KIRTLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MINUTES

November 15, 2005

CALL TO ORDER     Chair Sally Galer called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.

ROLL CALL

Members Present:      Robert Bovee, Sally Galer, Roy Spangler, Richard Silverman, Patricia Webb, Roberta Werle

Members Absent:       None

Others Present:          Kathy Koch, Aaron Linskey, Charles Rorie

The purpose of this special meeting was to review letters of interest from candidates to fill a vacancy on the board of trustees created by the written resignation of Jan Keith Farmer dated October 4, 2005 and accepted at the October 20, 2005 regular board of trustees meeting.

SELECTION OF SCREENING CRITERIA FOR CANDIDATES FOR APPOINTMENT AS REPLACEMENT TRUSTEE

Richard Silverman began the discussion on criteria for selecting a candidate for appointment.  He commented that with so many current and past trustees holding strong educational backgrounds, perhaps we should seek someone from the business sector.  He also suggested seeking someone from Ogemaw County in order to connect with that under-represented area of our district.  He then suggested that a candidate should have some contact with the college, at the very least, having been to Kirtland’s campus at some time.

Sally Galer said we should look at how they serve in their own communities. She would also like to address the role of a board and each candidate’s experience with that issue; seeking someone with meaningful board experience.

Roy Spangler agreed with seeking someone with a business background, or a background other than education.  Everyone agreed that the business sector is under-represented with the current board makeup.

Roberta Werle suggested considering the amount of time the candidate has to give to the board.  Another criteria Richard Silverman thought of was a connection to senior citizen organizations with the community.

REVIEW OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FOR APPOINTMENT AS REPLACEMENT TRUSTEE

With five of the criteria identified above (business background, Ogemaw County residency, ties to their community,  to Kirtland, and past board experience), Sally Galer asked each member to choose their top three or top five candidates.  Roberta Werle suggested going through all the candidates first and sort them by criteria.  Five candidates were identified as candidates of interest (supplements A, B, C, E, and F).

SELECTION OF CANDIDATES TO BE INVITED FOR INTERVIEWS

Further discussion narrowed the candidates to three, A, B, C, due to their business backgrounds, Ogemaw County residency, and ties to their communities and to Kirtland. A fourth candidate, E, was added because of strong ties to Kirtland.

SELECTION OF QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED OF TRUSTEE CANDIDATES IN INTERVIEWS

What has your experience been with Kirtland Community College?

What skills or insights would you bring to this board? (Board and/or work experience)

What areas of your community have you been involved in?  What do you feel is one of your most positive contributions to your public life?

How has your background prepared you for this position?

What has been your most challenging experience as a board member?

What do you think we are doing right, and what do you think we could do better? And do you have any suggestions for doing a better job?

ORIENTATION PLANS FOR NEW BOARD MEMBER

Charles Rorie said he would put together a packet of materials as comprehensive as possible and invite the new board member to campus to see the college in operation, including M-TEC at Gaylord.  Some suggestions for the packet included board bylaws, audit and management letter, an old North Central report (because the first five pages give the history of the college), board retreat information, AQIP summary; bargaining process, when current contracts expire, master contract, internet access, ACS information, student outcomes, etc.

OTHER

How are we going to do the voting process?  A discussion ensued on possible ways to handle the voting process such as elimination of candidates through by voting on each one beginning with A and so on.  It was noted that unless there is a unanimous preference, it takes four votes to appoint a candidate. Sally Galer suggested a vote be held on each candidate, and that it make take a few rounds before a candidate with four or more votes is accomplished. A  consensus was reached to vote on each candidate until a majority of four is reached.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business to come before the board, Chair Sally Galer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Kathy Koch

Recording Secretary