Minutes
Alamo Community College District
Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees
George E. Killen Community Education & Service Center
201 W. Sheridan
San Antonio, Texas
October 18, 2005

CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL

Chairman Conner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and announced that a quorum of trustees was present.

The following trustees were present:
District 1 Dr. Bernard K. Weiner
District 2 Denver McClendon
District 3 Jennifer Ramos, Assistant Secretary
District 5 Roberto Zárate, Vice-Chair
District 6 Dr. Gene Sprague
District 7 Charles J. Conner, Chairman
District 8 Gary Beitzel, Secretary

The following trustees were absent:
District 4 Marcelo S. Casillas
District 9 James Rindfuss

CERTIFICATION AND POSTING OF NOTICE

Chairman Conner announced that the notice of the Board meeting had been duly posted at the District Office Building, Northwest Vista College, San Antonio College, Northeast Campus, St. Philip's College and at Southwest Campus, Palo Alto College, and the Alamo Community College District George E. Killen Community Education & Service Center fulfilling the requirements of the statutes as set forth.

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CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
Monica Cruz, concerned citizen and advocate, stated that two years ago Levi Strauss closed two San Antonio plants. Nearly 800 men and women lost their jobs. Globalization is a trend in our country. There are challenges when a company decides to move to another part of the world. When citizens in our community lose their jobs, it is up to the local workforce system to provide opportunities to retrain these individuals for other occupations. An overwhelming majority of the group was women; the average number of years at Levi was 24; the average age was 45, with no high school diploma or GED; and half had limited English proficiency. These individuals possess a strong work ethic and were loyal employees.

The Levi Career Committee to oversee training the women and men was established. Members included representatives from Alamo WorkSource, SER Jobs for Progress, ACCD Workforce Training department, representatives from various training institutions, and former Levi employees. The purpose of the committee was to provide a forum for students, training providers, and workforce service providers to work cooperatively to address these concerns. The individuals who lost their jobs were not typical college or continuing education students. They encountered many cultural and linguistic barriers. All former employees welcomed the once in a-lifetime opportunity to attend school.

Some of these students have experienced several challenges while attending classes at San Antonio College. They have felt like second class citizens at San Antonio College. When SAC did not have the capacity to accommodate the students, the college purchased portable buildings. On the day of the training program ribbon cutting, one of the classrooms was equipped with lap top computers. After the ceremony, the computers were removed. Some of the co-hort of students have had four to five different classrooms settings in the past eight months. An instructor informed the students that they would have to move to another classroom to make room for “paying students.” The students have experienced a high turnover rate of instructors with 4-5 separate instructors with no set curriculum to follow. Some instructors and staff have little or no experience in working with adults-in-transition who have limited English proficiency, limited academic proficiency, and have provided little or no guidance to these students. Some of these students have endured snide, inappropriate comments from several instructors. SAC did implement the Spanish GED at the request of the students in August, 2005. A high turnover rate of instructors in the pharmacy tech program caused one instructor to teach two classes at the same time. The implementation of the progressive disciplinary policy, which has been abused by some instructors, was recently misused by the Dean of the Continuing Education Department. He had one woman escorted to her car by campus police. Later he admitted that he used poor judgment and apologized to her. This did little to ease the trauma which she and her classmates have experienced.

If you had walked in their shoes and experienced these same circumstances for the past 18 months, you too would question whether you were being treated fairly and equitably on this campus. SAC did an excellent job to market their program, but did not have the staff or capacity to adequately implement the program or serve the students. The SAC administration will contend that student literacy scores have increased considerably. We will not argue that fact; however, that spending $1.3 million to increase literacy scores seems like a high price for taxpayer dollars.

In sum, we come to make a formal request to the Board, to direct the appropriate staff from the ACCD to work closely with Alamo WorkSource to identify funds and provide these students with a nine-month training extension that would include a cost of living stipend for the students to use while in training.

Ms. Cruz also stated that SAC has offered an extension until January 7, which is not sufficient time because the holidays are approaching. With the lack of adequate training, it is important to come to the Board to inform them about the circumstances these students have experienced. Chairman Conner and Trustee McClendon asked if a formal grievance has been filed. Dr. Hoy stated that they have been meeting with the students, but have not received individual grievances that request attention to specific issues. The general issues have been discussed with the students. Trustee Dr. Sprague stated that the students are

asking and advocating for assistance, and requesting the Board listen to the needs of the program, and he has no objection to listening to any concerns. There was no objection by the Board to continue listening to the concerns.

Ms. Carmen Garcia, pharmaceutical technical student at SAC, pleaded for support in extending the pharmaceutical technology program. They have had four separate instructors in four separate classrooms. The classmates are asking for assistance, because they feel they have not received fair treatment. Thank you.

Maria Berriozabal spoke in support of these women and others that she has come to know since 2004. She served on the city council in 1990 when the first Levi plant closed, and experienced the process with constituents who had a difficult time dealing with the programs set up to retrain them. She has attended some of the classes, and has served as a motivational speaker to these students. She informed the Board, that on a policy level, they need to get involved in how the ACCD is going to continue to respond to the increased number of displaced workers that San Antonio will have. The jobs held at companies that are moving are held by people with limited education and many are monolingual in Spanish. For each displaced person, there is family that will be left in limbo. She has seen differences in how the programs are administered at Southwest Campus, as opposed to San Antonio College. There needs to be uniform policy, the board should get involved, and we as a City need to ask a question: What is our responsibility to each of the workers, because there will be more? She suggested that the ACCD work with the City and perhaps speak with the Mayor, city council members, the county, and the State to see if more resources can be allocated from other sources. Ms. Berriozabal stated that much of what she has heard is the lack of respect these students have endured. It does not cost any money to respect people, particularly when they are victims of policies that we ourselves in this country have created.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Chairman Conner announced that the meeting would adjourn into Executive Session under the statutes providing for such Executive Session at 6:46 p.m.

RECONVENE OPEN MEETING

Vice Chairman Zárate reconvened the meeting into Open Session on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 7:42 p.m.

INVOCATION

The invocation was given by Mr. Alex Bernal, Chairman of the English Department at San Antonio College.

MEMORIAL

Dr. Derrico announced the recent passing of a former faculty member.

Employee Department Service Years
Walton G. Crozier Professor, Biology Department, SAC 1973-1990

RECOGNITION OF SPECIAL GUESTS, FACULTY AND STAFF

Dr. Lanier Byrd recognized Maria Andrews, October 2005 District-Wide Employee of the Month. She has been with the Alamo Community College District for nine years. She is currently a Kinesiology Department Assistant at St. Philip’s College.

She was recognized for her dedication, dependability, professionalism, impeccable work ethic, and keen sense of responsibility to her students and department. Maria is the first in her family to graduate from college, earning an Associate of Arts degree in Kinesiology from St. Philip’s College, a Bachelor’s degree in Health from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and a Master’s degree in Health Administration from Webster University. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Webster.

1. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING ON AUGUST 15, 2005

On a motion by Trustee Beitzel, seconded by Trustee Dr. Weiner, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The minutes of the Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District held on August 15, 2005 are hereby approved.”

2. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2005

On a motion by Trustee Dr. Weiner, seconded by Trustee Dr. Sprague, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District held on September 1, 2005 are hereby approved.”

3. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2005

On a motion by Trustee Beitzel, seconded by Trustee McClendon, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The minutes of the Special Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District held on September 13, 2005 are hereby approved.”

4. REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

On a motion by Trustee McClendon, seconded by Trustee Beitzel, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District held on September 20, 2005 are hereby approved.”

5. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

On a motion by Trustee McClendon, seconded by Trustee Beitzel, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The minutes of the Special Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District held on September 20, 2005 are hereby approved.”

6. SPECIAL BOARD MEETING SEPTEMBER 27, 2005

On a motion by Trustee Dr. Sprague, seconded by Trustee Dr. Weiner, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The minutes of the Special Board Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District held on September 27, 2005 are hereby approved.”

7. ETHICS HOTLINE SUMMARY ACTIVITY REPORT

Carol Riley presented the ACCD Ethics Hotline Summary Activity Report. The Hotline Vendor, Ethicspoints, is in the process of translating all components of the internet reporting site into Spanish, and the ACCD Ethics website hotline instructions have been translated into Spanish by the San Antonio College Foreign Languages department. These instructions will be posted simultaneously with the Spanish components of the Ethicspoint reporting system. Mrs. Riley thanked the staff at San Antonio College for their assistance.

8. MONTHLY REPORTS OF THE VICE CHANCELLORS, COLLEGE PRESIDENTS, DISTRICT DIRECTORS, AND GENERAL COUNSEL MONTHLY REPORTS

Dr. Derrico presented the monthly reports of the Vice Chancellors, College Presidents, District Directors, and General Counsel. Trustee Zárate stated that the total amount of Hurricane Katrina victims served was approximately 700 and commended the employees for their contributions. He also commended the employees for their contributions in assisting in the Toyota assessments. Trustee Dr. Sprague stated that we need to inform the public of the excellent work the Alamo Community College District is doing with the community. Trustee Beitzel stated that the reports have been helpful in seeing what is going on at the colleges and district departments. Trustee McClendon asked if ACCD is listing its position vacancies with Alamo WorkSource. Mr. Guzman stated that they have been listed, but not on a continuous basis.

9. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS – STRATEGIES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

San Antonio College
Emma L. Mendiola presented an overview of the Strategies for Success program which assists students who are struggling academically to improve their grades and remain in college. The program provides counseling sessions and intensive, counseling-based classroom instruction to students who have been placed on scholastic probation. Sixty-two percent of the students who have completed the program have continued their enrollment into the subsequent semesters.

10. COMMITTEE ACTION ON PENDING LITIGATION CASES, IF ANY, RELATING TO WILLIAM MILLER VS. ACCD; ANGELA CAMPOS VS. ACCD; HOWARD CROWELL ET AL. VS. ACCD; BROWNING CONSTRUCTION VS. ACCD; JANETTE GRANT VS. ACCD; DELIA JOSEPH VS. ACCD; ARTURO HERNANDEZ VS. ACCD.

This item was pulled from the agenda.

11. COMMITTEE ACTION ON EEOC CASES, IF ANY, RELATING TO PENDING CHARGES OF DISCRIMINATION LODGED WITH THE U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION BY THE FOLLOWING PAST AND PRESENT ACCD EMPLOYEES: JUAN ALVARADO, HENRIETTA ANDRADE, STEVE CHELEWSKI, DUANE F. CONLEY, LARRY EDMOND, JOAN FABIAN, THERESA MARTINEZ FAYETTE, SALLY HOPPSTETTER, DELIA JOSEPH, KAREN MARCOTTE, DEBRA SANCHEZ, PHILLIP C. SHANNON AND CHERYL WILLIAMS.

This item was pulled from the agenda.

12. TRAVEL REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRUSTEE GARY BEITZEL

On a motion by Trustee McClendon, seconded by Trustee Dr. Sprague, and by majority vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The Board of Trustees of the Alamo Community College District approves the reimbursement for taxi expenses in the amount of $44.00 for Gary Beitzel.”

13. FINANCIAL REPORTS (PRELIMINARY CLOSING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2004-2005)

Dr. Derrico will submit an executive summary explaining projected revenues/expenses and actual revenues/expenses.

On a motion by Trustee Beitzel, seconded by Trustee McClendon, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“These financial reports are hereby accepted as presented.”

14. APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA OF THE REGULAR BOARD MEETING ON OCTOBER 18, 2005

On a motion by Trustee Beitzel, seconded by Trustee Dr. Sprague, and by unanimous vote of the Board, the following minute order was adopted:

“The Consent Agenda for the Regular Board Meeting of the Alamo Community College District Board of Trustees held on October 18, 2005 is hereby approved.”

Agenda Items Include: *15, *16, *17, *18, *19, *20, *21, *22, *23, & *24.

15. APPOINTMENT OF FULL-TIME, ADJUNCT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION FACULTY AT THE COLLEGES OF THE ACCD

“Election of full-time faculty for 2005-2006 academic year as submitted by the Presidents of the Alamo Community College District and shown on the attached list(s), is hereby approved.

The appointment of adjunct and continuing education faculty is submitted by the College Presidents and shown on List No. 2 for the 2005-06 year is hereby approved. Further Board action will not be required for these persons to teach in the indicated disciplines. Employment of adjunct and continuing education faculty is contingent upon the instructional needs of the college.”

16. MONTHLY REPORT ON COOPERATIVE PURCHASES IN EXCESS OF $50,000.00

“The cooperative purchase report for September 2005 is hereby accepted.”

17. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON BIDS FOR SUPPLEMENTAL HVAC UNITS FOR LABORATORY STORAGE ROOMS, PALO ALTO COLLEGE, FOR THE ACCD FACILITIES DEPARTMENT (BID NO. 06M-010).

“Based on bids received October 4, 2005, the contract is awarded to TDIndustries, Ltd. of San Antonio, Texas, submitting the low base bid of $47,775.00 for Supplemental HVAC Units for Laboratory Storage Rooms, Palo Alto College, for the ACCD Facilities Department (Bid No. 06M-010). A 5% contingency ($2,389.00) is also approved.”

18. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON DISTRICT-WIDE SEAL COATING ASPHALT REPAIRS & OVERLAY OF PARKING LOTS FOR THE ACCD FACILITIES DEPARTMENT (BID NO. 06M-009).

“Based on bids received October 4, 2005, the contract is awarded to Basic Essentials Maintenance Inc. of San Antonio, Texas, submitting the low base bid plus alternates 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of $228,628.84 for the District-wide Seal Coating Asphalt Repairs & Overlay of Parking Lots, for the ACCD Facilities Department (Bid No. 06M-009). A 10% contingency ($22,863.00) is also approved.”

19. MONTHLY REPORT ON FINANCIAL STATUS OF 2004 MAINTENANCE TAX NOTES

This is an informational item on the Financial Status of 2004 Maintenance Tax Notes.

20. MONTHLY REPORT ON STATUS OF PROJECTS FUNDED BY 2004 MAINTENANCE TAX NOTES

This is an informational item on the Status of Projects Funded by 2004 Maintenance Tax Notes.

21. MONTHLY REPORT ON STATUS OF NORTHEAST COLLEGE TAX REVENUE SET-ASIDE

This is an informational item on the Status of Northeast College Tax Revenue Set-Aside.

22. MONTHLY REPORT ON STATUS OF 2001, 2003 AND 2004 BOND CONSTRUCTION FUNDS

This is an informational item on the Status of 2001, 2003, and 2004 Bond Construction Funds.

23. APPROVAL AND RATIFICATION OF BUDGET AMENDMENT REPORT AND BUDGET TRANSFER REPORT

“Budget transfers and/or amendments as they appear on the Budget Amendment Report and Budget Transfer Report are hereby approved.”

24. REQUEST FOR ACCEPTANCE OF PRIVATE GIFTS, NON-GOVERNMENT GRANTS AND GOVERNMENT GRANTS TO THE ALAMO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT

“The Alamo Community College District Board of Trustees hereby accepts the non-governmental gifts and grants (private and public) made to the Alamo Community College District as of SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 through SEPTEMBER 30, 2005.”

SETTING OF NEXT MEETING

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees in scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2005, at the George E. Killen Community and Education Service Center, 101 Community Meeting Room, 201 W. Sheridan.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.

Approved for submission to the Board:

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Dr. Daniel R. Derrico
Acting Chancellor

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Prepared by:
Sandra T. Mora
Administrative Assistant