...being a set of newspaper clips chronicling the tenure of disastrously unpopular Saddleback Community College District chancellor Larry Stevens—ultimately taken out by the faculty union, via reconfiguration of the board of trustees....Much like the election of 1996.
Was this a case of Good Guys vs. Bad Guys?
Bad Guys vs. Bad Guys?
Good Guys vs. Good Guys?
"Read more..."
BUT DID THEY CHECK HIS REFERENCES? CHECK HIS RECORD?
(APPARENTLY NOT)
“Saddleback’ Board Selects a Chancellor,” LA Times, 7-31-82
Trustee John Connolly said that the search committee “concentrated on candidates who had a strong academic background, had established good working relationships with instructors and legislators and were familiar with fund raising.” [As we'll see, Stevens lacked two of these qualifications: without doubt, he had a poor working relationship with instructors, even before his arrival; his academic background, too, turned out to be meager: unimpressive degrees (an Ed.D.) and virtually no experience as a college academic.]
Previously, Stevens had been President of Tacoma Community College (Washington).
“Saddleback, like most two-year colleges, was seriously affected last year by the Legislature’s limitation on budgetary growth. Consequently, trustees imposed a hiring freeze, eliminated new construction and for the first time in the district’s 14-year history, limited student registration.”
At a special meeting on Friday, Stevens “offered no policy statements other than to say he champions an open-door policy to help prevent problems.”
His brother, Lee, is President of Golden West Community College.
[In August, 1982, Stevens meets with Faculty for the first time at a FORUM.
(See The Infamous Faculty Forum)
(See The Infamous Faculty Forum)
There will be big changes, he says.
It does not go well. It's downhill from there.]
“Tustin Turn-Ups,” Tustin News, 10-14-82
The Tustin News’ Bill Moses interviews the new Chancellor. Says Moses, “He’s moved his family to Orange County from the Seattle area where they have resided during his tenure in education there. Larry is boat oriented, power and sail, so it’s obvious he came to the right nautical exposure in Southern Cal. He’s moving into the Saddleback College scene when the state junior college funding never was tighter and demands by staff have grown higher inversely to income available.”
THE SCHOLARLY CONSTANCE CARROLL ARRIVES
“Saddleback Campus Gets New President,” LA Times, 6-5-83
She “holds a master’s degree in the classics from the University of Pittsburgh and is finishing her doctoral dissertation. She also was appointed by former President Jimmy Carter to the National Advisory Council on Continuing Education….”
“Stevens Cites New SCC Administrators,” Tustin News, 6-9-83
Chancellor Stevens announces the hires of Constance M. Carroll, Saddleback College President, and David P. Habura, vice chancellor of educational services and student development. Habura “was appointed executive dean – education services for Tacoma Community College … in 1981….”
—What’s this? Stevens brought Habura down with him? Why? How?
TOP-HEAVY ADMINISTRATION?
SHOULDN'T THE MONEY GO TO INSTRUCTION?
Letters to the editor, “College Teachers,” LA Times, 7-10-83
 |
| Targeted by union |
“…I believe your readers will be interested to know that in concert with the new administration under Chancellor Larry Stevens, the Saddleback College Board of Trustees has proposed its solution to the education crisis [no money, poor student performance, etc.]. They plan to hire more top brass. A lot more.”
“None of the positions involve extensive contact with the most important people on the Saddleback campuses—the students.”
Kopfstein goes on to explain that the college is overwhelmed with students, and some can’t get classes. The college relies on under-paid part-timers.
Says he, “By our estimates, the taxpayers’ price tag for these administrative posts will be between $500,000 and $1 million per year. … While it is obvious that some administrators are a necessary component of any college, we must guard against too many chiefs and too few Indians.” —RK
“Board Accepts $75,000 For North Campus Outdoor Site,” Tustin News, 7-14-83
“Saddleback Community College Board of Trustees meeting Monday, accepted a $75,000 gift from the Irvine Company for construction of outdoor recreational facilities on North Campus.”
“The Irvine Company proposed the donation six months ago so they could meet the city of Irvine’s requirement for nearby facilities for residents of the Orchard Park development.”
“Under the agreement between the Irvine Company and the District, facilities, which include a basketball court and handball/racquetball courts, will be open to the public for use after school hour and on weekends.”
The News also reports that “faculty offices in the South Campus are badly needed,” and trustees approved spending over $200,000 for that purpose. Trustee Price favored the expenditure, but other trustees “were worried about the budget crisis looming in Sacramento. Chancellor Larry Stevens said, ‘Everybody is sitting around waiting for the legislature to make the breakthrough they always do.’”
BIG STATE-IMPOSED BUDGET CUT
THE ULTRA-LEAN DEUKMEJIAN ERA
“State Imposes Cuts On Saddleback Fund,” Tustin News, 8-11-83
“Guiding principles used in the reduction were listed in a report presented to the trustees by David Habura, vice chancellor educational services and student development….”
“The plan approved by the trustees will eliminate few classes currently on the district’s list. A majority of cuts will be taken from self-insurance, construction accounts, and also postage, travel and conferences, memberships, printing, supplies and contract services.”
“Constance Carroll, the new president of South campus, told the board that $226,594 was trimmed from the construction budget which will eliminate a faculty office building project. “This is not a happy recommendation, but one we feel under the circumstances is a responsible one,” Carroll said.
“The Board of Trustees was also presented with a series of restoration plans in hope that finances of community colleges will improve in the coming months.”
“The classroom building reserve is the highest priority for restoration. This is the district’s local matching share of a $6.1 million state apportionment granted to Saddleback this year to build a 55,000-square-foot classroom building. The district is required to provide $2.3 million in the next few years for the realization of the project.”
“Chancellor Stevens told the board he felt the college would come up with the money. He called the apportionment, ‘the accomplishment of an impossible dream.’”
Leland Myers of the Orange County Community College Consortium “said that if community colleges do not receive any more funding, as many as 12 to 15 districts will have to begin layoffs or declare bankruptcy by Jan. 1.”
“The board discussed the possibility of imposing tuition, or fees, on students to generate needed funds. ‘This district is opposed to fees in any way, shape or form,’ said Chancellor Larry Stevens.”
“Arts Patron Doyle McKinney Dies at 61,” LA Times, 8-23-83
 |
| Doyle B. McKinney |
“He came to Saddleback College as the fine arts division director in 1966—one year before the campus opened—and developed a fine arts program that has been recognized and copied throughout California’s community college system.”
“In 1978, he founded the Saddleback Company Theatre and brought professional actors to the Fine Arts Theatre at the college’s Mission Viejo campus….”
“Eugene C. McKnight, president of the Saddleback Community College board of trustees, said McKinney ‘placed Saddleback into a leadership role … in serving community education and the arts.’”
“Larry Stevens, district chancellor, said McKinney ‘will be remembered and appreciated. He made a real mark on thousands of people whose lives are now richer for it.’”
“Saddleback Adopts Final ’83-’84 Budget,” Tustin News, 8-25-83
 |
| Targeted by union |
“Months of work by staff and board members on three tentative budgets … paid off. Law requires budgets be approved no later than Sept. 7 and many community colleges have notified the state they will not make the deadline.”
“This year marks the fourth consecutive year the general fund has been cut.”
“Despite cuts enrollment continues to grow….”
“Students who drop fall classes will face a $10 per drop charge as a result of adopted board policy dictated by state legislation.”
“Board members painfully approved the policy imposed by passage of a state measure mandating the charge not to exceed $20 during any given instructional term.”
“All trustees said they were becoming increasingly wary of more and more state intervention into their policies….”
“Finally the board adjourned in the memory of Dr. Doyle G. McKinney who died Saturday….”
“Saddleback’s New Classroom Building—a Political Victory,” Letter to the Editor, LA Times, 8-28-83
John C. Connolly, Saddleback Community College District [trustee]
“Saddleback College was extremely fortunate in this harrowing budget year in Sacramento to win its five-year fight for state funding [$6.1 million] to build a business/social sciences classroom building…. “
“Saddleback College was the only community college in the entire state to receive funding for new classroom construction this year….” –JC
“State Chided for Funding Failures,” Tustin News, 9-29-83
“Monday night’s meeting of the board quickly covered action items but stirred to verbal response when trustees saw a letter from a college administrator’s group offering a compromise plan for funding to the governor.” It proposed changes to “free California colleges from the current political stalemate.”
“Chancellor Larry Stevens said if the state restores the base level of funding, adding $108 million to community college coffers, Saddleback would realize about $2.27 million.”
“‘The (state) senate will not come back,’ Stevens told the trustees. “Our only hope is that (Speaker) Willie Brown will reconvene the Assembly.”
NEW BUILDING GROUNDBREAKING
“Ground Breaking Culminates Dream,” Tustin News, 10-20-83
“October 22 marks the culmination of a long-sought dream at Saddleback College South In Mission Viejo as ground is ceremonially broken to begin construction of the new $8.7 million Business and Social Science Classroom Building.”
“The groundbreaking features state, local and regional dignitaries, including members of the Saddleback Board of Trustees, Senator William Campbell and Assemblywoman Marian Bergeson….”
“ ‘This event is very significant to the history of Saddleback and we would be pleased to have the citizens of our District attend and become a part of such an important activity,’ said Chancellor Larry Stevens.”
“The 55,000-square-foot building has been ready for construction for more than five years and was the state’s highest priority each year. The passage of Proposition 13, coupled with other factors at the state level, left Saddleback without the necessary state funding to begin the project.”
“Actual construction is expected to begin later this year, with an estimated completion date of Fall, 1985….”
“Cash Short Fall Forces Reduction,” Tustin News, 11-24-83
 |
| Constance Carroll |
“Chancellor Larry Stevens told the board the reductions were due ‘to the failure of the legislature and governor to enact legislation providing for restoration of community college funding to 1982-83 levels. From the alternatives proposed, I have directed staff to provide for reductions in the amount of $750,000.’”
“Bill Schreiber, executive assistant to the chancellor, said the reductions would not hurt the academic program. ‘There will be fewer handouts in class and equipment that breaks down may not be readily repaired, but otherwise no change,’ he noted.”
“This is the second cut the district has made since approving the budget….”
“The district has now clipped nearly $2 million from its $30 million budget.”
“Schreiber said the district’s chief concern is that if the legislature does not reach some agreement with the governor next year, the district may stand to loose as much as $6 million.”
FACULTY COMPLAIN: UNTIMELY TOP-HEAVY ADMINISTRATION
QUESTIONABLE SPENDING AMID THIN BUDGET
Reynold J. Kero
Professor of Chemistry
Saddleback College
“Dear Editor: During this time of fiscal uncertainty, I wonder who is minding the store. … For the Board of Trustees to refill the position of Chancellor in this time of fiscal uncertainty was questionable, at best, but to bring on Larry Stevens with what seems to be a book of signed checks borders on irresponsibility. First the Board approved Mr. Steven’s [sic] plan to reorganize ‘management’ through the addition of six new District Level administrative positions while combining other management positions at the division director level where support more directly affects the students.”
 |
| H. Walther, trustee |
“…Not only was the Controller hired, but the Board of Trustees saw fit to simultaneously hire him as a consultant, for a fee of $3,000, to plan one of Robert Moore’s pet projects, the development of an integrated management information system for the District.”
“Critically short funds are being spent on other questionable projects as well….” —RK
RE STEVENS' 5-DAY WORKWEEK MANDATE—NOT ILLEGAL
“An unfair labor practices claim by the Saddleback College Faculty Association [union] against the District has been dismissed by the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB).”
“In dismissing the allegation, PERB ruled that the union had failed to establish a ‘prima facie’ case—that is, clear evidence that demonstrated any contractural violation by the District.”
“The Association claimed that the District acted unilaterally in requiring class assignments five days per week for faculty members during the past three semesters to maximize room utilization at the college throughout the normal work week….” “PERB agreed with the District that the so-called ‘side-letter’ agreement stipulated that full-time teaching loads ‘are specifically to be assigned by District managers.’”
“The dismissal action follows by about one week a PERB ruling on yet another Faculty Association unfair labor practices claim contending that the District acted unilaterally to change a policy allowing faculty members to schedule their own office hours….”
FACULTY TO TRUSTEES: FIRE STEVENS
STEVENS TO BOARD: JUST SALARY NEGOTIATION TACTIC
“Saddleback College Staff Asks Chancellor’s Firing,” LA Times, 3-27-84
 |
| S. MacMillan |
“The district board, however, refused to allow the teachers to air their charges against Stevens during the board’s Monday night public meetings. Harriett Walther, board president, said charges against any employee are always discussed by the board in closed session.”
“Sharon MacMillan, a political science professor and president-elect of the Saddleback College Faculty Assn., announced the teachers’ censure of Stevens just before the board’s meeting began. She accused Stevens of fiscal mismanagement and creating ‘a climate of fear’ on campus.”
“Stevens, who has been chancellor since September, 1982, issued a brief statement indicating that the root of the teachers’ unhappiness is an unresolved struggle for a new contract.”
“ ‘Our mail vote had many comments written on the ballots, and only a couple mentioned the contract negotiations,’ MacMillan said, adding, ‘A major concern is the chancellor’s militaristic style and his using money for administrative expansion rather than for classrooms.’”
MacMillan explained that 94.7% of those who responded to the recent survey said “Stevens was ‘doing a poor job’ and expressed ‘no confidence’ in him.”
Just prior to the meeting, MacMillan announced the vote and made a statement during a press conference. “The faculty association’s statement accused Stevens of ‘steering the college to bankruptcy’ and ‘repression’ of dissent.”
FACULTY "NO CONFIDENCE" IN STEVENS
BOARD SUPPORTS THEIR MAN
“SCC Faculty votes Against Chancellor,” Tustin News, 3-29-84
“Stevens responded saying, ‘During difficult labor negotiations, it often happens that the district’s chief executive officer is singled out by the union as the focal point for expressions of displeasure. I understand this type of dynamic.”
The union’s “statement” read, in part, “The faculty questions whether tax money should be used for constructing lavish administrative offices at the expense of classrooms; they also question whether public money should be expended for newly created permanent jobs and consulting jobs filled by the chancellor’s friends from out of state and for the salary of a personal apologist and propagandist for the chancellor’s policies.”
“Board of trustees president Harriett Walther said, ‘Larry Stevens has been good for Saddleback.’”
“She went on to defend his actions noting that the board was aware of the redecorating (‘We want offices we can be proud of…’), had screened applicants for administrative jobs (‘Only two were hired out of state and both were exceptional candidates.’), and approved all salaries.”
“Walther said Stevens had done … [a] good job of promoting from within the ranks of Saddleback administrators. ‘He has also done an exceptional job of putting women and minorities in administrative positions,’ she added.”
Said union president-elect Sharon MacMillan, “Teachers and administrators are afraid to speak to the board because of what could happen to them….”
An agenda item exists for union officers to address the board, but MacMillan did not avail herself of that opportunity: she [said the concerns over job security and a feeling they would not be allowed to speak on any subject stopped them….”
“The association was denied, Monday night, its opportunity to speak about Stevens. MacMillan had proposed to read the statement, given earlier to the press, to [the] board. But Walther gaveled her down noting the board policy was not to allow open discussion of ‘personnel matters.’”
“Walther said after the meeting she was following board policy that protected all employees from public charges made at the board meeting. She reiterated that the association had been given the opportunity to talk with the board. ‘We even suggested they could talk to us at 7:15 p.m. just prior to the start of the regular board meeting. They refused.’”
Regarding Stevens, she said: “We evaluate him … as doing a fine job. He is doing what we have directed him to do.”
“Saddleback Going After OCC Students,” Tustin News, 3-29-84
“Approximately 3,700 students, mostly from Tustin and Irvine, are attending Orange Coast College, even though they reside in the Saddleback District.”
This information was part of a presentation by Saddleback “North’s” President Ed Hart.
“Hart said the figure represents over $3 million in lost funding from the state. Money that is going to OCC.”
“He told the board a survey of what courses those students were taking showed five possible additions to the north campus curriculum that could begin to capture back some of the students….”
“ ‘We want to be doing things students want,’ [Hart] said. The proposed programs are in curriculum areas students are taking at OCC.”
PREDICTABLE CONSERVATIVE OPINERY
“Larry Stevens Worthy of Trustees’ Support,” Tustin News EDITORIAL, 4-12-84
“…The fact the teachers’ union demands his dismissal will not cause the board of trustees to shake in their boots, we assume. It’s merely the usual battle for the teachers’ union to gain further power at the top level of what formerly was known as a high-paying salary schedule college district with a rather conservative board and administration.”
“We would say today’s board and regime are not, probably, as conservatively oriented as the charter board of trustees, circa 1967.”
“However, it would appear they will not surrender the leadership of an outstanding junior college district to these professional union-building tacticians and their teacher supporters.”
“So we offer a vote of confidence for the incumbent Chancellor, Larry Stevens. We see naught he has done to deserve this public abuse.”
THE POSSIBILITY OF A TRUSTEE RECALL ARISES
(LET'S DO WHAT THEY DID @ COAST!)
“Recall Next if SCC Board Fails to Act,” Tustin News, 4-12-84
A spokesman for the union, Rey Kero, said: “Our next step would be to go for recall to get attention. We are willing to meet and discuss the items. If these things are not done it could go the same way of the Orange Coast District.” [“Teachers in that district last year launched a recall effort and vote drive that culminated in the election of a new majority on Coast’s board of trustees. Coast Chancellor Norman Watson, whom many of the teachers opposed, announced his retirement plans the week after the new majority was elected.” LA Times, 5-4-84]
Board President Harriett Walther said: “I know these people are concerned, I don’t mean to minimize that[;] at this point I have read everything they have submitted to the board. We will meet as soon as we can find a date agreeable to the board and chancellor to discuss the issues.”
The union disputes Stevens’ claim that their complaints about him stem from contract negotiations. They charge the chancellor with “financial mismanagement” and request an “outside audit.” They’ve even got “an organization plan to save the district $1 million.”
“The plan would essentially remove the president of the [North] campus and his support staff and replace it with two assistant deans, one in charge of day Programs and the other in charge of Extended Day.”
“ ‘Once North Campus was reduced administratively in this manner,’ says the plan, ‘trimming its upper level administrative hierarchy and replacing it with administration in closer contact with students and programs, then enormous saving could be effected at the district level.’’’
“Bob Kopfstein, an [sic] faculty contract negotiator, said the actions of the association did not seem to be hurting the ongoing salary talks. ‘If we were to settle this contract with the status quo, nothing new, I believe the faculty would view the results with a polite yawn.’”
“He said the professors were far more interested in the outcome of their efforts to oust Stevens then [sic] arguing extensively over wage and other contract issues.”
A STEVENS APOLOGIST
“Saddleback College Faculty’s Actions,” LA Times, letters to the editor, 4-29-84
Jack Byerly
Lake Forest
“Recently, I have been drastically disturbed by the lack of professionalism and, more important, the lack of objectivity demonstrated by some of my fellow faculty members at Saddleback College. Some have rushed to judgment without having researched the facts related to administrative leadership by Chancellor Larry Stevens.”
“One program Dr. Stevens improved was that of affirmative action. Historically, Saddleback College has been criticized and sued for discrimination in its hiring policies. Recently, the board, with the leadership of Dr. Stevens, strengthened its affirmative action program and policies. As a result Saddleback College has welcomed to its administration three very capable females: Dr. Maria Sheehan, a Hispanic, who was elevated to vice chancellor; Constance Carroll, a black, who was recently installed as president of South Campus, and Marley Bergerud, who heads the South Campus Business Science Division.”
“For these and other improvements, the students and taxpayers of this district owe Dr. Larry Stevens a debt of gratitude….” —JB
THE RECALL IS "ON"
(FOLLOWING THE "COAST" PLAYBOOK)
“Saddleback Teachers Mount Recall Drive,” LA Times, 5-4-84
“Sharon MacMillan, president of the Faculty Assn. of Saddleback College, said that more than 90% of the teachers are opposed to Stevens and want him fired. MacMillan said that the association is trying to put pressure on the seven-member board of trustees of Saddleback Community College District to either oust Stevens or face recall.”
“MacMillan acknowledged that the Saddleback teachers have met twice with leaders of the successful teacher revolt at neighboring Coast Community College District. Teachers in that district last year launched a recall effort and vote drive that culminated in the election of a new majority on Coast’s board of trustees. Coast Chancellor Norman Watson, whom many of the teachers opposed, announced his retirement plans the week after the new majority was elected.”
“The faculty association has accused Stevens of ‘fiscal mismanagement’ and the hiring of unneeded ‘cronies’ from Tacoma (Wash.) Community College, where Stevens was president before being hired by Saddleback in 1982.”
“Three of the seven members on the Saddleback board of trustees are up for election in November. MacMillan said that those three will be targeted for defeat by the teachers if they do not agree to oust Stevens….”
“Saddleback Trustees Defended by Chancellor,” LA Times, 5-8-84
“Chancellor Larry Stevens of Saddleback Community College on Monday issued a defense of the college district’s board of trustees and a rebuke to faculty union officials seeking to recall any trustee supportive of Stevens.”
“The Faculty Assn. of Saddleback College announced last week that it will file recall papers next September against ‘board members who intend to take no action for removing Chancellor Stevens.’”
The Association (union) accuses Stevens of “fiscal mismanagement” and “creating a climate of fear.”
“In a statement released Monday, Stevens said that the current board of trustees deserves praise, not condemnation and threats of recall.”
“Stevens said the board has guided the college through ‘the single most difficult and demanding period in its history.’ He said that despite state budget cuts in the last three years totaling more than $5 million for Saddleback, the incumbent board ‘has maintained traditional excellence’ and ‘not laid off a single full-time faculty member.’”
“He said ‘this board has moved decisively and effectively to keep Saddleback pointed to the future—a future that holds massive increases in enrollment and great challenges for local government agencies.’”
“In a concluding statement, Stevens said: ‘At a time when public distrust of elected officials is a popular theme, the steadfast commitment o Saddleback’s board to the public trust is refreshing.’”
STEVENS CONDEMNS RECALL EFFORT
“Stevens Says Recall Effort ‘Misguided’,” Tustin News, 5-10-84
“Recent recall threats by faculty union leaders against the Saddleback Community College District Board of Trustees are misguided, uninformed and irresponsible, Chancellor Larry Stevens charged Monday (May 7).”
“Stevens released [a] statement in response to recent claims by leaders of the Saddleback Faculty Association that they would file recall petitions next September against Trustees who fail to honor the union’s demand to remove the Chancellor.”
Among Trustee accomplishments, Stevens listed: “—Has not laid off a single full-time faculty member…. –Has consistently and publicly supported the academic pursuits of the faculty. –Has made minimal program reductions despite massive external pressures to cut services to students and the community. –Has shepherded dwindling resources so effectively as to permit continued expansion of badly needed educational facilities, including a new Classroom Building at Saddleback’s South Campus and new faculty offices and a library at the North Campus….”
“Saddleback Teachers Try Recall to Oust Chancellor,” Tustin News, 5-10-84
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| Bill Moses, Tustin News |
According to Faculty Association president Sharon MacMillan: “Specific board members will be pinpointed in September because, as of now, the faculty association knows that some board members privately want to get rid of Chancellor Larry Stevens as badly as do the faculty and campus administrators.”
“Board president Harriett Walther, however, still maintains that Chancellor Stevens has the support of the board.”
“MacMillan said the association would be asking individual members of the board to meet with their group and discuss the situation. ‘Those board members who intend to take no action for removing Chancellor Stevens will be targeted for recall,’ she said.”
“MacMillan said Walther was not high on the list of potential candidates for interview. She said, ‘Price is first.’”
“Member Bob Price was elected from trustee area 5 which is basically the Laguna Hills area. His problems with the faculty seem to steem [sic] from a party he attended over New Years Eve at MacMillan’s home.”
“MacMillan … says his comments at the party have not been consistent with comments made to the press. Neither would go into specifics.”
“Contacted by The News Price said his name on top of the list was a surprise. ‘She hasn’t called me, yet,’ Price said. ‘This is the first I had heard. I sincerely regret it, sorry it happened but I do what I think the public wants done.’”
“Price said he felt Stevens was carrying out the work. ‘He is carrying out the will of the board. There is no lack of communication between the chancellor and the board.’”
“He believes the issue still centers around salary negotiations.”
“Member Bill Watts would agree. ‘I’m not sure that it is other than negotiation rhetoric. I’m not in their shoes, I can’t see the picture they [sic] way they see it. We direct the chancellor. If this is not in line with what the teachers’ [sic] want, I’m sorry.’”
“ ‘The board has directed him to do some very difficult things. We didn’t tell him how to do it only that it be done.’”
“His name has not yet been mentioned as a possible candidate for recall by the board. Watts said he ‘will not be going if I am called’ to the faculty interview.”
According to MacMillan, “The major reason the faculty association wants the chancellor removed from his present position is his financial mismanagement of the district. …. Items of specific concern are the chancellor’s double pension, his expensive addition of district jobs filled by his friends from Tacoma, Washington, the dismantling of needed classrooms for the construction of lavish offices for his friends and other matters of misuse of tax money currently under investigation (by the association).’”
“Walther said the district had gone through considerable change over the years. The main reason is the decline in available funds that previously allowed the faculty more freedom. ‘You need money for freedom and the money is not there now. We have lost something no chancellor can bring back,’ Walther concluded.”
TUITION: COMING SOON
“Summer session is the last opportunity for southern Orange County residents to attend Saddleback College without paying the new state-mandated enrollment fee which begins this fall.”
“Summer session students pay only a $5 health fee at the time of enrollment. Parking fees and permits are not required during the summer.”
“Junior Colleges to Still Be Bargain Despite Tuition, Officials Say,” LA Times, 5-15-84
“ ‘We want to dispel this notion that because there is now tuition, community colleges will be expensive,’ said Constance Carroll, president of the Mission Viejo campus of Saddleback Community College. ‘This is still the most affordable form of education.’”
“The usual meeting of officials from all Orange County community colleges was held at Santa Ana College. Topics discussed by the college presidents and chancellors included problems stemming from a battle last year between Republican Gov. George Deukmejian and the Democratic-controlled Legislature.”
“The battle ended in February, when the Legislature reluctantly approved tuition—for the first time—for California’s 106 community colleges. Deukmejian had insisted on tuition …, saying that all students who are able should pay for part of their higher education.”
“…Starting in August, students will be charged $5 for each unit up to five units. For six or more units, the tuition is a flat $50—no matter how many courses a student takes.”
“Some optimistic officials said they think many students will see the ‘bargain’ in taking many courses for a flat $50.”
“But the officials also acknowledged that the reverse might be true: that many students may take only one three-unit course for $15. State funding is based on a complicated formula called ‘average daily attendance,’ which is geared to full-time rather than part-time one-course students.”
“Larry Stevens, chancellor of Saddleback Community College District, said that when the political fight ended, there was ‘false euphoria stemming from the mistaken belief that imposition of the fees was the panacea that would cure the ills of our colleges. In point of fact, (the tuition legislation) is little more than a Band-Aid attempting to close a very serious wound.’”
“ ‘The 2% (of tuition) that we are allowed to retain for administrative overhead is almost a cruel joke,’ Stevens said. Even in a district as large as Saddleback, he said, ‘this amounts to only $22,000. With it, the state expects us to stretch far enough to cover the costs of new clerks to handle fee collections, new computer equipment to account for the fees, new financial aid office personnel and other basic necessities required to impose a fee structure that never existed before.’”
“ ‘If the truth be known, all of us stand before you today confronting a financial future that is at best unstable, uncertain and remains unresolved.’”
“Stevens, as did most of the other speakers, urged the state to come up with increased funding for the community colleges.”
THE "OVERLOAD" RED HERRING
(THROWING RED MEAT TO A CLUELESS PUBLIC)
“ ‘Overload’ Sweetens Average Salary of SCC Instructors,” Tustin News, 5-17-84
“Lately, some administrators and trustees have struck back with allegations of teacher mismanagement. High on this list is the issue of overload.”
“Under the existing contract with Saddleback teachers, the amount of [overload courses] is unlimited, Tustin trustee Bill Watts told The News. ‘It’s the reason the faculty is upset with Stevens,’ Watts said. ‘They want to assign their own work schedule as they did under the previous administrator, and we want more scheduling responsibility with the deans (of the departments).’”
“According to information provided by [vice chancellor of fiscal services and operations Albert] Grafsky, 12 instructors are making more money than Chancellor Stevens who makes about $65,000 per year. One instructor Grafsky cited is a teacher in the nursing department, making just over $79,000 per year. The second highest salary for the 1982-83 year went to a counselor, Grafsky added.”
“Sharon MacMillan, president of the faculty association, vehemently denies any connection between overload and Stevens’ removal. ‘Our request to remove Larry Stevens has nothing to do with this issue. We are concerned about double-pensions, Tacoma, Washington friends, and classroom conversion,’ she explained.”
“MacMillan said the full-time teachers average between $32,000 and $35,000 per year and rank eighth in the state. ‘But we have a very high cost of living in this area,’ she added.”
“Board of Trustees President Harriett Walther, another Tustin representative, said some teachers have recognized a problem. ‘Very few have taught with excessive overloads, but it is my understanding that their own colleagues have noted that they have acted improperly. Nevertheless, it is an established standard in many areas and this is one of them.’”
“Neither the administration nor the other trustees seem to disagree with the need for overload. They say they just want to put the same controls on it that other districts have, and, as Watts believes, bring to light the faculty association ‘other agenda’ for wanting the removal of the chancellor.”
THE CONSERVATIVE TAKE
“At Saddleback JC Post-Jarvisonian Times Demand a Post-Jarvisonian,” Tustin News editorial; reprinted from the “Daily Pilot,” 5-17-84
 |
| Stevens |
“Two philosophies are struggling for dominance in California’s public education system: Pre-Jarvisism and post-Jarvisism.”
“Pre-Jarvisites are embodied by teachers’ organizations. Their guiding principle is that funding cutbacks resulting from the Howard Jarvis-inspired Proposition 13 will not diminish the ability of teachers to negotiate fat contracts.”
“Post-Jarvisites, mostly administrative and management-types, maintain that less money coming in from the state must mean less money going out in salaries.”
“Classic pre-Jarvisites are the teachers at Saddleback College. They have locked horns with college Chancellor Larry Stevens over their contract—particularly a clause that has allowed salaries to approach an incredible $80,000.”
“…Most of these incomes were amassed during three-and-one-half and four-day work weeks. Prior to the arrival of Chancellor Stevens, Saddleback College put out the ‘Gone Fishin’ sign on Fridays.”
“Stevens earned the enmity of the staff when he instituted a five-day class schedule.” “… [T]he Saddleback contract allows ‘unlimited overloading’—in essence, a blank check.”
“An accreditation team described the overloads as ‘very heavy’ and recommended the practice ‘should be examined to determine if there is an adverse effect on the quality of education.’”
“Stevens calls the overload practices ‘unconscionable.’ The teachers … have demanded his head.”
“Pressure on the trustees is sure to mount. Organized teachers have become a political force in other communities and they could muster clout in Saddleback.”
“But these are post-Jarvisonian times and this board must stand behind the post-Jarvisite it hired to bring responsible administration to Saddleback College.”
“College Mismanaged,” a letter to the editor, Tustin News, 5-24-84
Sharon MacMillan, Ph.D.
President, Saddleback College Faculty Association
“Dear Editor:”
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| Robert L. Moore, trustee Targeted by union |
“The Saddleback College faculty’s request to the Board of Trustees to remove Larry Stevens … has nothing to do with salaries or contract negotiations. It has simply to do with faculty’s belief that Larry Stevens is mismanaging the college, financially and otherwise. Your editorial failed to mention that Stevens gave himself a double pension, that he has created new administrative positions and filled them with his friends from Tacoma, Washington, and that he has dismantled 10 badly needed classrooms in order to construct lavish offices for his friends….”
“…[C]ampus administrators and faculty … [felt that] Stevens was not administering the college in a rational and responsible manner and that he should be removed from his position. The faculty felt this way long before there were any negotiations problems….”
“The editor’s reference to faculty salary and ‘overloads’ at Saddleback was grossly misleading. ‘Overloading’ is actually the process whereby the district gets full time faculty to teach extra classes at less than one half of full compensation. The salaries referenced were those of people close to retirement…. Your commentary failed to mention the numerous faculty who make less than one third of the figures you mentioned, that Saddleback, in a high cost-of-living area, actually ranks eighth among California community colleges in average salary, and that Saddleback’s average is approximately 60 percent less than the grossly exaggerated figure used in your editorial.”
“Your editorial also contained erroneous statements concerning class scheduling….”
“Larry Stevens is building up the issue of contract negotiations as a means of distracting public attention from the real issue which is his failure as an administrator and as a guardian of public money.” —SM
LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFICIALS: COUNTY POWWOW
"FEES NOT SO BAD REALLY"
“Fees, Quality Concern SCC College Officials,” Tustin News, 5-24-84
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| Saddleback College North's President Ed Hart |
“Chief executive officers of the county’s eight colleges were present Monday, May 14, at a meeting at Santa Ana College to clarify their positions on these issues and to reiterate the importance of community colleges in California higher education.”
“Dr. Larry P. Stevens, Chancellor of the Saddleback Community College District, said that the assumption that fees are a panacea that will help the colleges out of their economic crisis is a mistaken belief. ‘AB IXX is little more than a Band-Aid attempt to close a very serious wound. The legislature had little knowledge of the magnitude of problems this law would cause.’”
[Some of this article reiterates what was reported in the above LA Times article entitled, “Junior Colleges to Still Be Bargain Despite Tuition, Officials Say,” LA Times, 5-15-84]
“He added, however, that signals are appearing in Sacramento that legislators are becoming aware of the community colleges’ financial plight. There is a discussion in the capital of fully funding Senate Bill 851, which would provide some $134 million in additional funds in 1984-85, in exchange for a state review of the colleges’ mission and purpose.”
“Yet, a large gap remains between funding and actual financial need.”
“ ‘It is imperative that the state leadership place us on an even, stable funding keel,’ Stevens said.”
“Addressing the subject of new fees, ‘There is a misunderstanding that the new fees will be added to the old fees,’ said Constance Carroll, president of Saddleback College South. In addition to eliminating the former fees for such services as health centers and classroom materials, the state mandated that the colleges must offer the same level of services and must absorb many materials costs.”
“Carrol stressed … that the new fee structure is within reason. ‘We want to dispel the notion that we have suddenly becomes expensive institutions,’ and that is [sic] some cases, students currently in programs with higher materials fees will actually pay less under the new structure.’”
“Stevens added that in Washington state, students pay about $175 per quarter and about $100 per semester in Arizona [in California, tuition is capped at $50 per semester.]”
RECALL GETS REAL
TRUSTEE WATTS DEFIES UNION
“Association Moving to Recall Watts,” Tustin News, 5-24-84
“[The] Executive Council of the Saddleback College Faculty Association has voted to recall Williams Watts, Saddleback Board of Trustees.”
“ ‘Watts stated publicly that he will not attend a faculty interview on the Steven’s [sic] performance and has openly refused to listen to the Saddleback faculty in regard to the performance of Larry Stevens, Saddleback Chancellor,’ Sharon MacMillan, Association President said.”
“ ‘Watts and others on the Board have been covering up for the chancellor; they failed to check the chancellor’s background where he received several votes of no confidence prior to his employment at Saddleback,’ MacMillan said.”
“The Faculty Association has asked ‘How Stevens can be an administrator of teachers when he does not have enough academic units in any subject area to qualify for a California Community College teacher credential?’”
“ ‘Stevens has created needless administrative positions, filled them with his friends…, dismantled needed classrooms for the construction of lavish offices for his friends, plus giving him a double pension.’”
“The Faculty Association claims that specific board members privately want to get rid of Stevens as do ‘faculty and campus administrators, but they gave him a four year contract with no probationary period. Stevens has his contract locked so that the Board would have to pay him over $200,000 for his unexpired contract. That is politically difficult for politicians so they are maintaining a public image instead of admitting that they made a mistake.’”
“Watts, in a short statement to the press said, ‘If they can get my job, good luck.’”
ONGOING BUDGET CHALLENGES
“SCC Board Faces $36 Million Budget,” Tustin News, 5-31-84
“Saddleback Community College Board of Trustees began reviewing a proposed budget totaling some $36.5 million, Tuesday night at the North Campus.”
“The figure represents a decrease of $800,000 from the 1983-84 budget.”
“The biggest salary cut came in the area of extended day resident instructor. Last year’s budget asked for $1.5 million in salary expenditures while the tentative budget reduced that amount to a mere $263,206.”
“Cost of instructional aides has also been reduced by $200,000 from the previous year.”
“Operating costs are projected to be just over $5 million. In this category the biggest cut came under consultants and lectures….”
“Capital outlay dropped from $1.7 million to $823,819 for the new year….”
“Income for the college is expected to reach $11.6 million from the state, only $17,000 less than received last school year. Local income is expected to generate over $20 million for the school district.”
“The new tuition plan will pump an anticipated $1 million into the system. Secured property tax will still be the biggest contributor, estimated at over $16 million.”
“As a result of the state last school year transferring over $6 million into the college construction fund, the special reserve fund is projected at $9.9 million.”
“Most of that money will go toward the approved construction of a new classroom facility on the south campus.”
“The trustees … purchased another 20 acre site adjacent to the north campus from The Irvine Company. Cost of the site will run $969,000.”
KSBR BROUHAHA
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| R. Kopfstein |
Robert Kopfstein
Reading Instructor
Saddleback College South Campus
“In your editorial ‘Losing Ground’ (June 1) you hit the nail right on the head when you observed that the Saddleback College trustees apparently felt that the college radio station KSBR ‘…served the community more than it did the campus.’”
“For the past two years Saddleback College has suffered from this sort of turning within. Instead of promoting community- and instruction-oriented priorities, the board has been busily constructing a nicely self-contained bureaucracy.”
“Saddleback College now has an elaborately structured and expensive district hierarchy added to the North and South Campus administrations that were already in existence. The catch is that all this officialdom has been added during a time of shrinking revenues.”
“The money for redecorated office space, vice chancellors and executive assistants has to come from somewhere.”
“So what gets cut? Community programs. Instruction. Maintenance. Office staff—especially at ‘lower levels’ of that hierarchy.”
“Instead of a taxpayer-supported college designed to serve the community as a whole, Saddleback is rapidly becoming a bureaucratic pork barrel, designed by the managers for the managers.”
“Involving students more extensively in the daily running of the radio station is a worthwhile goal.”
“Cutting the overall services of KSBR to the community is not, especially when the money is being diverted to the construction of a top-heavy administrative empire.”
“If the trustees of Saddleback College have lost sight of the fundamental purposes of a community college, the voters and taxpayers of the district may have to provide a gentle reminder at election time.” —RK
President
Saddleback College South
“Your editorial ‘Losing Ground’ devoted considerable attention to radio station KSBR at Saddleback College South. It took the position that the college’s decision to incorporate the radio station as a central part of the radio-media technology program was not in the community’s best interest and gave an entirely negative interpretation to a very positive step for the College.”
“First and foremost, Saddleback College South is an educational institution whose primary mission is the education and occupational training of students. At the present time, the more than 340 students in the instructional radio program have no access to a broadcast facility. The incorporation of KSBR into this program will assure the high quality of radio instruction.”
“The college’s mission includes a strong commitment to community service. Plans for the new operational format for the station include the utilization of the Associated Press, United Press International and other news services to ensure broadcast of both national and local news.”
“High priority will also be given to public service announcements.”
“The journalism standards of the college are rigorous. … The college intends to place an emphasis upon balance and quality in all aspects of broadcasting.”
“Saddleback College has no intention whatsoever to forfeit its broadcast license or to make any dramatic changes which would be of detriment either to the students or the community.”
“After the passage of Proposition 13 and decreased funding in recent years, community colleges all over the state have had to re-examine their mission, their priorities and their expenditures. As a result, difficult choices have been made by this institution and others.”
“The Saddleback Community College District has made a responsible choice by consolidating its radio operations and resources at its South Campus. The goals of educating students and serving the community have simply been consolidated. —CC
BOARD DEFENDS STEVENS
“Trustees Back Chancellor Despite Threats of Recall,” Tustin News, 6-28-84
“Chancellor Larry Stevens has been the subject of ongoing charges of mismanagement, and individual trustees who have sided with him have been the subject of proposed September recall action.”
“Monday night, prior to the regular meeting of the board, trustees went on the offensive. They issued a statement which read in part:”
“ ‘In a recent series of public statements, Saddleback College faculty union leaders have attempted to create an impression that Chancellor Larry Stevens is responsible for ‘fiscal mismanagement’ of the college and that members of the board of trustees who support Dr. Stevens’ programs should be recalled from office.’”
“ ‘Evidence which refutes the allegations of the faculty union leadership is available to anyone who wishes to review it. During Chancellor Stevens’ 20 months of administration, a clear pattern of superior fiscal management, careful planning in the most uncertain and challenging of times, and ordering of financial priorities to put more emphasis on instruction and campus operations has emerged.’”
“ ‘We will continue the recall effort,’ faculty association president Sharon MacMillan responded. ‘It is unfortunate that certain board members continue the cover-up of mistakes. The association will continue to support the recall to return to Saddleback Community College a responsible administration and new board members.’”
“Information supplied by the board indicated all were unanimous in support of the statement. However, two board members—John Connolly and Bob Moore—were absent from the meeting.”
“Thus far trustees Robert Price, Bill Watts, and Moore have been named as recall targets.”
“The association has charged that classroom space was reduced to make way for larger administrative offices. The statement countered, ‘Critical space needs for payroll and personnel staff members have been met at minimal cost to the district through reallocation of less than 1,800 square feet of space. Classes which formerly met in this space were reassigned to other more accessible facilities on the campus…’”
“Charges that Stevens has hired former associates from the state of Washington were countered with: ‘Saddleback today has the same number of administrators as it did two years ago… All were selected following rigorous screening and interviewing processes that involved faculty, staff and administrators.’”
“The statement closed with the following admonition:”
“ ‘In view of this factual evidence, which clearly demonstrates the many positive, progressive actions of this administration and board of trustees, we believe that a recall election would be a disservice to the community and an irresponsible expenditure of the $288,000 special election cost.’”
THE LOGIC OF A STEVENS BUYOUT
“Saddleback Faculty Urges Stevens’ Contract Buyout,” Tustin News, 7-12-84
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| Rey Kero (more recently) |
“Kero told The News the District’s negotiating team had estimated that it would cost an additional $720,000 to add a cost of living increase. Kero estimates that it would take $210,000 to buy out Steven’s [sic] contract based on his salary of $65,000 a year plus pension. Stevens has a five year contract with three years remaining.”
“Stevens has been the target for months of Faculty Association charges of mismanagement, and of building and administrative hierarchy to the detriment of the educational program.”
The board then backed Stevens in a statement saying, “Evidence which refutes the allegations of the faculty union leadership is available to anyonewho wishes to review it. During Chancellor Stevens’ 20 months of administration, a clear pattern of superior fiscal management, careful financial planning in the most uncertain and challenging of times and ordering of financial priorities to put more emphasis on instruction and campus operations has emerged.’”
“A recall effort of board members supporting Stevens had been ongoing before the statement and will continue, said Sharon MacMillan, president of the Faculty Association. She said that the Faculty Association had been interviewing board members individually regarding their views. The three remaining include Harriett Walther, John Connolly and Eugene McKnight. Kero said William Watt had refused the invitation.”
“Kero said that the buying out of Steven’s [sic] contract would negate the need for recall election saving the District another $288,000 in special election costs.”
The union seeks a $2500 increase in all steps. It also seeks restoring the 5% salary cut approved last year.
“ ‘The faculty voted the cut in good faith,’ said Kero, ‘because we were told there was a shortage.’ Noting that the District ended the year with a $3.5 million surplus, Kero added, ‘we feel those funds were taken away under false pretenses.’”
UNION: WHY SO MANY ADMINISTRATORS?
“Saddleback Okays Budget, Enrollment Decline 2.5%,” Tustin News, 8-30-84
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| Stevens, later years |
“Despite claims from the faculty association that the budget reflects a top heavy administration the board voted unanimously to approve the balanced budget….”
“Saddleback’s North Campus will receive $5,677,285, down some $5,426 from the tentative budget. The South Campus will receive $20,644,827. The remainder of the monies will appear in restricted accounts, capital projects, and other operating expenses.”
“Sharon MacMillan, association president, said the district has more administrators in relationship to teachers than most other districts. The association also opposes the money set aside for consulting services. ‘We oppose the budget for those reasons,’ MacMillan said.”
“She went on to say that the association was holding back on its planned recall of board members in its continuing fight with the board and chancellor Larry Stevens.”
“ ‘We have received a letter from Chancellor Stevens saying he was going to work on the problems with the faculty,’ she explained.”
“ ‘Recently the association met and decided to hold back until Oct. 1’ she said. The association had asked all board members to appear over the summer before a committee and discuss problems the association feels the district college is facing.”
“ ‘Only two board members failed to appear,’ Macmillan noted.” [Bob Moore and Bill Watts.]
“The best news of the night seemed to be that enrollments district-wide were down only slightly….”
“Both the association and the faculty senate said enrollment could be higher if the scheduling for the current school year was improved. The groups believe the scheduling is making it difficult for students to attend classes in the morning and attend classes that meet once or twice a week.”
“They are seeking more four day schedules with Fridays left open for single classes that would meet for three hours. ‘We had more cooperation from the previous chancellor,’ MacMillan charged.”
“Stevens has been the brunt of many charges by the association. In a letter sent to returning faculty noting the divisions between faculty and administration he wrote:”
“ ‘It would be unrealistic of me to expect overnight resolution of the issues which, to a degree, have divided our college, causing frustration, uncertainty and, sometimes, even acrimony.’”
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| TO BE CONTINUED |
4 comments:
Very commendable work of the history of our district. Thank you for taking the time, doing the research, and even-handedly offering us our history. Much needed, much appreciated.
Thank you, Roy, for your diligence and stick-to-it=ness.
Well, I'm flat on my back these days—have been for some time—with a bad case of sciatica (plus, more recently, gout) and I do enjoy working through these old articles, so there you are.
The articles don't give the whole picture, of course, but they offer a kind of multilayered objectivity and a good starting point to understand what happened all those years ago.
No red wine, beans or what was the other matter to stay away from. Age does have its mental drawbacks. Red meat as I recall. All do increase goutiness.
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