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THE OFFICIAL MINUTES

The Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees held a Regular Board meeting Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. in person.

Present: Gary Chandler, Anna Franz, Bethany Martinez, Amy Parris, Juanita Richards

2. Mission Moments

Board Chair Gary Chandler reported results of the state audit exit meeting for 2023 showed no significant deficiencies in internal controls, no deficiencies considered to be material weaknesses, no material misstatements and no concrete misstatements, auditors stated Big Bend has “great internal controls at the college.”

The Probationary Tenure Review Committee members have worked very hard to ensure our probationary candidates are reviewed and prepared to provide the best learning experiences for our students. Board Chair Chandler thanked committee members for the time and energy they have invested in their colleagues.

President Sara Thompson Tweedy introduced SBCTC Legislative Director Arlen Harris and SBCTC Government Relations Liaison Sam Herriot to provide legislative updates from the SBCTC. They discussed sharing a legislative priorities survey with the WACTC/Presidents’ Group. The primary focus of the SBCTC entering the 2024 legislative session is a sustainable supplemental operating budget request for the college system and the capital budget request. At the end of the legislative session the legislature invested in areas proposed by the state board as well as other issues impacting our communities. 

Operating Budget:

Capital Budget:

The State Board requested $122 million in the 2024 supplemental budget. The request
prioritized and narrowly addressed emergent, high priority projects that could not wait
for the next biennial budget, along with the next two major projects in the pipeline. The
Legislative compromise budget included $30.4 million in new appropriations for the
Community and Technical College system. The 2023-25 biennium total for new capital
appropriations to the State Board to $478,440,000.

Important bills passed in the 2024 legislative session included.

Board Chair Gary Chandler thanked Arlen and Sam for their efforts for the colleges.

VP Kim Garza introduced Tahlia Perez, Director of Recruitment, Retention, and Equity. 

3. Public comment
There was no public comment.

4. Consent Agenda
Motion 24-03 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded, and the motion passed.

5. Faculty Updates
Faculty Association President Dr. Tyler Wallace shared faculty news. 

Dawnne Ernette, Developmental English Faculty, was awarded the 2024 WEA CTC Educator of the Year. This was the first time the award has been given, each community college that is a member of WEA submitted a nomination and Dawnne was chosen out of all the highly qualified applicants. She will be recognized at an award ceremony on April 12th.

Melissa Heaps, BEdA Faculty, shared about the Cubanism painting project her students were involved with and how they partnered with Art Faculty Dustin Regul to provide an excellent opportunity for students earning their Art Credits.

Rhonda Kitchens, Faculty Librarian, shared that on April 18th the library will feature the Favorite Poem Projects. All are invited to come share their favorite poem and describe why it was selected.

Dustin Regul, Art Faculty, shared how the ceramics class created modular planters in a partnership with Parkview Medical Group to raise funds for scholarships selling succulents. It also provided the students an opportunity learn a bit about Autism awareness.

Justin Henley, IST Faculty, shared videos of the Robo Master Laser Tag Event and the Liquid Deposition Modeling made with playdough. He also shared pictures of the Mechatronics club and the work they are doing.

Aaron Mahoney, Agriculture and Chemistry Faculty, shared about the Ag Club trip to Cedar Falls and Waterloo Iowa where the explored the University of Northern Iowa Biology Greenhouses and observed the assembly process of series 7, 8, and 9 tractors. He also shared that his program received some grant funding to purchase growth lights for the greenhouse in the 1200 building which will expand the growing season and allow the department to grow light-sensitive plants.

Nathan Ulmer, Art Faculty, shared pictures of the final project done in the Art History class that fill the windows and hallways with color as the light from the sun shines through them. All are invited to view the beautiful colorful mosaic until the end of April.

English Language Acquisition Instructor Rosemary Parsons shared about her program. The students in her class speak multiple languages. She helps students navigate the college system and together they create a learning environment. They visit areas on the campus and collaborate with other departments. They are currently preparing for the Big Bend Community College Job & Career Fair. She shared slides of her students and how they are pursuing careers in our area.

Nursing Instructor Emily Eidson talked about her program which includes a conceptbased curriculum. Students focus less on memorizing and more on connections to materials. This reduces overwhelm for students and helps them think like nurses. 

6. ASB Updates
ASB President Ty Tait provided a report about ASB activities. ASB has sponsored multiple food events. Candy grams for students to send. They also started an Intramural Futsol Soccer program and will have intramural volleyball next quarter. ASB will also host a talent show and are posting information about Black History month and Women’s History month. ASB is also partnering with the Resident Assistants to host spirit week for students and employees.

ASB Officers met with administration about creating a new activity center in the former bookstore space. The space has a foosball, ping pong table, and working tables and couches.

7. President’s Update
President Tweedy shared the names of new employees and positions that are open and reviewed the tuition collection report which is on track to meet the budget. Enrollment is increasing and we feel the student presence on campus. NWCCU recommendation was fulfilled and our next visit was postponed one year.

Dr. Tweedy announced that the Foundation’s Cellarbration! raised $234,515, which is $67,315 more than last year. There were more event sponsors and attendance increased by 50.

Dr. Tweedy shared upcoming events including Clean Energy event April 11 with employer panel workforce dev and economic development panels and a WEC tour sponsored by the Center of Excellence; the All WA Academic Team event in Olympia April 25; Workforce Training Customer Advisory Committee May 20-21; and

April 18 Job and Career Fair hosted at Big Bend. 

8. Exceptional Faculty Award Report
Dr. Steven Ausere teaches in the medical assistance program and is a practicing chiropractor. He used EFA funding to attend a 64-hour primary spine training and two textbooks.

9. ACT Nominations
Motion 24-04 Trustee Bethany Martinez moved to nominate Dr. Tyler Wallace for the ACT Faculty Award and Jody Bortz for the ACT Professional Staff
Member Award. Trustee Amy Parris seconded, and the motion passed.

10. 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.

The trustees discussed joining the committees.

11. Assessment of Board Activity
Trustees submitted their activities in writing which included tenure review activities.

12. Big Bend in the Community/Board Meetings
The trustees discussed hosting events in the service district. Not a trustee meeting but a “Big Bend in Your Community” event for the trustees from the communities to participate along with school superintendents and community leaders. Legislators will also be invited.

13. Next Meeting
The next meeting was confirmed for May 9, 2024.

14. Miscellaneous
None.
Board Chair Gary Chandler announced a 15-minute Executive Session at 3:01 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 then by 15 minutes. The meeting reconvened at 3:41 p.m. No actions were taken during the executive session.

14. Probationary Tenure Review

Motion 24-05 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 Terry Haws. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Terry Haws as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Bethany Martinez seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-06 Trustee 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 Michell Valdivia. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Michell Valdivia as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Amy Parris seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-07 Trustee Amy Parris 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. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Melissa Heaps as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-08 Trustee Juanita Richards 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. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Justin Henle as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Anna Franz seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-09 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 Cade Levine. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Cade Levine as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Amy Parris seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-10 Trustee 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 Rosemary Parsons. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Rosemary Parsons as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-11 Trustee Amy Parris 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 Dustin Regul. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Dustin Regul as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-12 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 Kaja Englund. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Kaja Englund as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Bethany
Motion 24-13 Trustee Juanita Richards 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 Mahoney. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Aaron Mahoney as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Anna Franz seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-14 Trustee 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 Emily Eidson. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Emily Eidson as soon as possible of this decision for the academic year of 2024-25, effective September 9, 2024. Trustee Amy Parris seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-15 Trustee Amy Parris 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 Chris Dinges effective September 9, 2024. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Chris Dinges as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded the motion and the motion
carried.
Motion 24-16 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 deny tenure for Eric Fleming effective September 9, 2024. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Eric Fleming as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Bethany Martinez seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Motion 24-17 Trustee Juanita Richards 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 Octaviano Gutierrez effective September 9, 2024. She further moved that the Board of Trustees direct the President to notify Octaviano as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Anna Franz seconded the motion and the motion carried.

 

Adjournment 3:51 p.m.