KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

SPECIAL BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES

For Presidential Search Interview with Dr. Tom Quinn

May 4, 2007

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Sally Galer called the meeting to order at 9:09 a.m.

ROLL CALL

Members Present:      Sally Galer, Roy Spangler, Richard Silverman, Denis Weiss, Roberta Werle

Members Absent:        Robert Bovee, Patricia Webb

Others Present:          Nick Baker, Kristin Barnes, Kevin Baughn, Matt Bierman, Smoke Bonk, Mark Burger, Jo Ann Comerford, Joan Cyman, Ruth Elie, Carol Finke, Detmar Finke, Nick Holton, Kerry Lashley, Kathy Koch, Ed Koliba, Susie Lewis, Doug Mace, Tony Madaj, Dennis Mansfield, Kyle Morrison, Pam Nuttall, Steve Oppy, Dr. Tom Quinn, Dave Ryder, Marcell Romancky, Adrianna Thompson, Ilene Scherer, Tim Scherer, Dale Shantz, Winnie Sharp, Sinan Toprak, Helen Yopp, Carol Wright Philips

WELCOME

Members and guests were welcomed by Chair Sally Galer. She invited everyone in the audience to introduce themselves and to tell of their connection to Kirtland.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INTERVIEW

Dr. Quinn was welcomed by Sally Galer and the interview was turned over to Dale Shantz as facilitator. 

A break was declared from 9:58 to 10:22 a.m.

Each board member offered questions of the candidate in addition to questions posed by Dale Shantz.

OPEN DISCUSSION

Carol Finke asked Dr. Quinn about the vote of no confidence against the college president at a previous college he was involved with.  He explained that in Minnesota, there is a chancellor system, and under their rule, full-time faculty has an opportunity to have a vote of confidence or no confidence on the community college president.  A vote of no confidence by a majority of full-time faculty means the president will be removed by the chancellor and a new president will be appointed. The response was that a forum for discussion is an important part of the process which was not the case in Minnesota at the college in question.

Detmar Finke mentioned an evaluation survey in which Dr. Quinn said he did not want to know who responded to the survey, and asked whether he could have found out. If so, Finke said the process was corrupt. He asked how does one go about finding out what the problems are from those who won’t come forward with such information? The response was to establish trust first, so that people feel free to express themselves.

Roy Spangler gave a scenario in which someone has legitimate reasons to be feel intimidated, but does not feel like coming forward.  How would he find out about the real facts handle that sort of situation? The response is that these things happen everywhere, and sometimes the only thing one can do is the best they can, given the information they have and to encourage discussion.

Ruth Elie asked if he has fired anyone. The response was yes, not often, but it is always a difficult thing to deal with. He gave an example and said that clear expectations are important when working with someone to try to avoid termination.

Marcell Romancky commented on community exposure and how he has involved community in previous experience. The response was art shows, cultural events, any opportunity to bring people to campus, plus going out to Rotary clubs and other civic organizations to bring the college to the community. He likes to visit industry and looks for other opportunities to listen and discuss ways the college can be utilized.

Carol Finke commented on communicating with the community and dealing with the press. The response was “full disclosure.”

Dr. Quinn quoted a Noel Levitz saying, “You get what you reward; you get what you tolerate.” He considers himself fiscally conservative, or fiscally concerned. The college is a business and needs to run like one.

Bobbie Werle commented on an undercurrent at Kirtland of a relationship between the board and president, hidden agendas, personal agendas, single issues, or looking for a board they can control, and asked for some feedback from Dr. Quinn. Again, he responded with full disclosure, open communication, consistency, and a spirit of cooperation that goes in every direction.

Sally Galer asked if he has ever been in a position where he had to protect certain people or groups of people in order for them to be treated fairly or for which there were unrealistic expectations. He gave an example of past experience in which the college has unrealistic expectations for the public information officer (marketing in addition to public relations). Another example he gave was minimum wage issue in which he championed for fairness. Staffing issues is another area he has had to champion for.

A recess was called from 11:25 to 11:38 a.m.

Sally Galer announced that the desire of the board is to take time to think about the candidates further and schedule a special meeting to discuss where to go from here.

Roy Spangler commented that he communicated to Dr. Quinn that no decision will be made today, and with Tuesday’s school elections there will be at least one new board member, so a special session before the next board meeting would be appropriate to bring the new board member-elect into the discussion process.

Denis Weiss asked what is expected to be accomplished at that meeting. Richard Silverman listed alternatives, such as selecting a final candidate, seeking further candidates, or re-discussing the current candidates for a consensus. Sally Galer expressed a strong opposition to re-posting because it would reflect failure on the part of the board. The desire is to gain a unanimous agreement on a candidate.

Denis Weiss did not think an hour before the next board meeting is enough time to reach a consensus. A special meeting for Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at 7 p.m. was agreed to. Richard Silverman moved to hold the special board meeting to discuss the presidential search, supported by Roy Spangler.  Vote: Ayes, five.  The motion was declared approved.

Regarding feedback from faculty and staff, Denis Weiss commented that he does not want comments from anyone who is not willing to put their names on them. Richard Silverman said he does want to receive those comments.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was declared adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Koch

Recording Secretary