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THE OFFICIAL MINUTES

The Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees held a Regular Board meeting Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in person.

Present: Anna Franz
  Amy Parris
  Juanita Richards

 

  1. Mission Moments
    Vice Chair Amy Parris stated Basic Education for Adults or BEdA enrollment has more than doubled in the past year (from 113 FTEs Fall of 2022 to 235 FTEs Fall of 2023) as Big Bend makes education accessible to people on campus and in the Mattawa, Quincy, Royal City, Warden, and Othello communities. BEdA instructors and staff help students earn High School Diplomas, GEDs, learn English and transition to college under the guidance of Director Jody Bortz. The students sometimes speak Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian and have degrees from their original countries. They learn English language and culture in BEdA classes. BEdA empowers students to make generational impacts as they learn transfer to college classes, find jobs or promote in their career fields.

    New employees were introduced: Custodial Supervisor Ron White and Nursing & Allied Health Nursing Program Assistant Debbie Goodrich.
  2. Public comment
    There was no public comment.
  3. Consent Agenda
    Motion 24-01 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded, and the motion passed.
  4. Faculty Updates
    Faculty Association President Dr. Tyler Wallace shared faculty news. IST Instructor Justin Henley is teaching a new course, additive manufacturing. IST students are building pick and place programs. Instructor Henley also advises the Mechatronic Club and they will host an event in honor of Raspberry Pi day on February 24.

    Computer Science Instructor Michell Valdivia reported the female and Hispanic success rates in her classes have been continuously increasing.

    Psychology and Criminal Justice Instructor Kaja Englund reported she has grown partnerships with law enforcement agencies and recently took her students to the Coyote Ridge Correction Center to experience real world application of concepts learned in class.

    Agriculture and Chemistry Instructor Dr. Aaron Mahoney shared the female demographic was underrepresented and recently increased. He focused on outreach working with local growers and the irrigation district to build internship opportunities. Instructor Mahoney developed a “plant zoo” (growth lab with lights) herbicide lab and hydroponics. He is also connecting with area school districts, preparing for the annual plant sale, and participating in Pi day. Instructor Mahoney is focused on building a new green house on campus behind the WEC building.

    A Passion Project Showcase Event is scheduled following the board meeting featuring social media influencer Dr. Tyler Wallace.
  5. ASB Updates
    ASB President Ty Tait provided a report about ASB activities. Black History Month is being celebrated and there are daily trivia activities on Instagram and Bingo activities. Other activities offered include goal setting and a mental health workshop by Renew. Food activities include: pancake breakfasts, corndog truck for advising event. ASB President Tait suggested the former bookstore space be utilized as dedicated student activity space. He also reported that BEdA students can now attend ASB events with no charge.
  6. President’s Update
    President Tweedy shared the names of new employees and positions that are open. Faculty and staff members serve on screening committees and the human resources department is busy recruiting and processing applications. The 2023 annual employer turnover rate was 15%.

    Enrollments are increasing and Dr. Tweedy shared that she and Board Chair Gary Chandler met with legislators to discuss dual enrollment programs and the embedded inequities between Running Start and College in High School (CiHS). CiHS is a good way for community colleges with large service districts to serve their communities. However, students often earn a smattering of college credits that may not always transfer to a university. They also discussed strategies to prepare students to fill the local workforce shortage.

    Dr. Tweedy reminded all that Cellarbration! for Education is on Saturday, March 16, 2024.

    Board Vice Chair Amy Parris announced a 15-minute Executive Session at 2:18 p.m. to discuss items provided for in RCW 42.30.110 (1): (g) to evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee. The session was extended by 10 minutes. The meeting reconvened at 2:43 p.m. following a 10-minute break. No actions were taken during the executive session.
  7. Probationary Tenure Review
    President Tweedy reviewed the probationary tenure review process. There are 13 probationers for review before the next meeting. The probationary tenure e-files will be available to the trustees before the next meeting.
  8. Board Goals
    The Board goals for the 2023-2024 academic year are as follows:
    1. Develop a clear method of monitoring Big Bend Community College’s Ends Statements including the identification of indicators which measure the performance of the institution relative to the Ends.
    2. Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by reviewing policies to ensure support of operational equity, diversity, and inclusion programs.
    3. Establish an annual calendar of board study session topics to ensure professional development of Board members.

      Trustee Anna Franz shared that committees of one or two trustees could be assigned to review and make a proposal to the board. Trustee Amy Parris stated she would lead the committee for goal #2. Trustee Anna Franz volunteered to lead the committee for goal #1, and Trustee Juanita Richards volunteered to lead the committee for goal #3. Melinda will email all trustees requesting that they contact the committee leads for more information and participation.
  9. Transforming Lives
    Trustee Juanita Richards reported that she and Trustee Gary Chandler met in December and discussed ACT activities. Trustee Juanita Richards talked with ACT Director Kim Tanaka and ACT is not hosting a Transforming Lives event this year due to budget issues. Trustee Juanita Richards also said she met with the local Transforming Lives event Committee to discuss the local event. Trustee Juanita Richards recommends we pause the local event this year and review next year. Additional ideas for the future include combining the Transforming Lives event with the ASB Student Recognition event and/or a Trustee award for the night rather than Transforming Lives event. Want to avoid asking students to share their personal hardships.
  10. Assessment of Board Activity
    Trustees submitted their activities in writing.
  11. Next Meeting
    Motion 24-02 Trustee Anna Franz moved to reschedule the next meeting from March 14 to to March 21, 2024. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded and the motion passed.
  12. Miscellaneous
    None.

    Adjournment 3:01 p.m.

 

Gary Chandler, Board Chair

ATTEST:

 

Sara Thompson Tweedy, Secretary