two lawsuits have been filed by some community college professors challenging the Chancellor’s Office rules to include DEIA in evaluations. One was filed by a Bakersfield College professor and another by a group of professors in colleges in the State Center Community College District. The professors say the rules infringe on their First Amendment rights and require them to incorporate ideologies they don’t support in their work.

Vice President of Instruction Report: In Lisa’s written report, she noted that we have been working with the landlord, staff, facilities, and IT to re-imagine the use of space downtown, CR participated in a Regional CTE Convening hosted by JFF (Jobs for the Future) and HCOE, and Jessica Howard, Director of Nursing, with the support of Allied Health Interim Dean, Shauna Burdick, held two well-attended Nursing application Information Sessions.

Lisa commented that our dual enrollment efforts are going well, and we plan to offer dual enrollment in Del Norte.

Vice President of Administrative Services Report: Included in Julia’s written report was a student accounts receivable update. She noted that beginning with the 2020-21 year-end closing process, we initiated a practice of writing off all student accounts receivable that were three years or older. The total write-off amount was a little over $2 million. Prior to the write-off, the student accounts receivable balance was $3.621 million. For the fiscal year 2021-22 a little over $300 thousand was written off. On June 30, 2022, the total student accounts receivable balance was $1.571 million. For fiscal year 2022-23 a little less than $200 thousand was written off. On June 30, 2023, the total student accounts receivable balance was $2.522 million.

For comparison, here are the student account receivable balances for the past eight years:

• June 30, 2023 - $2,522,533
• June 30, 2022 - $1,571,486
• June 30, 2021 - $1,508,874
• June 30, 2020 - $3,393,715
• June 30, 2019 - $3,952,652
• June 30, 2018 - $3,607,024
• June 30, 2017 - $3,525,964
• June 30, 2016 - $3,510,678

The aging accounts receivable balances on June 30, 2023 were:

• Less than 1 year old - $2,095,136
• 1 to 2 years old        -   $256,252
• 2 to 3 years old        -   $155,631
• Over 3 years old       -    $15,513

The aging accounts receivable balances on June 30, 2022 were:

• Less than 1 year old - $1,134,398
• 1 to 2 years old        -   $199,798
• 2 to 3 years old        -   $237,290
• Over 3 years old       -             $0

The major contributing factor to the increase in current accounts receivable (less than one year) is the increase in enrollment, both in-state and non-resident, and an increase in student residence hall capacity back to 100%.

Julia mentioned that she and Leslie Marshall are working with Peter Blakemore faculty under his instructional umbrella on a temporary solution to increasing the accessibility to the new Creative Arts building for art and music faculty and students.  Finishing the roadway was scheduled to be completed as part of the PE/Fieldhouse project.

Interim Vice President of Student Services Report: Crystal’s written report mentioned that the CR Police/Public Safety Department and the Veterans Program held a brief ceremony and moment of silence at the Administration of Justice Building to honor and pay respect to the Americans and first responders lost in the attacks on September 11, 2001. She also wrote about AB 2683 Sexual Harassment & Sexual Violence Training Requirement.  Beginning September 1, 2024, all community colleges are required to train students on sexual harassment and sexual violence. This training is required to include instruction that is audio/visual and not only provided through written materials and may be integrated into existing training (such as orientation). This training must include these 7 points: 

1. Common facts and myths about the causes of sexual violence and sexual harassment.
2. What constitutes sexual harassment, including how to file internal administrative complaints with the institution of higher education and how to file criminal charges with local law enforcement officials.
3. The availability of, and contact information for, campus and community resources for students who are victims of sexual violence and sexual harassment.
4. Methods of encouraging peer support for victims and the imposition of sanctions on offenders. 
5. Information regarding campus, criminal, and civil consequences of committing acts of sexual violence and sexual harassment.
6. The contact information of a Title IX Coordinator or similar position.
7. Statistics on the prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual violence in the educational setting, and the differing rates at which students experience sexual harassment and sexual assault in the educational setting based on their race, sexual orientation, disability, gender, and gender identity. 

Crystal mentioned that we have a police department oversight committee comprised of staff, faculty, students, and community members to provide advice to the Vice President of Student Services and the Chief of Police. The membership of the oversight committee includes Dr. Crystal Morse, Matthew Gilliland, Anthony Finck, Dr. Kintay Johnson, Mark Bernards, Noah Decker, Tucker Noir, Nate Kees, David McClain, Caitlin Wheetley, Melinda Wallace, Julie Gilbride, Corrie Watson, and Michael Perkins.

Interim Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives: Kerry informed the Board that we were able to secure $1,528,405 through the Rising Scholars Network to expand the number of juvenile justice-impacted students participating and succeeding in community college. The Redwoods Rising Scholars program will support on-site and distance education programming for justice-involved youth at both the Juvenile Hall through the Von Humboldt Court School and at the Community Schools (Garberville Community School, the Eel River Community School, and the Eureka Community School). The focus of this programming will be on providing justice-involved youth the opportunity to dual enroll in college-level coursework, to participate in GED preparation and HiSET testing if appropriate, and to participate in ESL coursework where necessary. Program Outcomes will include:

1. Dual enrollment opportunities for justice-involved students to earn college credit.
2. Concurrent enrollment opportunities for justice-involved students to earn college credit.
3. A comprehensive student support program to ensure persistence, retention, academic program completion, transfer preparation and/or workforce preparation.
4. Clear and supported pathways from community college to university or to the workforce.

She thanked the Cal Poly Humboldt/Project Rebound, Humboldt County Office of Education/Community Schools, Juvenile Hall/Von Humboldt Court School, and our own Johnny Mauillo for supporting the development of this grant request.

Executive Director of College Advancement and the Foundation: Marty noted that the Mark William Dusel Memorial Scholarship has been established to support CR students who are working towards their associate degree in Welding, the Foundation is sponsoring the Humboldt Walk to End Alzheimer’s on October 14, at the Adorni Center, and he is continuing finalize the CR Dinner & Auction.

Marty commented that he is continuing to work with the art faculty on the naming of the new art gallery.

Approve a Trustee Request to Place an Item on a Future Agenda or Direct Staff to Give a Regular Report: The Trustees directed me to bring an action item to the November Board meeting related to Trustee benefits.