THE OFFICIAL MINUTES (9-20-22)
The Big Bend Community College Board of Trustees held a Special Board meeting (Retreat) Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. in person.
Present: Anna Franz, Gary Chandler, Amy Parris, Juanita Richards, Thomas Stredwick
Action on 2022-24 Negotiated Agreement
VP of Human Resources and Labor joined the meeting via Zoom. The board packet included
a summary of the differences between the 2021-22 agreement and the 2022-24 agreement.
The language was crafted to meet the interests of both parties for this two-year agreement.
Motion 22-28 Trustee Anna Franz moved to approve the 2022-24 Negotiated Agreement as presented. Trustee Juanita Richards seconded and the motion passed.
Trustee Juanita Richards commended VP Kim Garza for her thorough negotiating skills.
President’s Evaluation
At 9:25 a.m. Board Chair Thomas Stredwick announced that the Board would adjourn to
executive session for approximately 30 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 continued
for 20 minutes at 9:55, then continued for 10 minutes at 10:15, then continued for
5 minutes at 10:25 a.m. No action was taken during the executive session. There was
a 10 minute break at 10:25 a.m.
Board Self-Evaluation
Board Goal #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.
Trustees discussed that they are developing an improved system and need to focus on implementation. This goal will be continued for the next year.
Board Goal #2
Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion by establishing policies and institutional goals supporting operational equity, diversity, and inclusion programs.
Trustees discussed that more is needed in this area. A calendar of events will be a helpful resource. Trustee Franz will identify learning opportunities for discussion and setting of Study Sessions.
Board Goal #3
Ensure effective onboarding and support of new trustees.
Trustees discussed the need for additional trustee trainings including policy governance and diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Trustee Tuesday events are helpful. The Trustees requested more information on how to support the president.
The Trustees agreed that all three goals will be rolled over for the 2022-23 academic year. They may also create a new goal about board engagement. Also discussed Trustee mentorship by someone other than the Board Chair. The Trustees requested more invitations to college activity and events and a formalized calendar for the Trustees.
The green line was discussed emphasizing the line between policy governance and operational details, i.e. the Strategic Plan is an operational document.
The trustees discussed study session topics regarding the disciplinary action process at the college to provide appropriate responses in the case an employee contacts them. The Trustees will refer the employee to Human Resources. Receiving feedback about the president is appropriate. Information about the Open Public Meeting Act is another topic of interest.
President Sara Thompson Tweedy stated it is appropriate to know when a Trustee is on campus.
The draft dashboard was presented by Board Chair Thomas Stredwick and Trustee Juanita Richards.
The meeting was adjourned for lunch at 11:20 a.m.
Meeting was resumed at 1:06 p.m.
Ends Statements
Trustee Anna Franz shared an overview of the current Ends Statements and Policy Governance
including board job descriptions, monitoring and respecting the green line, and staying
above the operational level. Carver Policy Governance model is very rigid and does
not include board responsibilities such as awarding tenure and hiring the president
which is required by RCW.
The Board works at the Ends level and the President operationalizes the Ends through the strategic plan and mission fulfillment, which in turn informs the President’s evaluation.
Trustee Franz’s presentation will be added to the new trustee packet.
Suggest removing the Mission Statement from the Ends because it is operational, also removing goals and characteristics.
Realigning Student Success as it is primary (E-1) and the additional Ends are subordinate to it. President Thompson Tweedy and Trustees agreed to the importance of adding workforce development wording to E-2.
Next steps include discussing the revisions at the October 13 board meeting.
Adjourned 2:00 p.m.