Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer content

BOARD OF TRUSTEES BIG BEND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

MOSES LAKE, WASHINGTON
March 20, 2025 – Masto A/B Conference Room

 

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Big Bend Community College was held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the Masto A/B Conference Room at Big Bend Community College, 7662 Chanute Street NE, Moses Lake, Washington. Amy Parris, Chair, presided.

1. Call to Order. Chair Amy Parris called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.

  1. Roll Call. Board of Trustees Present: Amy Parris, Chair, Bethany Martinez, Vice Chair, Rosendo Alvarado, Gary Chandler, and Anna Franz. Members of the Big Bend Community College community and guests were present.
  2. Public Comment. There were no public comments.

2. Mission Moments

  1. Criminal Justice Club. Introductions of the Criminal Justice Club officers occurred beginning with Angel Montalvo, Club President, who is a sophomore at BBCC, and a Running Start student. Angel also serves as the Recreational Coordinator for BBCC ASB. Angel plans to graduate this spring and pursue
    criminology and law school. Vice President Martin Sandoval, Jr. works full-time while attending BBCC fulltime, and he is working toward a degree in Criminal Justice. Arlene Espino, the club’s Secretary/Treasurer, shared that she is in her second year of Running Start at BBCC and is working toward her general AA degree with plans to continue studying criminal justice. Instructors Kaja Devine and Caleb Nolta were introduced as the club advisors. The purpose of the Criminal Justice Club is to foster open conversations that help reduce misunderstood theories, stereotypes, and stigmas related to the U.S. criminal justice system. In addition, the club seeks to increase opportunities for students to openly discuss educational and career pathways with peers and advisors, provide real-world experiences, and build a supportive campus environment. Another key goal of the club is to help members develop professional connections with experts in the criminal justice field.
    Of the recent past events, on February 7, the club participated in tours of the Grant County Jail and the Grant County District Court. These experiences gave members an inside look at local correctional and judicial systems. On February 26, the club held a successful fundraiser in conjunction with BBCC ASB’s pancake breakfast, where they sold Red Bull and Italian sodas raising $365 to support future club activities.
    Looking ahead, the club has several events planned. One is “Coffee with a Cop” on April 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Viking Eatery and Coffee Bar. This is a welcoming event offering complimentary coffee and donuts while providing an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to connect with law enforcement professionals. Retired K9 Chief of the Moses Lake Police Department will be in attendance. In 2020, Chief was shot by a suspect during a chase, losing an eye and sustaining other injuries. Another upcoming activity is a tour of Coyote Ridge Corrections Center. Club members will join the CJ& 105 class during spring quarter for this educational visit. Additionally, the club is developing the CJ System Specialty Careers Showcase, which is similar in spirit to “Coffee with a Cop” and will highlight lesser-known career paths within the criminal justice field.
  2. New Staff Welcome and Introductions. Cassandra Gomez, Program Assistant in Admissions
    & Registration; Rebecca Jones, Fiscal Analyst 2, and Michael Griswold, Assistant Director of Business
    Services; Erick Mendoza, Outreach and Recruitment Coordinator in Outreach & Recruitment; and Rafelita
    Tijerina, Program Assistant in Basic Education for Adults, were introduced.


3. Consent Agenda

  1. Meeting Minutes January 23, 2025
  2. Accreditation
  3. Assessment and Student Success
  4. Finance and Administration
  5. Human Resources and Labor
  6. Foundation 

Motion 25-04 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve the consent agenda. Vice Chair Bethany Martinez seconded, and the motion passed.

4. Reports and Updates

  1. Faculty Update. Dr. Tyler Wallace, Faculty Association President, provided an overview of recent instructional activities and highlights from faculty members. In the Information Systems Technology program and IST Instructor Justin Henley, students in Intro to Robotics have been working with pick-andplace programming, using a variety of user interface tools and robotic configurations. The course emphasizes practical experience and introduces students to foundational skills in automation and robotics. Biology Instructor Theresa Calip, BIOL 242 has established a partnership with Stacy’s Meats of Ephrata to receive donated sheep organs for lab use. This partnership has created a highly engaging, hands-on lab environment that allows students to explore anatomy in a real-world context. Patricia Jones, English Instructor, is reviving the college’s former literary magazine, Mile Post 177, under a new title: Creative Arts Literary Magazine. Submissions are currently being collected, and the first annual issue is scheduled to be published in April to align with National Poetry Month. The project provides a platform for student creativity and supports engagement with the arts on campus. In the Criminal Justice program and CJ Instructor Caleb Noleta, the Criminal Law course recently hosted former elected county prosecutor Garth Dano as a guest speaker. Dano spoke to students about his experience in law practice and public service, and shared insights on the skills students should develop as they prepare for legal and law enforcement careers.
    Melissa Heaps, High School Completion Instructor for Basic Education for Adults (BEdA), provided an update on current activities within the program. A new course titled Beyond High School is being introduced to help students explore BBCC’s degree offerings in greater depth. The course is designed to guide more adult learners into pathways that lead to employment, military service, or college enrollment. Serving as a bridge, the course begins with orientation and includes support with FAFSA completion, barrier removal, and college enrollment. Melissa also shared highlights from a recent professional development event, AHSIE in Chicago, where several BBCC representatives were in attendance. One session on Latinx poetry inspired efforts to incorporate more Hispanic literature into BEdA coursework and curriculum. The Washington State History course was also mentioned, as it is commonly required for high school completion, and includes materials on Native American boarding schools, which are being used as a platform for discussion on generational trauma and mental health. These are OSPI-approved lessons developed in collaboration with tribal communities. A future guest speaker, whose mother attended a boarding school, will visit campus to contribute to this class experience.
  2. ASB Update. ASB Vice President Selyla Gonzalez Hesso provided an overview of recent and upcoming student events. A "Sip and Drip" painting tutorial, hosted in collaboration with Art Professor Dustin Regul, was well received. Due to space limitations, attendance was capped at 30 participants. Based on its success, plans are being considered for a similar event in the future. In January, 118 individuals attended the annual ice skating event, marking a 36-person increase from the previous year. A student bowling night at Lake Bowl also saw strong participation and was regarded as a success. As part of Black History Month, an event was coordinated featuring guest speaker Josh Binda, the City Council Vice President of Lynnwood. Elected by colleagues in 2025, Binda made history as the youngest person to hold this leadership role. Wize Guyz Beefs, a Chicago-style food truck, was brought to campus for the event. Members of the Martin Luther King Committee from Moses Lake were also in attendance. Another pancake breakfast was held in partnership with ASB and faculty advisors, offering an opportunity to assist students with registration for the upcoming quarter. Intramural basketball concluded for the season, providing a fun and inclusive way to engage students. Planning is already underway for the next tournament to be held during spring quarter.
    Looking ahead, twelve students are scheduled to attend the Students of Color Conference in Auburn, Washington at the beginning of April. Student Recognition Night will take place on May 6 at 7:00 p.m. Additional events in the planning stages for spring quarter include a talent show, campus carnival, pep rally in collaboration with athletics, an alcohol awareness event, a self-defense class, an Earth Day event in collaboration with the Earthlings and Agriculture Clubs, a teatime with alumni, and other activities designed to engage and support the student body.
  3. President’s Report.
    i. Enrollment Update. As of March 8, 2025, winter headcount (2,599) was up 9.0%, total winter FTEs (1995.1) were up 9.3%, and state-funded FTEs (1350.4) were up 2.1% from this time last winter. Total winter 2025 headcount is 1.7% lower than the pre-COVID winter headcount. The last day of winter instruction is March 17. A final winter 2025 enrollment report will be provided at the next regularly scheduled board meeting. Spring 2025 enrollment began in late February and classes begin on March 31. At the time of this report, spring enrollments were up approximately 20% from this time last year. The last spring New Student Enrollment Session will be held on March 18 and there are currently 67 new students signed up to attend. The Tuition Collection Report is being revised to separately indicate AA enrollment numbers from the BAS enrollment numbers. This change is being implemented in response to the conclusion of grant funding that has been supporting the BAS programs. As these external funds phase out, it becomes increasingly important to understand the differences between AA and BAS enrollment patterns to support accurate and effective financial planning. Analyzing this data will provide valuable insight into the future funding needs of BAS programs and help ensure long-term sustainability.
    ii. Legislative Update. On February 27, 2025, a Legislative Visit took place in Olympia, where Trustee Gary Chandler joined President Tweedy. During the visit, they met with Representatives Tom Dent, Mary Dye, and Joe Schmick, as well as Senators Judy Warnick and Mark Schoesler. The next visit is scheduled for March 27, 2025, with meetings scheduled with Representative Tom Dent and Senators Mark Schoesler and Judy Warnick. An update of the legislative priorities include: Rural Nurses Education Program (RNEP). Although the RNEP bill did not advance and is no longer under consideration for this biennium, grant funding is available to support the initial launch of the program. Appreciation was expressed for Katherine Christian, Director of Allied Health Programs (Nursing), who has taken the lead in advancing this important initiative. Her dedication, along with the commitment of the nursing faculty, has been instrumental in moving the program forward and laying a strong foundation for its success.
    Governor Ferguson’s Budget / Operations and Capital Budgets / Ensure Full Funding for Compensation Increases (if any). Governor Ferguson recently gave a presentation highlighting a projected $15 billion shortfall over the next two biennia. In response to this deficit, the Governor has stated an intent to avoid raising taxes and instead plans to implement cuts across state government in order to balance the budget. Among the proposed cost-saving measures is the possibility of monthly one-day furloughs for state employees over the next two years. However, the House and Senate have not yet released their budget proposals, and without alignment among all three branches, the final budget picture remains unclear. Governor Ferguson did not propose additional cuts to the community and technical colleges beyond the corrections identified by the Office of Financial Management (OFM). At this stage, compensation discussions have not surfaced among legislative representatives and do not appear to be part of the immediate budget considerations.
    These financial developments impact the college’s financial outlook. Recent news coverage highlighted President Trump’s signing of an executive order proposing the elimination of the U.S. Department of Education. While all existing educational programs and services would continue to be administered by other federal agencies, the full impact of this potential restructuring remains unknown. This development is of concern for BBCC due to the college’s reliance on multiple federal grants that support a wide range of programs and positions. With recent personnel changes at the federal level, it reflects a growing instability and uncertainty in federal education partnerships.
    At the state level, the OFM has issued a budget correction for fiscal years 2026–2027, which will result in a lower allocation for community and technical colleges. BBCC is expected to experience a reduction to its allocation, in addition to any other potential funding reductions proposed through the Governor’s budget or legislative processes. The most recent revenue forecast released Tuesday indicates the state’s fiscal outlook is weaker than previously anticipated. In light of these financial situations, BBCC is planning for budget adjustments over a four-year window rather than a traditional two-year cycle. Although the FY 2024–2025 budget is not expected to be recalled or adjusted due to the OFM error, futureallocations are expected to be reduced. Planning is underway to address the anticipated shortfall. The college’s current budget used institutional reserves when necessary, and there is growing concern about continued reliance on reserves to maintain fiscal balance. Maintaining adequate reserves is essential for long-term financial stability.
    A discussion ensued regarding the role of the Board of Trustees in the budgeting process. The Executive Team remains committed to presenting a balanced budget and is actively exploring ways to maintain financial stability despite the evolving challenges. The State Board has indicated that BBCC continues to be a fiscally healthy institution. However, recent declarations of financial exigency by other colleges, including Seattle Colleges and Renton Technical College, underscore the seriousness of the current financial environment. Conversations are ongoing about what the next fiscal year’s budget will look like, with a focus on strategic planning and risk mitigation. The state budget is expected to be released in June, but there is concern that ongoing reductions at the federal level, particularly in grant funding, could significantly affect college operations. While BBCC remains fiscally stable, leadership emphasized that the college operates on a much narrower margin than larger institutions, making it less capable of absorbing financial shocks. This reinforces the importance of proactive planning and fiscal responsibility. It was noted that while student enrollment trends are currently positive, the overall economic forecast remains uncertain.
    A potential recession, combined with existing fiscal pressures, could pose challenges in the near future.
    Members of the Board of Trustees emphasized the importance of careful financial planning as essential to achieving a balanced budget and maintaining fiscal stability. The Board also provided clear direction for President Tweedy to responsibly manage the college’s financial resources in alignment with these priorities.

 

Motion 25-05 Trustee Anna Franz moved to direct the President to implement budget reductions in anticipation of decreased future allocations. Gary Chandler seconded, and the motion passed.

A stated priority is to achieve a balanced budget without relying on institutional reserves.

The Viking Eatery & CoffeeBar officially opened ahead of spring quarter, with a soft opening held on March 3. This milestone follows a year-long effort by the Food Services Task Force. Special recognition was given to Deena Farag, Event & Conference Representative, for her leadership in facilitating the project from concept to completion. In the interim, a food truck was successfully secured to provide on-site service, ensuring continued food access for students, faculty, and staff. Appreciation was expressed for the exceptional work involved in bringing this project to fruition.
Classroom renovations in Building 1600 are progressing as planned and are on track for completion before the start of spring quarter. The Quad Renovation project experienced a temporary pause due to issues related to water and sewer lines, which required coordination with the City of Moses Lake. As of March 20, work has resumed. Once completed, the new quad will significantly reduce BBCC’s overall water consumption and its impact on the aquifer. Progress continues on the new campus greenhouse. Concrete has been poured, trusses have been constructed, and assembly will begin soon. The greenhouse is projected to be operational by May. This project was partially funded through a grant from the Paul Lauzier Foundation.
The Cellarbration! for Education Scholarship Fundraiser was a success, exceeding last year’s total gross revenue with a tentative final figure of $257,800. The event was sold out and widely recognized as a remarkable success for the foundation, its supporters, the college, and the students it serves.

5. Business

  1. Exceptional Faculty Award. The Professional Rights & Responsibilities Committee recommended providing an Exceptional Faculty Award to Mercedes Gonzalez-Aller, Allied Health Instructor, in the amount of $3,000.
    Motion 25-06 Vice Chair Bethany Martinez moved to approve a $3,000 Exceptional Faculty Award for Mercedes Gonzalez-Aller. Trustee Gary Chandler seconded, and the motion passed.
  2. ACT Awards Nominations. The following nominees were submitted March 14, 2025, to the ACT Awards Committee. Faculty Member Award: Michele Reeves, Early Childhood Education Instructor; Professional Staff Member Award: Starr Bernhardt, Director of Enrollment/Registrar; Partner of the Year
    Award: Microsoft Corporation; Equity Award: Big Bend Community College. The ACT Awards Committee will meet on March 26, 2025, with award winners announced shortly thereafter. It was reported that Trustees interested in attending the 2025 ACT Spring Conference, scheduled for May 22–23, were asked to contact the President’s Office to make the necessary arrangements. Additionally, the Awards Dinner recognizing the 2025 ACT Awards recipients will be held the evening of Thursday, May 22, 2025. Guest tickets would be available for the dinner for those not participating in the full conference.
  3. Board Polices for DEI Review. A first reading of the following Board Policies was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to align the policies with diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

d. Board Policy 6300 Athletics Revision. A first reading of the revised BP 6300 Athletics was conducted during the March 20, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting. Final approval is scheduled to be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

e. Board Policy 6400 Honorary Degrees Revision. A first reading of the revised BP 6400 Honorary Degrees was conducted during the March 20, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting. Final approval is scheduled to be considered at the next meeting of the Board.

f. Assessment of Board Activity. Trustees submitted their activities in writing.

6. Miscellaneous. None.

7. Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting

a. The next meeting was confirmed for Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Big Bend Community College. 

8. Executive Session

Board Chair Amy Parris announced a 30-minute Executive Session at 10:10 a.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 and (i) to discuss with legal counsel representing the agency matters relating to agency enforcement actions or litigation or potential litigation. The session was extended by 10 minutes with a 5 minute recess thereafter. The meeting was reconvened at 10:55 a.m. No actions were taken during the executive session.

9. Probationary Tenure Review

 

Motion 25-07 Trustee Gary Chandler moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Gina Cutts at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Gary Chandler further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Gina Cutts as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-08 Trustee Anna Franz moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Jonathan Bauer at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Anna Franz further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Jonathan Bauer as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado seconded, and the
motion passed.
Motion 25-09 Trustee Rosendo Alvarado moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Jada Addink at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Jada Addink as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Vice President Bethany Martinez seconded,
and the motion passed.
Motion 25-10 Vice President Bethany Martinez moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Mitchell Poth at Big Bend Community College. Vice President Bethany Martinez further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Mitchell Poth as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Gary Chandler seconded, and
the motion passed.
Motion 25-11 Trustee Gary Chandler moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Samuel Shuman at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Gary Chandler further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Samuel Shuman as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be
renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-12 Trustee Anna Franz moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Aaron Linthicum at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Anna Franz further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Aaron Linthicum as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado seconded, and the
motion passed.
Motion 25-13 Trustee Rosendo Alvarado moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Cade Levine at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Cade Levine as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Vice President Bethany Martinez seconded,
and the motion passed.
Motion 25-14 Vice President Bethany Martinez moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Melissa Heaps at Big Bend Community College. Vice President Bethany Martinez further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Melissa Heaps as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year
2025-26 will be renewed. Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Gary Chandler
seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-15 Trustee Gary Chandler moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Michell Valdivia at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Gary Chandler further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Michell Valdivia as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed.
Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-16 Trustee Anna Franz moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys renew the probationary contract of Justin Henley at Big Bend Community College. Trustee Anna Franz further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Justin Henley as soon as possible of this decision that the individual’s probationary contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed.
Effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-17 Trustee Rosendo Alvarado moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys grant tenure to Rosemary Parsons, effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Rosemary Parsons as soon as possible of this decision to grant tenure and that the individual’s contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Vice President Bethany Martinez seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-18 Vice President Bethany Martinez moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys grant tenure to Emily Eidson, effective September 15, 2025. Vice President Bethany Martinez further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Emily Eidson as soon as possible of this decision to grant tenure and that the individual’s contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be
renewed. Trustee Gary Chandler seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-19 Trustee Gary Chandler moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys grant tenure to Kaja Devine, effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Gary Chandler further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Kaja Devine as soon as possible of this decision to grant tenure and that the individual’s contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-20  Trustee Anna Franz moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys grant tenure to Dustin Regul, effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Anna Franz further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Dustin Regul as soon as possible of this decision to grant tenure and that the individual’s contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado seconded, and the motion passed.
Motion 25-21 Trustee Rosendo Alvarado moved that the Board of Trustees, after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendations of the Probationary Review Committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys grant tenure to Aaron Mahoney, effective September 15, 2025. Trustee Rosendo Alvarado further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Aaron Mahoney as soon as possible of this decision to grant tenure and that the individual’s contract for the academic year 2025-26 will be renewed. Vice President Bethany Martinez seconded, and the motion passed.

 

10. Adjournment. Chair Amy Parris adjourned the meeting at 11:10 a.m.