THE OFFICIAL MINUTES (5-09-24)
The Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees held a Regular Board meeting Thursday, May 9, 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 that the All-Washington Academic Team members are
recognized as our state’s finest higher education students because they reflect the
diversity of the state, maintain high standards of excellence and contribute positively
to their respective communities. This year, Big Bend is represented by Alejandra Cerna,
Yuridia Jaurez, Adalee Bauer, and Leslie Estrada.
Alejandra is a first-generation college student with incredible academic achievements. She shared, and I quote, “… this recognition honors not only my academic achievements but also underscores the significance of education within my family and community. It symbolizes overcoming barriers…” end of quote. Yuridia is a running start student. She aspires to be an Architect and Interior Designer because quote, “I hope to go into this in order to create spaces for people to thrive in.” end of quote. Adalee is a second-year student who will earn her AA this June and is an aspiring mechanical engineer. She shared that her desire to further her education is underscored by her gratitude. Leslie shared that she is a “a 30-year-old Mexican with big dreams, a wife and mother of 3 boys ages 7, 4, and 2… I hope to meet my goals for a better future not only for myself but for my family.” After she graduates with her Accounting Technician degree, she wants to round out her education with a Bachelor’s in Applied Management. Leslie attended the meeting and photos were taken.
3. Public comment
There was no public comment.
4. Consent Agenda
Motion 24-18 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve the consent agenda. Trustee Amy Parris seconded,
and the motion passed.
New employees Ruth Stoddard, Director of Residence Halls and Life, and Larry Rimple, Director of JATP, were introduced.
5. Faculty Updates
Faculty Association President Dr. Tyler Wallace shared faculty news. Justin Henley,
IST Faculty, has a student who has been awarded a summer Internship with Boeing in
Auburn. Julian Miranda is the first BBCC student to be selected for this experience
to get real world experience in Aerospace Manufacturing and Machining.
Rhonda Kitchens, Faculty Librarian, hosted three April events for students and over 235 students attended. These were the sameness in diversity, favorite poetry project, and poetry in the quad events. She looks forward to more exciting events for students and staff to share.
Aaron Mahoney, Agriculture Faculty, took his students on a field trip to observe Bruce Swindler from Skone and Conners using a weed zapper and see it used in the field. Another class was able to test water chemicals and compounds in samples to see their impact and concentration on soils. Finally, students are spraying weeds with selective herbicides to learn how weed management is done. Also, the farm bot was used to help with this process. Aaron also wishes to invite the Board to the Indoor Plant Sale on Wednesday, May 22 from 10-2 to support the Ag program and club.
Cade Levine AMT faculty shared about himself and his family. Students work on activities outside of the classroom such as the AMT Club. They worked on a plane for the aviation show and visited the Boeing Museum. They also restarted the 727 and invited other programs and classes including K-12 to connect with his program. Dr. Wallace thanked the board for the ACT Award he was received.
6. ASB Updates
ASB President Ty Tait shared about ASB. The 2024-25 ASB Officers have been selected
and he introduced the new ASB President Devry Lausch. President Tait announced about
the Student Recognition Night tonight. He also reported that students have been gathering
in the Viking Lounge and the Mental Health Fair has double the attendance of last
year. There are upcoming events such as an HSI event with CEID and MEChA in response
to student feedback and a campus carnival at the end of the month. Graduation gowns
are available in the Viking Lounge and students are invited to decorate the caps in
the space.
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. She also
shared employee recruitment efforts. Sara reviewed the redlined version of BP6101
Tuition and Fee Waivers. Revisions include updating inclusive language in the policy
and allowing BEdA students to take 10 college credits with no fee before they qualify
for financial aid so they can demonstrate they have “the ability to benefit” by passing
two college credit courses. There are other funding sources that are available to
many students, the waiver is only for those students who do not have other resources.
The BEdA program is the beginning of the pipeline-to-college courses. The student
waiver is an optional waiver identified by the SBCTC.
Dr. Tweedy discussed the Legislative priorities identified by Big Bend (Workforce Development, Dual Enrollment, COLAs/Compensation) and the SBCTC. Dual credit enrollment is very important for members of community colleges service districts with large geographic areas. Students in rural communities do not have equitable access to community colleges.
President Tweedy discussed the FASFA issues. Fewer students have completed FASFAs and that may impact enrollment negatively. Staff are focusing on students who are enrolled to ensure they receive their financial aid. Should be awarded annually beginning June 10. President Tweedy thanked Financial Aid Director Casey Fry and Dean Andre Guzman for their work focused on students. President Tweedy reviewed the list of graduation activities.
8. Exceptional Faculty Award Recommendations
Motion 24-19 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve for the EFA awards for Instructors Ryan Duvall
($2,000) and Kaja Englund ($850). Trustee Juanita Richards seconded and the motion
passed.
Board Chair Gary Chandler announced a 15-minute Executive Session at 2:30 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 2:55 p.m. No actions were taken during the executive session.
9. 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 sub-committee membership. Chairs of committees will convene
with their members and bring information to the board retreat.
10. Assessment of Board Activity
Trustees submitted their activities in writing which included tenure review activities.
11. Big Bend in the Community/Board Meetings
Board Chair Gary Chandler met with college leaders to discuss holding meetings in
the service district communities. The meetings will provide opportunities to interact
with legislators and community members together and continue to grow partnerships.
This event planning is in process.
12. Next Meeting
The next meeting was confirmed for June 6, 2024.
13. Graduation Activities
Graduation activities were shared in the board packet. Trustees signed up to attend
specific activities to ensure representation.
14. Miscellaneous
Adjournment 3:14 p.m.