Meeting of the SOCCCD BOT: part 2 (open session)

[UPDATE: it's confirmed. The board added the names of Grimm and Boettger to the list of faculty to be granted tenure (item 6.9).]

[See Tere's Board Meeting Highlights]

7:42 — Looks like the closed session is over. I spotted TJ Prendergast and maybe one other trustee lurking in the hallway. Saddleback's Burnett is zooming around the room. Peebles is out and about. Now trustee Jemal appears.

See post re earlier session: More than 30 come to speak in support of probies Grimm and Boettger

Craig Justice

7:49 — Nancy's out and about. Now Bill Jay. Now Marcia Milchiker, Dave Lang, Gary Poertner. They'll start soon, I think. Jim Wright just arrived.

7:52 -- Still waiting for our "read out to come from our attorneys," says Nancy. I suppose this means that they're running a decision past the attorneys. But what was the decision?

7:55 -- Clerk reads actions taken in closed session: on a 6-1 vote (Jay voting No) Affirm (?) rejection of tenure, 2 at SC, 2 at IVC [I've scrambled to get clarification. Three very reliable sorts in the room heard Marcia's readout this way: the two IVC probies were granted tenure but the two SC probies [for whom tenure was not recommended] were not granted tenure. Speakers earlier addressed only the IVC probies: Amy Grimm and Susan Boettger. So it appears that the jobs of Grimm and Boettger were saved.]

UPDATE (March 4): Here's what Milchiker actually said: “On a six to one vote, with trustee Jay casting the negative vote, the board voted to affirm the district’s recommendation to nonreelect two faculty members at Saddleback College and to reject the recommendation to nonreelect two faculty members at Irvine Valley College.”

7-0 vote, classified employee's appeal re discrimination.
7-0 denied request paid leave for police officer
7-0 3 month paid leave.
7-0 approve termination of employment of a faculty member.

A resolution read regarding IVC women's golf team. Evidently, they're the best in the country or something. (I was off talking with colleagues; sorry.)

2nd resolution: "Leadership innovation award." [I was busy during this.]

Pulling 5.11, moving 6.1 forward.

Board reports:

Bill Jay: Congrats to Lasers golf team. Marvelous. All we do as trustees is figure out ways to spend money. Note item 6.6: IVC management reorganization. Budgetary savings of $117k. They deserve recognition.
Tim Jemal: pretty active month. I completed the tour of SC and IVC. Thanks for the hospitality. Saw learning environments. Etc. We're seeing legislation re using community colleges as engine for increased....economic growth.  "There is a skill gap in this country." Our colleges will get ahead of legislation in this regard....
Marcia Milchiker: echos what Jemal just said. I'm excited too....The importance of community colleges. Meeting with legislators.
TJ Prendergast: attended invention convention. Congrats to Saddleback for "recovering the cup" (President's cup, I think.). Blah, blah, blah. My daughter's taking Early College at Beckman. She dragged him to music concert, but he enjoyed it.
Nancy Padberg: various committee meetings she attended. Presidents cup in memory of "my husband." Scholarship in his name. (Applause.)
James Wright: workshops on how to be effective trustees, etc. Gosh, Jim, your voice tends to trail off into nothingness. I think his voice has a sleep-inducing effect. Am I dreaming?
Lang: passes

Chancellor Poertner: reports tonight: 4.1 report, student success. Improving ed of basic skills students. 2nd, mental health services at our colleges. Third item: 6.1 concerns lease-lease back strategies for construction.

President Roquemore: President's award recipients. We give our awards during Fall inservice, so wanted to mention recipients. Goes through IVC awards. Craig Justice, Dennis Gordon, Bruce Hagan, Matt W/Ilkner E-W, Roopa Mathur;  Melody Harper. (Does this in lieu of report.)

President Burnett: blah, blah, blah. Men's basketball, undefeated. Etc. Accreds accepted our follow-up report. Refers to "recent tragedy" concerning one of our part-time students. Jemal's request for report on mental health services very timely.

Board requests for reports: Jim Wright requests progress of veterans services. There's been a lot done since last year, so a report would be nice. Unanimous support.

Advancing 6.1. Resolution. Lease lease-back contracts. Brandye D'Lena comes forward to explain, discuss. But first VC Deb Fitzsimmons will explain (I became distracted by conversation with someone).

Brandye comes up to give "overview of lease-leaseback construction delivery method." I'll be tuning out for this. (Pretty dry.)

Any questions? ... Unanimous approval.

Consent Calendar: nothing else pulled. 5.11 already pulled. Unanimous.

Discussion items:

Student success task force, blah, blah, blah. Kathy Schmeidler, Kathy Werle, Summer Serpas, Donna R. Here we are being cooperative and collaborative, says KS. SS discusses accelerated writing project. Presents data suggesting success of pilot program. Then DR: fast track to success. (These people speak well.) She discusses the problem of "allied health" and lack of basic skills. Got the allied health and basic math/English people together. They created a textbook. Sounds good. Pilot program. KW: discusses basic skills funding. She thrilled all by discussing "butts in seats." Blah, blah, blah. It all sounds good to me. Questions? Jemal: experiential element, where taking place? A: here on campus. DR discussed blood taken from fake arms.

Next report: mental health services. Linda Fontanilla speaks for IVC. She refers to her colleagues. Mentions 33 discipline cases. Three years ago, saw maybe one student per semester. Now all the time. Describes one student with mental health issues. Hygiene problems, disruption, snoring, etc. She was apprised of available facilities/services, but she rejected them. Intelligent but delusional. Another case: a young man who wasn't getting his financial aid on time. He became loud and aggressive. Called the police on him. Learned that he suffers being bipolar.

Chris H, IVC nurse, speaks. Been at IVC since 1985. Reviews history at IVC. A huge range of cases. We were dealing with mental health issues in 1979, but demand has increased. Demand for health services doubled from 2003-2012. Students were at first referred to "community resources." We did crisis counseling. Now, we have part-time psychologist. There's a year round waiting list. Lots of community resource referrals still. I started out as a psychiatric nurse. There are such limited resources in the community [OC]; it is appalling. Really bad in Orange County; was bad back in 1985, still is. Notes various things that have been done recently; preventative actions, etc. Funding? It is through $18 Health Fee. That's it. Chris does a great job, heavy on cynicism about lack of funding, lack of services in the County.

Liz Cipres, dean of counseling services. Discipline officer. We've seen 33 students through 2012. Various cases. Threats, etc.

Robert Melendez: Protocol of the health center. Etc.

Chris comes back to discuss protocol. There are many ways students come to us. They are interviewed by a nurse. We need to know if they are in immediate danger, are an immediate threat. We put them on the list for therapist. We are not dealing with schizophrenics, bipolar, referring them--we do not abandon them. Referrals. Follow-ups. 51-50 call: identified someone who is an immediate danger to selves, or to others. We had five during a recent semester. Amazing. You involve the police. Etc.

Next: Saddleback College. Blah, blah, blah. We have a wonderful collaboration between those working in this area. Counselors, et al. Blah, blah, blah. Presents "measures to identify, assist and educate employees working with at-risk students." 7 points. Online, self-paced program called "Kognito 'at-risk' gate keeper training." (Sounds like BS.) Evidently, the speaker went through this program. He seemed pleased as punch. There's one of these programs for faculty, for faculty and staff working with veterans, etc. We've had 52 people go through the (something) training. Etc. We're looking to expand that.

A faculty guide developed two years ago. How to respond to students who are distressed or threatening. We've handed these out to faculty at inservice, etc. We try to get info out there. (This guy's emphasis was on training faculty and staff.)

Turned over to Jeannie Harris-C. We have ten mental health beds in the County of Orange. Ten. (Echoes what Chris H said.) We shouldn't be surprised by what is happening at the college. Lots of students come with problems, baggage. We need to find ways to identify and help these students. Kognito is wonderful. We have two clinical psychologists. 5 registered nurses. All working part-time. Every slot that I have is filled. Cases: student misconduct. Discipline issues. Meetings with therapists on biweekly basis. Individual consultations with faculty members. Referrals from faculty happen every day. 51-50. One of our students was a "cutter." They can't feel pain, so they cut themselves. We were able to talk with student, put her on 51-50. Took her to a hospital. Held for five days. Was very gravely ill. This has a happy ending. Her medications were adjusted and changed. We'll be monitoring her. So we try to identify these students and try to refer them to something that will work. Lots of drug and alcohol use on this campus. About half of the cases involve substance abuse of some kind. Blah, blah, blah. Notes a web page available to faculty. Brochures given out. Anxiety, suicide. Occurences have become more routine. We try to address everything.

Jemal: dealing with these problems, very challenging. I'll hold in abeyance many questions that I have. So we have two different systems--one for IVC, another for SC? Woman explain the number of faculty who have completed "modules."

Jemal: a very good report. Good structure in place. --So Jemal has opted to be positive.

6.6. IVC Reorganization. Will hire new dean of online, etc. Significant savings overall....

That's it for me. I can stand no more. 9:41.

Meeting of the SOCCCD BOT: more than 30 speak in support of Grimm & Boettger

A remarkable crowd, pre-closed session; over 30 speakers spoke for over 45 minutes

(For background: see BOT meeting preview & Lariat highlights Grimm. Essentially, there are worries that one or some of the recent tenure decisions/processes are hinky, perhaps only because the defined process isn't being followed. That, at any rate, has been the point emphasized tonight by union speakers. Meanwhile, many speakers—colleagues, students, et al.—address the manifest absurdity of accusing Grimm of a lack of collegiality. [Evidently, both faculty were tagged, not for poor teaching, but for failures of collegiality.] Much great support for both instructors tonight: Grimm and Boettger.)

5:00 - Nancy Padberg, board president, has called the meeting to order. 30 people wish to speak, she says. (She doesn't seem happy about it.) Nancy orders the crew of 30 (actually, more) to break into groups of 5, come on up. (She calls groups of five at a time.) If you're going to repeat what someone else has said, "well, please do not do that."

Padberg calls five names: "please come forward," she commands
   Andrea: Now at CSLB. Here to support Professor Amy Grimm. She helped me a lot. If not for her, I would have likely changed majors. But I stuck with Art History. She's a very valuable professor. She deserves to be granted tenure.
   Joon Kil: associate Prof, poli sci. Here to support Amy Grimm's tenure. She's the most collegial colleague I've known at IVC. We teach in different areas, but she is a genuine, good person. A great colleague. Outstanding professional.
   Claudia Lee: speaks about program Professor Grimm has started. Amazing info that you can't get from a textbook. Very valuable. Etc.
   Jerry Rudmann: here to support Amy Grimm's tenure decision. I've been an instructor since IVC started. Amy is one of the most dedicated professionals I've ever seen. She's always on campus, working with students, setting up guest speakers, etc. IVC has an honor society that runs a survey. Amy is always in the top group of professors appreciated by students.
   Alex D?: Here to support Amy Grimm. She has always been respectful and kind. Good with staff. Students say she is one of the best instructors they've had.

Nancy officiously reads off the next five names:
   Mithra K: a student at IVC. To speak in support of Susan Boettger (IVC Fine Arts probie). Students adore her. She is kind, helpful, patient. Really cares about her students. She is clear and effective. She has greatly increased my appreciation of classic music. A highly professional member of IVC faculty.
   Michael Cassens: psychology dept. I share a hallway with these two (Boettger and Grimm.) They are clearly strong faculty. Very collegial. To suggest that these people lack collegiality is a gross mis-assessment.
   Bari Rudmann: I retired after 25 years. Still involved in Honors Society. I wish to address collegiality issue. (I look over at board: Nancy is annoyed. The others are hard to read.) Barry tells story of first meeting Amy. Great speaking with her, getting to know her. "Collegial? Absolutely?" She's always been helpful.
   Kari Tucker: Speaking on behalf of Amy Grimm. Her collegiality is under question here. Very surprised. I've worked with many faculty, but Amy's certainly on the top among them. She was great to work with, etc. Gives examples. Assessments, etc. She is dedicated to her students, too. Her interactions are admirable. I often ask myself if I live up to her standard. I'm amazed that her collegiality is being questioned. I wish she were in my dept.!
   Yemmy Taylor: here to speak on behalf of Amy Grimm. We've worked together on the Academic Affairs committee. She did great work. When I visit campus on Saturday, Amy is there. Collegiality? No one is more collegial than Amy. She's more social that we in psychology! She's been an incredible faculty member. A very good person.

Next five called up:
   Pamela W: speaks on behalf of Susan B. Relates details of Susan's efforts and success as an instructor. She is always available to students. She's fair. I have over 30 pages of notes just from her this semester. Her students have won innumerable awards. (Your time is up!)
   Jody Titus: I share the hall with Amy Grimm. Former curriculum chair. She's amazingly dedicated. Writing new curriculum for a new program. Many hours of work, willingness to put in hours. The most collegial person on this campus. I hope you reconsider.
   Tiffany Tran: articulation officer at IVC. Speaks on behalf of Amy G. She did excellent work on curriculum. Strong work ethic. She has earned the respect of many faculty and students. Many have written letters for her. (She reads the names of those who wrote letters. Pretty impressive list that goes on for some time and includes many impressive names.) The trustees seem impressed. (Your time is up!)
   Janice Wyma: I was hired as the first music professor in 1979; retired recently. Was involved in hiring Susan Boettger. Extraordinary candidate. Stellar. Our department has lacked balance, and it was a ray of sunshine to welcome Susan. She's been an enthusiastic colleague. Her tenure review has been shoddily put together. She's fun, courteous, etc. Jan speaks very highly of her. (Padberg: interrupts. Jan finishes anyway, talks right through Nancy's protests. Clash! Whoa!)
   Didn't get her name: on behalf of Susan Boettger. Describes her work with SB. "A joy to work with." Always showed respect. Etc. Always collegial. Never a complaint about her. Smart, musical, modest, a most wonderful colleague."

(Next five:)
   Susan Boettger: for four years, I've worked hard to be the best possible instructor..... (etc.) Describes her credentials. Evaluations of her teaching: overwhelmingly positive. Describes her accomplishments. Seems very impressive.  Presents well.
   Amy Grimm: Prof of Art History. My 4th year, fantastic years. I was hired to teach Art History courses and to build a program. (She describes her success in those areas.) Again, seems very impressive.
   Megan ?: Here to speak on behalf of Professor Grimm. I'm an Anthro major. The classes and programs she's establishing have been very helpful to me with my major. This student is very articulate, impressive.
   Dennis Gordon: Amy Grimm is a fantastic person. I won't repeat what's already been said. He describes first meeting her. Wonderful, personable individual. I was shocked to hear that there's some question about her collegiality. She's very friendly, welcoming. She's outstanding.
   Didn't catch her name: speaks on behalf of Susan Boettger. All students just love her as a teacher, as a person. She's very experienced, a wonderful pianist. She has a great personality, easy to work with. She's an ideal colleague. I've worked with her for a year and a half and I can only say great things.

(The next five; Padberg is pissed that not all five come up right away; urges them to come stand against the wall)
   Didn't catch his name: keyboard person here at Saddleback. Susan Boettger, a wonderful colleague. Easy to work with. Always followed through. We did joint concerts; a pleasure to work with her. She always goes the extra mile, also in community service. She's a mother of three kids, but she spends so much time going extra mile; don't know how she does it. I've been on many hiring committees; I would not hesitate a minute to hire her for a piano position. Exemplary professor of music. What she does is at the level of a major university! Putting IVC and the district on the map. (Nancy interrupts. Time's up!)
   Kathy Schmeidler: today here as grievance chair. It's been a while since we've seen this kind of support for faculty re probationary faculty. I am here to speak on the process itself, in case you think this is about personalities. "The process was not followed." The part of the contract: if unsatisfactory, the TRC will develop a plan of action to address.... To my knowledge, none of this was done. In these cases, these faculty were told of problems late. (Nancy: your time is up!)
   Dave Lang interrupts: let her speak. I'm most interested in process issues. Nancy gives her a "few more seconds."
   Kathy: dean and two faculty on each TRC. Deans are responsible for following the process. In this case, the dean and the upper administration have not done this properly.
   Roopa Mathur: Academic Affairs chair at IVC. Here to speak on behalf of Amy Grimm. She's very professional. Roopa highlights Amy's work on the committee. She was very, very helpful. (Gives examples.) Describes Amy's participation in IVC's lecture series. A talk on Andy Warhol. Was a success, despite an audience of 60-year-olds.
   Antoinette Geldun: I shared an office with Amy. She's wonderful with students, wonderful as a colleague. She's very modest, helpful. Why did this happen? You heard about all the "hallway" conversations. The art department is scattered and doesn't see what she's like. Describes Amy's work; we'll lose our connections with the Getty, etc. (Nancy seems annoyed.) Also, "she always has ginger cookies." (Laughter.)  You couldn't ask for a better person.
   Ann McDermott: I took a piano class with Susan B. The class was fabulous. I've taken courses in many colleges, but this was the best ever. So friendly, patient with all students. What a difference, taking a class with Susan. Goes through various anecdotes. She's so enthusiastic, it's contagious. It would be such a loss, if....

(The last group:)

Lewis Long

(It's now 5:44. An extraordinary display.)
   Lewis Long: past president of the Faculty Association. Here to talk about the tenure review process. The spirit and intent of the process was not necessarily followed in this case. A system needs checks and balances. He describes the process, which he helped develop. TRC focuses on teaching. The role of the VP, the P, the Chancellor. If each of these latter simply forward the TRC assessment, then the process is not being followed. Each of these has a role: to discuss the person's participation at the college level, etc.
   (Nancy: your time is up! Lang: we want to hear more...  Nancy: "One sentence more": )
   ? Kim: speaks on behalf of Susan Boettger. Describes what Susan does, how well she does it. She encouraged me as a music major, "even though I'm not young."
   (Nancy: as the next "Kim" steps up, she says: "looks like we have a relative here....")
   H. Kim: describes her experience with Susan Boettger. Success, etc. Such great teaching skills. "I'm very proud of me that I am her student!" I cannot speak English very well. But she encourages me. She understands students like me. Please support her.
   Lisa Alvarez: I've taught English at IVC for 20 years. Reads letter by last year's part-time teacher of the year. Support for both Fine Arts probies. Impressive letter. (Your time is up!)
   Name?: I'm a student at IVC. A student of Mrs. Grimm. She starts class with, "Dear beloved students." Says it all of the time. She welcomes us. (Speaks in halting English.) I'm very pleased to be in her class. Witnessed student disrespecting her. She handled it so beautifully. I'm very happy to be her student.
   ? G: I have a few unique things to add. I'm a returning student. I have an MA from UCLA, an MA.... I made a career change. She's amazing (referring, I think, to Amy Grimm. Not sure)

   Nancy Padberg: That concludes our speakers: I must tell you that we will not be able to reconvene until an hour and half. So we'll reconvene at 7:30 or so. No sooner.

     The room is amazingly full. There's a celebratory mood among supporters of Grimm and Boettger. Very pleased. Applause broke out here and there during the preceding. This greatly annoyed Nancy. Amy and Susan's remarks received strong applause, which was not appreciated by the Nance.
     Lewis Long and Kathy Schmeidler's remarks were well received as well.

You'll hear from me again at 7:30 or so.