Last night's board meeting (+AUDIO)

At last night’s meeting of the SOCCCD board of trustees, the board was up to its old tricks. Despite the process whereby the decision to cut tennis teams at IVC having been carefully explained to them--a process involving several parties, including PE faculty—the board seemed inclined to substitute that process and its result with their whims, or whatever they were, to the contrary.

No decision has yet been made, but expect one next month.


The new student trustee was sworn in. Her father was there to videotape the whole meeting!

Several persons were honored, including the exiting student trustee, classified employees of the year, and faculty of the year. (Perhaps I've left someone out.) No doubt all of them were deserving of recognition.


During public comments, Saddleback College’s Academic Senate President, Bob C, noted that there are two persons notably absent from the list of honorees, namely, former SC Academic Senate President Claire C and former Faculty Association President Lewis L.

I guess the board doesn't like 'em.

Listen to Bob's remarks:

Also during public comments, Irvine Valley College Academic Senate President Wendy G explained that, contrary to what trustees seem to be hearing (from you-know- who), faculty do not seek to control district planning. The issue is simple: Title 5 and board policy give to faculty (senates) a role as participant in the development of the process whereby district planning occurs. In fact, however, Chancellor Mathur has developed his own highly Mathurian process and has not brought faculty to the table during developement.

Hence, the district is in violation. (See earlier post: Title 5)


Wendy reminded the board that we've been down this road before--with the faculty hiring process, which, initially, was developed without faculty input, contrary to statute. Must we seek intrevention once again?

Listen to Wendy's remarks:

Karla Westphal made a plea that the trustees cease engaging in prayer during district and college events--such as the recent commencement ceremonies. (This particular night, Dave Lang led the group in a kind of poetry reading instead of a prayer.)

Listen to Karla' remarks:

The calendar issue was discussed (I left before that occurred). Evidently, the trustees exhibited no hostility to the idea of putting the two colleges on different calendars. No decision has yet been made. It is difficult to judge where this issue is going. My guess is that nothing will change and the two colleges will limp along as always.