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THE OFFICIAL MINUTES (3-23-22)

The Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees held a Regular Board meeting Wednesday March 23, 2022, at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom Webinar.

1. Call to Order
Present: Anna Franz, Gary Chandler, Amy Parris, Juanita Richards, Thomas Stredwick

Pledge of allegiance.

2. Mission Moments
Board Chair Thomas Stredwick reminded all of the Big Bend mission, Serve as a bridge, stand as a leader, support for success. He viewed the ESCALA presentation recordings and said they were good demonstrations of the mission. Instructors demonstrated long life learning.

3. Educational Presentation
AAGs Joseph Ehle and Emily Yates presented information on the Open Public Meeting Act (RCW 42.30) and Records Retention. They emphasized that the AAG’s office represents the citizens of Washington State.

4. Consent
a) Approval of January 27, February 9, 17, 18, 23, 2022, Board Meeting Minutes (A); b) Accreditation (I); c) Student Success (I); d) Assessment (I); e) Finance & Administration (I); f) Human Resources Report (I); g) Foundation Report (I).
Motion 22-03 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded and the motion passed.

5. Remarks
None.

6. Faculty Updates
Faculty Association Dawnne Ernette shared faculty news. The seventh annual Student Writing Contest winners will be notified at the end of spring quarter.

Faculty Librarian Rhonda Kitchens has been chosen to present at the annual Washington State Library conference on her webinar series: Live Webinars As Life: Creating Content, Inspiring Collaboration, Demonstrating Resilience, & Shifting Goalposts. Feedback on the webinar series included "Rhonda is such an informative person! I really loved her presentation. I also liked how she had us practice correcting entries. I'm glad I attended! I have been doing my entries more or less correctly. I say that because have not yet had to cite anything, but the last few quarters...wow! I may buy the APA manual like Rhonda suggested!"

Dr. Palumbo’s Women’s Literature class created projects and they get better each year. They also shared that one of the first students they had at BBCC, Ricardo Ruiz, is getting his first book of poems published. It’s titled, We Had Our Reasons, and he takes a very cool, collaborative approach to the writing by including “other hard-working Mexicans from Eastern Washington.” When Ruiz came to Dr. Palumbo’s class, fresh from the military, he had planned to major in business. But he says that working with Dr. Palumbo is what encouraged him to switch to creative writing when he got into UW. This is an impressive achievement! Music Instructor Dr. John Owens has upcoming percussion events scheduled with his students.

7. ASB
ASB President Colton Reynolds was not available to attend the meeting. Please refer to written report in the board packet. Board Chair Thomas Stredwick expressed his appreciation of the student activities department.

8. President’s Update
President Thompson Tweedy highlighted Trustee Anna Franz’s cover story in Irrigation Leader magazine. Trustee Franz was interviewed for her expert perspective on irrigation and water rights.

President Thompson Tweedy welcomed new employees Dwight Deines and Arlene Vollema. She also congratulated Jason Ronish and Astrid Chen for internal promotions.

President Thompson Tweedy discussed the recently conducted Mattawa community survey around building programs for their community. Top three programs of interest included Early Childhood Education, business and accounting, and agriculture. Preferred instructional delivery: online, hybrid, and in person. Social media was key to access of information for many community members.

Enrollment information was shared, we focused on retention during the pandemic and enrollment has decreased. Student enrollment dropped equally among highest enrolled student groups white/Latinx.

President Thompson Tweedy discussed how the state FTEs impact the budget. Enrollment declines are statewide and the allocation percentage from the SBCTC will not change significantly. Federal CARES stimulus money supported Big Bend the past two years. 

President Thompson Tweedy stated masking will be optional beginning April 4 for vaccinated students and employees. CDC guidelines will provide direction for masking in the future.

At 2:30 p.m., Board Chair Thomas Stredwick announced that the Board would adjourn to executive session for approximately 15 minutes 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 Executive Session was extended by ten minutes. A five-minute break was taken immediately following the Executive Session. The meeting reconvened at 3:00 p.m. with no action taken.

9. Probationary Tenure Review

Motion 22-04 Trustee Amy Parris moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Chris Dinges effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Chris Dinges as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Gary Chandler seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-05 Trustee Gary Chandler moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Eric Fleming effective September 12, 2022. He further moved that the President notify Eric Fleming as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-06 Trustee Juanita Richards moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Octaviano Gutierrez effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Octaviano Gutierrez as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-07 Trustee Anna Franz moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Ching (Jim) Lin effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Ching (Jim) Lin as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-08 Trustee Amy Parris moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Barbara Bush effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Barbara Bush as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Gary Chandler seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-09 Trustee Gary Chandler moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Hannah Capelo effective September 12, 2022. He further moved that the President notify Hannah Capelo as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Amy Parris seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-10 Trustee Juanita Richards moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of John Owens effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify John Owens as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-11 Trustee Anna Franz moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Suzanne Reilly effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Suzanne Reilly as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-12 Trustee Amy Parris moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to renew the probationary contract of Reza Sharifi effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Reza Sharifi as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Gary Chandler seconded, and the motion carried.

Motion 22-13 Trustee Gary Chandler moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to grant tenure to Theresa Calip effective September 12, 2022. He further moved that the President notify Theresa Calip as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Amy Parris seconded, and the motion carried.

Board Chair Thomas Stredwick noted granting tenure is the trustees’ long-lasting impact on Big Bend. The robust review process provides a lot of data and shows the importance of the faculty tenure positions’ role to educate our community. He noted the following comments from Theresa Calip’s probationary files. "She has been the best instructor I have had at BBCC. All the exams have directly covered all of her lectures and course content. If you spend time studying, you are going to do well. This is the best class I have taken here at BBCC."

Motion 22-13 Trustee Juanita Richards moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to grant tenure to Johanna Doty-Fleming effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Theresa Calip as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion carried.

Board Chair Thomas Stredwick noted the following comments from Johanna DotyFleming’s probationary files. -"She is a very positive and energetic person. It makes the start of my day more motivating to get work done. Also, she is always available to answer questions and help me and I'm thankful to have a teacher like that."

Motion 22-14 Trustee Anna Franz moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to grant tenure to Rhonda Kitchens effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Rhonda Kitchens as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded, and the motion carried.

Board Chair Thomas Stredwick noted the following comments from Rhonda Kitchen’s probationary files. "Rhonda is amazing and goes above and beyond - I asked her to help introduce my class to research resources, and she created an interactive page on the library's site for the class to continue to use throughout the quarter." "Kickass"

Motion 22-15 Trustee Amy Parris moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to grant tenure to David Mayhugh effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify David Mayhugh as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Gary Chandler seconded, and the motion carried.

Board Chair Thomas Stredwick noted the following comments from David Mayhugh’s probationary files. "David is always prepared for class and gives us examples that are applicable to the material, he encourages me to do my best work and I am genuinely excited to go to his class. I have found a passion for math that I didn't realize I had because of him."

Motion 22-16 Trustee Gary Chandler moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to grant tenure to Michelle Reeves effective September 12, 2022. He further moved that the President notify Michelle Reeves as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Amy Parris seconded, and the motion carried.

Board Chair Thomas Stredwick noted the following comments from Michelle Reeves’ probationary files.-"Mrs. Reeves provides an inclusive learning environment where all people differing in learning ability are appreciated, and ultimately respected. Not only is question-asking encouraged, but there is an entire platform dedicated to such (i.e., YellowDig)."

Motion 22-17 Trustee Juanita Richards moved after having given reasonable consideration to the recommendation of the probationary tenure review committee, Dr. Tweedy, and Dr. Humpherys, to grant tenure to Jessica Strickland effective September 12, 2022. She further moved that the President notify Jessica Strickland as soon as possible of this decision. Trustee Anna Franz seconded, and the motion carried.

Board Chair Thomas Stredwick noted the following comments from Michelle Reeves’ probationary files. -"with having a full-time job and being a mom and wife, it makes it hard to stay focus, but with the instructors help and wiliness to listen and reply to emails very fast makes it easy for me to be completing assignment's."

10. ACT Awards

Motion 22-18 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve Thomas Stredwick and Anna Franz move forward with ACT nominations for former Trustee Jon Lane and Executive Assistant Melinda Owens. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded and the motion passed.

11. Trustees Emeritus
The Trustees discussed honoring former Trustee Jon Lane with Trustee Emeritus during the next meeting.

12. Trustees’ Progress Toward Goals
Board Chair Stredwick explained this standing agenda item is set to provide time for the trustees to review progress toward their three goals:

  1. Develop and implement an improved system for monitoring Board effectiveness by establishing an annual checklist for monitoring the overall performance of Big Bend Community College and providing training and other educational opportunities for Trustees.
    Board Chair Thomas Stredwick and Juanita Richards will present the draft dashboard to
    the board at the next meeting for feedback.
  2.  Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by establishing policies and institutional goals supporting operational equity, diversity, and inclusion programs.
    Trustee Anna Franz stated the ACT Spring Conference has a focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
  3. Ensure effective onboarding and support of new trustees.
    Trustee Amy Parris expressed her appreciation of the tenure review process and support by senior trustees for sharing steps to accomplish the reviews.

14. Assessment of Board Activity
Trustee Juanita Richards attended the Foundation Board Meeting, Special Board Meetings, and met with President Thompson Tweedy. She attended multiple foundation webinars and spent hours on the probationary tenure review.

Trustee Thomas Stredwick made Cellarbration sponsorship phone calls, and attended an agenda preparation meeting. He also checked in with other trustees, watched the ESCALA videos recordings and reviewed the probationary tenure documentation.

Trustee Anna Franz announced that she has been on the board for ten years and graduated from Big Bend twenty years ago. She attended CEID Reads applauds efforts to support students through their lives.

Trustee Amy Parris reported that she attended the legislative advocacy spec meeting and meetings with VP Bryce Humpherys about Othello outreach. She also met with the Othello High School Superintendent, President Tweedy and VP Humpherys and an all-program advisory committee. Trustee Parris also completed reviews of the probationers’ files.

Trustee Gary Chandler reported that he watched the ESCALA presentation recordings and attended the Passion Project Showcase. He also made numerous phone calls in support of Big Bend. Trustee Chandler expressed his appreciation with On Boarding assistance by President Thompson Tweedy, VP Kim Garza, and Executive Asst Melinda Owens. He also enjoyed reading the probationers’ files. Trustee Chandler also spent time visiting with former Trustee Jon Lane.

15. Next Regularly Scheduled Board Meeting
The next board meeting is scheduled on May 5, 2022.

16. Miscellaneous
Trustee Juanita Richards shared about Big Bend Community College Foundation’s Cellarbration! for Education. The event is live and scheduled for May 12. She also reported that Foundation staff Jen Starr has visited all the area high schools and met one on one with protentional students; scholarships applications are up 12.5% from last year. She also reported the webinars sponsored by the Foundation are educational and archived for watching on demand.

Trustee Thomas Stredwick reported that Trustee Anna Franz is the ACT legislative alternate committee member and former Trustee Jon Lane was the primary.

Motion 22-19 Trustee Amy Parris moved to appoint Trustee Gary Chandler as the primary ACT Legislative Action Committee member from Big Bend. Trustee Anna Franz seconded and the motion passed.

President Thompson Tweedy announced that she plans to host a banquet for the Big Bend Women’s Wrestling National Champions!

The meeting adjourned at 3:43 p.m.