Cochise College Governing Board Meeting
Tuesday, March 14, 2000 page 4
MINUTES
COCHISE COLLEGE
GOVERNING BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, March 14, 2000
Sierra Vista Campus
6:00 p.m.
1. GENERAL FUNCTIONS
1.01 Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Jan Guy, Board Chair, at 6:00 p.m.
Board Members Present:
Mrs. Jan Guy
Dr. Randall Groth
Mr. Juan Flores
Mrs. Jane Strain
Board Member Absent:
Mr. Bob Nelson
1.02 Pledge of Allegiance
1.03 Adoption of Agenda
Dr. Nicodemus suggested that the Board consider Action Items 4.03, 4.04 and 4.05 before the Standing Reports. The items were related to the Airport Master Plan and the Director of Aviation Programs would not be available after 7 p.m.
Mrs. Guy consulted with the Board members and adopted the change.
1.04 Citizen’s Interim
No information was presented.
(4.03 ADOT Grant E0127)
Dr. Groth moved and Mr. Flores seconded a motion to accept ADOT Grant E0127 as outlined. The Board unanimously approved. MOTION CARRIED.
Dr. Nicodemus explained that, since Items 4.03, 4.04 and 4.05 are related, the action taken on one item would have an impact on the other two. She added that this grant is part of an ongoing ADOT (Arizona Department of Transportation) funding for the maintenance of the airport at the Douglas Campus Cochise College Airport. The College would pay ten percent (approximately $5,000) of the Airport Master Plan update which would then bring the College into compliance with ADOT requirements.
(4.04 ADOT Grant E0161)
Mrs. Strain moved and Dr. Groth seconded a motion to accept ADOT Grant E0161 as outlined. The Board unanimously approved. MOTION CARRIED.
(4.05 Daniel, Mann, Johnson & Mendenhall (DMJM) Proposal for Update of Airport Master Plan per ADOT Grant E0127)
Mrs. Strain moved and Dr. Groth seconded a motion to accept the DMJM proposal as outlined for the Airport Master Plan and to authorize the President to sign a contract with DMJM. The Board unanimously approved. MOTION CARRIED.
1.05 Standing Reports
1.05.1 Representative to the AADGB
Mrs. Guy reported that the AADGB (Arizona Association of District Governing Boards) and the ACCPC (Arizona Community College Presidents’ Council) met jointly on February 17, 2000. The meeting included discussions concerning the revised budget for the current fiscal year, proposed staffing for 2000-2001, the proposed budget to support staffing and the proposed dues assessment to support the budget. The proposals were adopted unanimously by the AADGB and the ACCPC.
Mrs. Guy next reported on legislative issues, with particular concern to the restoration of the $3 million base funding vetoed by the governor last year and the bill that would allow community colleges to participate in the state health care system. The Senate version of the bill was stricken in another bill and is, therefore, represented now by House Bill 2167. Dr. Nicodemus interjected that the bill had left the Senate side and after moving out of the Rules Committee, it would go to caucuses, then to the Senate and back to the
House for approval. She noted that the College has sent emails and letters to all the members of the Senate requesting their support of HB 2167. The President invited Board members to add their voice by emailing any of the Senators. Mrs. Guy continued and noted that HB 2564, a supplemental appropriation bill for $1,736,400 to fully fund formulas for operating, capital and equalization aid, passed and was signed by the governor on February 24, 2000.
Discussions were also heard regarding proposed State Board rules on dual enrollment, resolution of conflict and providing community college credit courses in another community college district, another state or another country.
Mrs. Guy noted that during the lunch recess, everyone attended the All Arizona Academic Team recognition luncheon. She again publicly offered congratulations to the Cochise College teams.
Mrs. Guy also provided a report on the combined State Board, AADGB and ACCPC meeting and commented that it primarily focused on the dual enrollment issue. She added that there is a bill in the legislature to form a study committee that will research the issue, however, the Arizona Tax Research Association (ATRA) is amending the bill in order to restrict the selection of the committee members. The regular state board meeting was routine with no significant actions to report.
Dr. Nicodemus also remarked that there would be a State Board teleconference meeting on March 17, 2000 that would consider the Arizona Learning Systems (ALS). A request for proposal was submitted for the infrastructure and the State Board would have an action item to approve it based on the ACCPC’s recommendation. The President will provide more detail of the ALS initiative at the April Board meeting.
1.05.2 Senate
Mr. Ray Battee provided the Senate report and noted that they met on February 25, 2000. The Senate approved 7 new courses, 11 course modifications, 1 course deletion and
2 new programs. They are currently working on a Cochise College policy for the donation of sick leave. Mr. Battee stated that the next meeting would be held on March 31.
1.05.3 Student Government
There was no report. Dr. Nicodemus announced that the Board would be receiving an invitation to the Red and White Ball that will be held at the Lakeside Activity Center on Fort Huachuca on Saturday, April 29, 2000. The theme of the ball is “Magical Masquerade” and will represent the Shakespearean era. She noted that student government representatives from both the Douglas and Sierra Vista campuses organized the annual ball.
1.05.4 College President
The President commended Ken Jones and Patti Tellez for organizing another successful Economic Forum. The forum was held at the Windemere Hotel in Sierra Vista on March 9, 2000, with 235 in attendance. She also acknowledged that Judy Dobbins, Director of Human Resources, would be moving to Colorado after March 17, 2000, and thanked her for assisting the College in moving forward and for her efforts in redesigning the Human Resources department.
Before providing the enrollment report, the President acknowledged that Dr. Hall was in Kansas with the men’s basketball team, and then provided an update on the game.
Ø Enrollment Report: Since Dr. Mena was unable to attend the Board meeting, the President provided the enrollment report. The report was based on the 45th day FTSE count for the spring semester and did not include the second eight- week session enrollment period. Dr. Nicodemus pointed out that the average course load for students across the district is about 8 credit hours. She noted that Fort Huachuca’s headcount and FTSE were down, but that the headcount and FTSE from Buena High School students, the Willcox Center and on-line classes showed strong increases when compared to this time last year. She commended Bill Akins for his work with the on-line campus. Overall the district was down by 3.7 percent in headcount and down by 8 percent in FTSE.
Ø Legislative Update: The President did not add anything further to Mrs. Guy’s report.
Dr. Nicodemus also explained that she had received a resolution from the Douglas Unified School District (DUSD)
requesting that the Cochise College Governing Board consider it. However, the request arrived too late for consideration at the March Board meeting, therefore, the information was distributed to the Board members for their personal review. The DUSD NO. 27 School Board has requested that the Cochise College Governing Board also sign the resolution in support of their concerns regarding AIMS testing. The President will contact Dr. Greer, Superintendent of the DUSD, to determine a timeframe for the resolution. The item will be considered formally at the April Board meeting.
Dr. Nicodemus provided a summary of a recent meeting with Dr. Renae Humburg, Superintendent of Sierra Vista Public Schools, Mr. Ruben Miranda, Sierra Vista Public Schools Governing Board Chair, and Ms. Francis Miller, Buena High School Principal. Mrs. Guy and Dr. Groth accompanied the President. One of the issues discussed was a pilot program in which the College would work with the Sierra Vista Public School system to encourage juniors and seniors to enroll in College courses before graduating from high school. Once the final details of the pilot program are determined, it will be presented to the Cochise College Governing Board.
1.05.5 Financial Reports for February 2000
Financial Reports for the month ending February 29, 2000 were submitted to the Board for their review. The financial reports were accepted as presented. A summary is attached.
1.05.6 Focus Report
There was no report.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2.01 Acceptance of Minutes for February 8, 2000 Regular Meeting
Minutes of the February 8, 2000 regular meeting of the Cochise College Governing Board were approved and entered into record.
2.02 Acceptance of Minutes for February 15, 2000 Special Meeting
Minutes of the February 15, 2000 special meeting of the Cochise College Governing Board were approved and entered into record.
2.03 Acceptance of Minutes for February 26, 2000 Special Meeting
Minutes of the February 26, 2000 special meeting of the Cochise College Governing Board were approved and entered into record.
3. INFORMATION ITEMS
3.01 Communications
Dr. Nicodemus shared the following letters with the Board:
º A letter from Dr. Dan Shilling, Executive Director of the Arizona Humanities Council (AHC), thanking Mr. Chris Dietz for his dedication and commitment to the AHC. Dr. Nicodemus acknowledged that Mr. Dietz is an excellent associate faculty member and expressed appreciation for his work not only with AHC, but also with the College.
º A letter from Mr. Richard Ward, Economic Development Specialist for the United States Small Business Administration, expressing his appreciation to Ms. Sheila DeVoe Heidman for her assistance at the Douglas Bank Day’s event held on February 16, 2000.
º A card from Mr. Chuck Hoyack and his family specifically thanking the Cochise College Governing Board for their kindness, prayers and support during his recent illness. Dr. Nicodemus noted that the Hoyack family sincerely appreciated the kindness expressed by all faculty, staff and students.
3.02 All-Arizona Academic Team Winners
Dr. Michelich introduced Rosa Lopez, Third Academic Team winner; Michelle Velarde, Third Academic Team winner; Govnor Weaver, First Academic Team winner; and Lindsey Dorman, First Academic Team winner. In addition to a cash award, each of the recipients will receive free tuition at an Arizona university of their choice. Mrs. Guy presented
each of the winners with a Cochise College Foundation scholarship check. Photos were taken and the recipients were applauded. Mr. Weaver thanked instructor Norm Bates for encouraging him through the application process.
3.03 NISOD Nominees
Dr. Michelich announced that the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) nominees are Norman Bates, Trudy Berry, Belinda Burnett and Eric Mapp. She introduced Norman Bates and Trudy Berry to the Board and commented that everyone would be formally introduced to the Board at the August 2000 Board
meeting. The nominees will receive recognition at the May 2000 NISOD International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence.
3.04 Memorandum of Agreement—NewTec
Dr. Nicodemus explained the agreement with the following four parent companies: DynCorp, Lockheed Martin, TRW and Cortez II Service Corporation. NewTec would like to partner with Cochise College. The partnership would focus primarily on the College providing labor through students, faculty and/or staff.
The President acknowledged and welcomed the students that were present from Marcia Wojsko’s Education 200 class.
4. NEW BUSINESS *
4.01 Consent Agenda
Dr. Groth moved and Mrs. Strain seconded a motion to approve the Consent Agenda. The Board unanimously approved. MOTION CARRIED. The following items were approved:
4.01.1 Classified; Appointment *
Rosalia Acuña, Programmer on the Douglas Campus, effective March 15, 2000. This is a 12-month position.
4.01.2 Curriculum Changes *
The course changes will be attached to the permanent record of the regular Governing Board minutes and made a part thereof.
4.01.3 Administrative Support; Resignation *
Elizabeth Bernheim, Coordinator of Testing and Tutoring on the Sierra Vista Campus, effective June 30, 2000.
The President commented that Ms. Acuña would be introduced at the April Board meeting. Mrs. Strain and Dr. Nicodemus expressed regrets
at Ms. Bernheim’s resignation and commended her for her service at the College. On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Guy wished her well.
4.02 Faculty Emeritus
Dr. Groth moved and Mr. Flores seconded a motion conferring the status of Faculty Emeriti to Dr. Mary Lee Shelden. The Board unanimously approved. MOTION CARRIED.
Dr. Nicodemus commented that the recommendation was made by three of Dr. Shelden’s peers and approved by the administration and the Governing Board.
4.03 ADOT Grant E0127
Considered at the front of the meeting.
4.04 ADOT Grant E0161
Considered at the front of the meeting.
4.05 DMJM Proposal for Update of Airport Master Plan per ADOT Grant E0127
Considered at the front of the meeting.
4.06 Tentative 2000-2001 Budget
Mrs. Strain moved and Dr. Groth seconded a motion to approve the tentative budget for presentation to the State Board. The Board unanimously approved. MOTION CARRIED.
Dr. Nicodemus explained that the budget is tentative pending final legislative action regarding unsecured personal property tax, the completion of the compensation study and the Meet and Confer process. She added that the property tax rate is held at the current 1.7368 level which will necessitate a Truth in Taxation hearing in June 2000. A tentative budget is required as the base for presenting the District’s tuition and fee presentation to the State Board in April.
4.07 2000-2001 Tuition and Fees
Mrs. Strain moved and Dr. Groth seconded a motion to approve tuition and fee changes as outlined. After a discussion, the Board unanimously voted against this motion. MOTION DEFEATED.
Item No. 1 from the attached list of 2000-2001 Tuition and Fees changes was amended to read “In-state tuition increases by $5 to $31/hour. The District has not had an increase in tuition since the 1995/1996 fiscal year. The attached chart shows that the District’s tuition is presently in the lower middle range for the state, and even with this increase, it is expected to remain in the lower middle range. Our average student, at 8 credit hours, will see tuition increase from $208 to $248 per semester. Over the past five years, this represents a 24% increase; over the same period of time, Pell award maximum increased from $2,340 to $3,125 so the impact to a student on financial aid should be minimal.”
Mr. Flores also requested that the College provide the Board with a plan outlining a general picture of how many dollars the increase will generate and where the funds will be spent. The plan should include a comparison of the $4 dollar increase and the $5 dollar increase.