CALL TO ORDER Chair Jan Keith Farmer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Members Present: Robert Bovee Jan Keith Farmer, Sally Galer, Carole Kuehn, Roy Spangler, Patricia Webb, Arlene Wilder
Members Absent: None
Others Present: Stacey Barnes, Jerry Boerema, Gary Carton, Shirley Carton, JoAnn Comerford, Tom Dale, Brenda Dawe, Walter Dawe, Alexander Dorofeev, Paul Durbin, Roy Elie, Ruth Elie, Carol Finke, Detmar Finke, Joan Gage, Keith Gave, Jerry Gonawicha, Jeremy Jones, Lois Jones, Kathy Koch, Ed Koliba, Norman Kuehn, Doty Latuszek, Jean Lawrence, Kathy Marsh, Anne Meeks, Rick Meeks, Jerry Nunn, Russell Omans, Charles Rorie, Tim Scherer, Glen Schicker, Dale Shantz, Darcie Shelagowski, Carol Silverman, Richard Silverman, Jon Thompson, Jerry Werle, Roberta Werle, John Wade, Liz Wade
WELCOME
Members and guests were welcomed by Chair Jan Farmer.
OPEN DISCUSSION
Evaluation
Detmar Finke referred to previous matters brought to the board that were acknowledged but not discussed or acted on. He expressed dissatisfaction with a lack of team work and a lack of accountability displayed by the board. Regarding evaluating the college administrative team, his opinion was that self evaluation is no evaluation. Who will evaluate the administrative team? Although he said that the board members are the only ones in a superior position with an obligation of evaluating the administrative team, he believes that an independent evaluation team from outside of the college should be a budgeted item considering the magnitude of administrators’ salaries in relation to the total college budget. He asked why should contracts be automatically renewed every two years with no action by the board? If he is elected to the board of trustees, one of his first actions will be to suggest to the rest of the board that issuing of such contracts be suspended and their value carefully re-examined before they are offered again. And, that a serious effort be made to find some means of independently evaluating the administrative team of the college, controlled by the board itself without any involvement of members of the administration.
Semantics
Carole Finke said that she planned to speak about semantics until she attended the funeral of a former Kirtland student who ended his own life. Because if it, she has thought a great deal about hopelessness, helplessness, anger, depression and despair. She said it leads her to draw a parallel with the situation of low morale on campus. She said that a significant number of people at the college do not trust the administration, that the AQIP process is not really going to change anything, nor will administration make good on its promises to fully implement the chosen proposals. She said they don’t believe the board will make sure that the administration will follow though on its commitments. She pointed to the statement of the college’s values requiring joy, stating that we need to return to that important value of the college. A return to joy is necessary to be able to say what makes Kirtland so special and worthwhile. It is through joy that those who are associated with the institution will find a deeply personal satisfaction, a true enjoyment in that association, which will enable the board to fulfill its responsibility as trustees and provide the people of our community with the best education possible.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of the March 11, 2004 were reviewed and approved with a motion from Sally Galer, supported by Carole Kuehn.
COMMUNICATIONS
Charles Rorie, President, reminded the board members of the COOR Area Superintendents’ Joint Boards meeting
Monday, April 26, 2004 at Roscommon High School at 6 p.m.
He also reminded them of the budget workshop scheduled for May 20, 2004 at 5:30 at the Conference Center. Details will be provided for the proposed 2004-05 Preliminary Budget to be presented as a first reading at the May 20, 2004 regular board meeting which begins at 7 p.m..
Rorie shared some recognition items received from students who enjoyed the Bear Tracks program Tom Dale has been presenting throughout the college district. They contained expressions of appreciation directly from the children for the visiting naturalist program.
FACULTY PRESENTER
Tom Dale, Part-time Faculty, Science, and Education Director of the Gahagan Nature Preserve in Roscommon, presented “Bear Tracks,” a program that focuses on bears of the world which included items from the National Wildlife Federation’s bear trunk. The trunk contained many natural history items concerning North America’s bears, including pelts, skulls, and claws. The program is jointly sponsored by Kirtland Community College, The Kirtland’s Warbler Festival and Gahagan Nature Preserve.
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT
Edmund Koliba, Chief Business and Finance Officer, gave a financial report for the period ending March 31, 2004 with comparative figures at March 31, 2003.
BUSINESS FOR BOARD ACTION
1. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT AUDIT REPORT
Darcie Shelagowski of Yeo and Yeo certified public accounting firm presented the June 30, 2003 financial statements. The delay in completing the official audit report was due to fixed asset reports required by new accounting procedures and the new reporting model mandated under GASB34. An unqualified opinion, the highest level of assurance, was issued from Yeo and Yeo.
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Roy Spangler and supported by Trustee Sally Galer:
WHEREAS
1. The Board of Trustees has been presented with the Annual Financial Statement and Auditor’s Report, the Single Audit Report, and the Management Letter for period ending June 30, 2003, and
2. The Board of Trustees agrees with the findings and also agrees that the financial statements present fairly, the financial position of Kirtland Community College at June 30, 2003,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The Board of Trustees accepts all reports as presented by Yeo & Yeo, PC.
Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared approved.
3. RESOLUTION TO BESTOW EMERITUS STATUS, LEONARD MILLER
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Robert Bovee and supported by Trustee Patricia Webb:
WHEREAS
1. Leonard Miller has dedicated 30 years of service as an Instructor at Kirtland Community College;
2. He has further taught for the C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District for the past 15 years;
3. He has provided invaluable service to area manufacturing to start and run the Skilled Trade Apprenticeship Programs;
4. He provided Kirtland’s expert advice and counsel assisting in the start-up of Weyerhaeuser’s 4-Mile Plant;
5. He initiated the Metal Machining Customer Contact Program to enable Kirtland Students to obtain practical work experience;
6. He assisted in the introduction of Total Quality Improvement (TQI) concepts to Kirtland, which led to Target Specific Problem Solving and Bargaining;
7. He has worked collaboratively with faculty and staff to integrate related programs like Computer Aided Drafting and Machining with “hands on” machining programs;
8. He has continually demonstrated his concern and dedication for the students he has served;
9. His concern, dedication, and knowledge of his subject will be greatly missed by his students, his colleagues, and this board;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The board of trustees, in public recognition and appreciation of these years of service, does hereby bestow Emeritus/Honoraire Status on Leonard Miller, with all the honors and privileges such status entails.
Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.
1. RESOLUTION TO BESTOW EMERITUS STATUS, NANCY PAMERLEAU
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Arlene Wilder and supported by Trustee Carole Kuehn:
WHEREAS
1. Nancy Pamerleau has dedicated 22 years of service as an Instructor at Kirtland Community College;
2. Under her tutelage, the Speech Program has expanded substantially;
3. Her research on Kirtland’s Interactive Television System of Instruction was presented at the Central States Speech Association, and she has been an active presenter at various conferences;
4. She authored Who Me, Give a Speech? Published by Baker Books, 1987;
5. She initiated Kirtland’s Domestic Violence Committee and New Beginnings Scholarship for victims of domestic violence rebuilding their lives through an education from Kirtland, and has been an active supporter of River House Shelter;
6. She initiated and produced talent shows at Kirtland before the inception of the performing artists series;
7 She was twice nominated to “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” and listed in 2000;
8. She has continually demonstrated her concern and dedication for the students she has served;
9. Her concern, dedication, and knowledge of her subject will be greatly missed by her students, her colleagues, and this board;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The board of trustees, in public recognition and appreciation of these years of service, does hereby bestow Emeritus/Honoraire Status on Nancy Pamerleau, with all the honors and privileges such status entails.
Vote: Ayes, seven Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, zero Resolution declared adopted.
Note: At this point Trustee Carole Kuehn had to leave due to a physical condition.
2. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE SABBATICAL LEAVE, KATHERINE NEMETH
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Arlene Wilder and supported by Trustee Sally Galer:
WHEREAS
The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees has been presented the request for a Sabbatical Leave for Katherine Nemeth from July 1, 2004 through December 31, 2004.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
The Board of Trustees hereby move to approve the Sabbatical Leave as submitted.
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, one Resolution declared adopted.
3. RESOLUTION TO MODIFY 2004-05 TUITION RATES
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Sally Galer and supported by Trustee Arlene Wilder:
WHEREAS
1. The college continues to experience declining per-pupil funding as it relates to state aid and property tax revenue.
2. The college has seen out-of-district student growth of 218% over the last three years, and a shift from representing 19% of total student population, to 30%.
3. With declining per-pupil revenues, and with rising out-of-district enrollments, the college finds it more difficult to meet the needs of its primary service area, the college district
4. Annual property tax revenue generates approximately $155 per credit hour, or $1,450 per student.
5. The differential between in-district and out-district tuition rates for 2004-05 is $35.70, or 57%.
4. The college believes that the differential between in and out-of-district tuition rates should recognize the property taxes paid by district residents, who receive in-district tuition rates.
5. The excess contact hour fee is equated by using in and out-district tuition rates to compute an institutional average.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. The modified tuition rates for out-district, out-state and international students be increase an additional 17%, resulting in the following:
Out-district tuition (per credit) $115.15
Out-state tuition (per credit) 142.25
International tuition (per credit) 162.85
2. The excess contact hour fee be increased to $4.80
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, one Resolution declared adopted .
6. RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE COORDINATOR OF FEDERAL SURPLUS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The following preamble and resolution were offered by Trustee Sally Galer and supported by Trustee Robert Bovee:
WHEREAS
1. Kirtland Community College has met all other state and federal requirements for participation in the Federal Property Assistance Program under Public Law 94-519.
2. It is a requirement that a resolution be adopted by the governing body specifically designating a coordinator as Surplus Property Donee and Custodian to be responsible for the acceptance and accountability and authorized to sign for surplus property,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1. The Kirtland Community College Board of Trustees hereby designates Edmund Koliba who is the authorized coordinator as the person responsible for accepting Federal Surplus Property, with the power and full authority to sign for such surplus property.
2. The coordinator named above is to be held responsible for the accountability and will maintain the necessary records for all surplus property obtained for public purposes until relieved from accountability by the state and/or federal authorities.
3. Money is available to pay service charges for surplus property obtained.
4. The coordinator is further hereby authorized to direct payment of service charges for surplus property to complete all transactions.
Vote: Ayes, six Nays, zero Abstain, zero Absent, one Resolution declared adopted.
Roy Spangler posed a question, considering the socio-economic statistics of our district and region, and that we have a significant number of high school students attending Kirtland, would our cafeteria qualify for USDA commodities for the lunch programs for low income students? He offer it as a possibility for future exploration and consideration.
REPORTS FOR BOARD INFORMATION
1. AQIP update
Kathy Marsh, Dean of Instruction and Educational Services, reported that AQIP activity on campus has been going on with data gathering interviews and that we are now approaching the time when we will be gathering input on propositions from the community. She shared a letter to a focus group inviting them to a discussion on April 22. That letter went out to principals, counselors, superintendents of local area schools, and to advisory boards of our occupational programs. Jan Farmer and Carole Kuehn will be there representing the board of trustees.
On Monday, next week, NCA will be meeting and reviewing our application for AQIP and we should know shortly after that whether or not we have been accepted.
1. M-TEC update
Doty Latuszek, Associate Dean, provided minutes from the most recent Governing Advisory Board and she also provided some data from 2002-03, the first full year of operation for M-TEC, providing headcount, credit hours and contact hours compared to projections from the original grant application in 1998. There were 423 unduplicated students served in 2002-03. She explained the numbers in relation to the original grant. The current year, 2003-04 is only three quarters of the year and the numbers show that they are already exceeding those of the previous year.
Patricia Webb suggested inviting faculty presenters from M-TEC to appear at board meetings in the same manner that on-campus faculty have been doing.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the board, Chair Jan Keith Farmer asked for a motion to adjourn. With a motion from Roy Spangler, supported by Robert Bovee, Jan Farmer declared the meeting adjourned at
8:21p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathy Koch
Recording Secretary