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00:00:00 In this section, the president of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees calls the business meeting to order and conducts a roll call. She also reads a statement regarding their policy on removing disruptive attendees during meetings. The board then approves the agenda, minutes from past meetings, and a special board meeting for trustee vacancy interviews. The meeting proceeds with routine business proceedings.
00:05:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board meeting, two speakers addressed the board regarding their opposition to the adoption of the clinics for the March 22nd special meeting. One speaker, Mr. Petzold, raised concerns about the board’s secret votes and lack of decorum during the meeting, while another speaker requested a revision to the meeting minutes to ensure accuracy and transparency. Both speakers emphasized the need for the board to follow proper government code and procedures.
00:10:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board Meeting, a trustee expresses confusion over the voting process during trustee vacancy interviews. They suggest that criteria for appointing trustees should be attached to meeting minutes, even if established in prior meetings. The board approves the minutes from the previous meeting and allows public comments on non-agenda items, during which a community member expresses concern over a scheduled speaker’s political affiliations and beliefs.
00:15:00 In this section, two speakers express their strong opposition to the choice of Angela Davis as a speaker for the Santa Clarita Community College District. One speaker accuses her of being “adverse to the police force” and “speaking at Communist party organization[s],” while the other, a district safety officer, criticizes the lack of diversity of thought on campus and the invitation of someone who he believes supports the targeting of police officers and white people. Both express their disappointment that a prominent conservative figure has never been invited to speak on campus.
00:20:00 In this section, a speaker addresses the Santa Clarita Community College District Board about possible modifications to comply with the Brown Act, specifically regarding the board’s policy on responding to comments made regarding topics not on the official agenda. The speaker notes an exception in the Brown Act that allows a board member or staff to briefly respond to a public comment, ask a clarifying question, make their own brief announcement or report, refer to staff for facts, ask staff to report back, or ask to place an item on the agenda. The speaker also requests the board to reinstate the right of the public to speak during meetings, whether in person or via Zoom, and eliminate the requirement of written comments submitted in advance of the meeting. Another speaker asks Mr. Danielson to resign from his position as a board trustee, citing the board’s failure to conduct a legal reading and holding a series of provisional votes in secret, among other issues.
00:25:00 In this section, a board member accuses another member of accepting $37,000 from the College of the Canyons faculty association for their campaign in 2020, causing unfairness to other applicants. The member is also criticized for not speaking up for minority and underrepresented applicants. The agenda moves on to the consent calendar, but some items are pulled for comments or questions, with concerns raised over the number of ratifications rather than approvals.
00:30:00 In this section, a Santa Clarita Community College District board member raises questions about multiple dates listed in two different agreements related to the economic development of Google. There is confusion about whether the board is approving or ratifying the contracts, and the member clarifies that they are ratifying the agreements. There is also discussion about a third agreement related to offering classes at the Sheriff’s Detention Center, which the board is approving after the classes have already started, leading to some concerns.
00:35:00 In this section, a board member expressed concerns about class offerings and dates in the consent calendar but was assured that they were already operational and covered by a previous amendment. Another member pulled item 2.23 about rescinding the emergency conditions declaration due to the threat of COVID-19 for a separate vote. The board then proceeded with an oral report on the Personnel schedule and approved the consent calendar for all items except for 2.23.
00:40:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board Meeting, a motion was made to rescind a resolution declaring emergency conditions due to the threat of Covid-19 and to rescind the emergency Authority granted to the chancellor. The board then moved on to campus reports, starting with a statement from the president of the academic Senate regarding the appropriateness and opportunity of having Dr. Angela Davis visit their campus. The Senate President urged the community to consider and understand the fact that the college is an exemplar of objectivity and balance in how it presents its curriculum and subject matter to students and the community. They also emphasized the importance of offering diverse educational and ideological viewpoints, which has been a tradition at the college for over 20 years. Following this, the classified Senate reported on their busy month and their concerns about the district’s ability to absorb and institutionalize funding for programs like Canyons Affairs that were created under the initial Guided Pathways Grant.
00:45:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board Meeting, the board discusses the need to preserve the work and momentum that has been started, and potentially advocating together at the state level to raise funds. There was also a financial literacy event hosted by the Classified Senate in which students and staff participated. A future event will involve a presentation and Town Hall dialogue with Dr. Rice on student housing. Jason Bergdorfer, the College of the Canyons faculty association president, expresses excitement about the college committing to hiring a large number of full-time faculty for the fall.
00:50:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board Meeting, the new CSEA president Andre Varney discussed various topics, including negotiations and campus safety. He emphasized the need to include all employee groups in discussions regarding campus housing, campus safety, and the Clery Act recordings. Additionally, he encouraged the district to bring back the classified staffing committee to address the need for more custodial staff, specifically for the new building in Canyon Country. Varney expressed his gratitude to Dr. Medlin, Dr. Rice, and his boss for allowing him to transition back to working on campus after two years of remote work.
00:55:00 In this section, Dr. Omar provides an update on the expansion of dual enrollment, which is a focus for the incoming State Chancellor, Governor Newsom, and their Chancellor. The recent signing of ab102 allows for the extension of dual enrollment from charter schools and county offices of education. The district is asking the board to approve new partnerships and relationships to expand their capacity through dual enrollment. The board recognizes the hard work of Business Services in mobilizing contracts to make this possible. The meeting moves on to the ratification of budget transfers and monthly financial reporting, where it is mentioned that there are some savings in various categories that are due to vacancies yet to be filled, and the ending fund balance percentage is higher.
01:00:00 In this section, the board discusses the college’s apportionment adjustment shortfall, which amounts to a net shortfall of $670,000 in apportionment revenues due to lower supplemental metrics for financial aid. They also mention receiving a timing transfer of indirect funds of $300,000, as well as projected savings of $2.6 million, increasing the fund balance percentage from 10.4% to 12.8%. The board members express concern over the overall funding of the state and possible future cuts, particularly as personal income tax revenues will be significantly affected after being delayed until October 16th, with the potential decline of capital gains from the stock market. However, the college’s CEO funding workgroup has suggested that a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) could be preserved despite limited funding for new initiatives.
01:05:00 In this section, the board reviews policies and procedures for second and first readings. Trustee McGregor moves to approve all board policies in section six, with Trustee Danielson seconding. They then move on to discuss the first reading of policies in section seven. Trustee McGregor asks a question about overlapping enrollments, and the board members provide clarification. They explain that overlapping enrollments may occur due to class schedules or TBA hours but that it doesn’t affect many students. Title Five require the policy.
01:10:00 In this section, the Santa Clarita Community College District board of trustees approves the motion to repeal the attendance policy and administrative procedures. The board also discusses a suggestion to require instructors to accommodate students who file an IEP form before an event, and although the district strongly encourages it, it is not required. The idea is left to be discussed further with the academic Senate policy committee, with the possibility of strengthening the wording to put more responsibility and consideration onto the table.
01:15:00 In this section of the board meeting, the Board approves the policy for early or late test requests, with some concerns raised by faculty members. They also approve candidates for the 2023 elections to the California Community College post-trustee board of directors and approve several resolutions for certification of signatures and changes in the Associated Student Government. Trustee McGregor moves for the approval of resolution number 2022-23-17 certification for 18. The motion carries for all items.
01:20:00 In this section of the board meeting, a resolution is discussed regarding the supportive protection of lifelong learning and self-development programs for California community colleges. The board member expresses their support for the resolution and mentions the concerns for the potential loss of these programs. The topic is expected to be a part of a May trustee conference and a related bill, AB 1111, is also mentioned. Another board member adds their support for common course numbering but disagrees with dictating the number of units. The discussion moves on to an update on legislation, regulations, and Board of Governors activities.
01:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses various bills that are being heard in the assembly higher education committee, including bills on student housing exemptions, athlete protection, part-time faculty compensation, and attendance accounting for career development classes. The discussion also touches upon the statewide facilities bond, potential changes to language and impacts of the economic and workforce development program, and the expansion of the number of times that students can repeat a course. The bills are awaiting hearings or being discussed behind the scenes; some have significant costs estimated by the chancellor. The deadline for appropriations bills is May 19th.
01:30:00 In this section, the speaker discusses various bills in the California community college system, including establishing a mental health hotline, ensuring students are aware of tuition waivers, and bringing Cal Grants into consistency with federal standards. A question from a board member is addressed regarding a bill that allows students to repeat courses up to three times. The liaison to the foundation reports on their commitment to the college, and the Chancellor’s report includes a discussion about the beauty of poppy fields in Antelope Valley.
01:35:00 In this section, the board discusses recent events and accomplishments, including the Athletic Hall of Fame event which honored several teams and individuals. The event had a different format that students seemed to enjoy, and the continuation of Athletics was updated. The board also recognizes the success of the Future Business Leaders of America conference, which saw COC students bring home numerous awards. Additionally, the board salutes the ESL graduates and their program, which has been helping students for over 20 years. Finally, a note was received from a proud mother about their son’s accomplishments, graduating from Berkeley and being accepted into the Master’s biomedical engineering program at UCLA, with the help of AOC.
01:40:00 In this section, the speaker highlights various initiatives and events that took place across the campuses, including the recognition of being a voter-friendly campus, the launch of a new Northrop Grumman program to train engineers, and the Women’s Conference which featured notable speakers and breakout sessions. Additionally, they recognize the efforts of those who received awards and attended advocacy and policy conferences and the success of hosting Discover Day which brought in over 500 students. The speaker also mentions the support received from Antelope Valley College and the partnership with the city of Hawthorne for bringing in three black women to serve on their city council.
01:45:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board Meeting, the board members discuss various events happening at the college. They talk about a successful virtual student housing tour that had a wealth of knowledge on student housing from expert staff. The board also mentions an upcoming event, the Civic Dialogues, along with a deep dive session on Friday from 12 to 2, focusing on integrating a Civic professional perspective in project-based learning. Lastly, the board members mention the New Foundation event, the first annual basketball tournament COC Foundation alumni committee is hosting at the Valencia campus, and the mixer at Canning Country that the chamber had agreed to work with.
01:50:00 In this section mentions various upcoming events and celebrations at the College of the Canyons. There will be a job fair at the Valencia campus, an international Animation Festival with entries from students across 80 countries, and a classified appreciation week with a pancake-making event at the Canyon Country campus. Nominations for classified staff awards are due soon, and a transfer celebration will be at the Mesa Science Center. Additionally, there will be a poppy exhibit since this is the season for poppies.
01:55:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board Meeting, several of the trustees welcome newly joined Jerry Danielson and express their support for him. Trustee McGregor reflects on the recent speaking engagement controversy and expresses her belief in academic freedom and the need to review policies on using the Performing Arts Center. She also suggests updating trustee contact information cards and discusses her plans to attend an upcoming joint meeting with K-12 superintendents.
02:00:00 In this section of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board meeting, the board discusses the need for a policy on approving contracts for performances at the Performing Arts Center, including who is invited, who pays for it, and other logistics. Some donors have expressed hesitation to donate due to recent controversy, but the board acknowledges that different opinions among members and invited speakers are normal for a college campus. The conversation is centered around improving the decision-making process and having a clear understanding of who is authorized to make decisions. The board also noted that the controversy has garnered a lot of attention on social media.
02:05:00 In this section, a board member discusses the importance of presenting all perspectives in higher education and allowing students to choose freely what they want to stand for. The board member also acknowledges the difficulty in finding someone to present the opposing view, but believes that it is achievable by finding people from different bodies of political thought. Additionally, the board member comments on the importance of being informed and the sharing of information in a timely manner, particularly with regards to the recent grant money and diversity. Finally, the board member expresses concerns over unfair and derogatory comments made at city council meetings, particularly for those who may not know the history or the truth behind the statements.
02:10:00 In this section of the transcript, speakers at the Santa Clarita Community College District Board Meeting express their concerns over the negative publicity around the college and the lack of transparency. Some trustees suggest inviting conservative speakers to the campus to balance out the liberal education perspective. Rusty Lyon expresses that education is a liberal institution but there should be a balance of perspectives invited to speak. Other trustees mention their attendance at various college events and conferences. One trustee praises Dr. Rice for submitting a question at a Women’s Conference, which sparked informative and thought-provoking discussion.
02:15:00 In this section, the board members discuss recent events such as a luncheon honoring past students and a meeting with the new assembly woman. They also address the controversy surrounding Angela Davis being invited to speak at the institution, with one member expressing their personal dislike but ultimately supporting the exposure of different viewpoints in the name of education. The board also discusses the need to review policies and implementation processes for grant money expenditures. There is a desire to receive more comprehensive updates from the vice presidents of student services and facilities and from the Chancellor’s report.
02:20:00 In this section, the Santa Clarita Community College District Board discusses the importance of staying informed on what is happening within student services and facilities. They suggest having informational items once a semester to update the board on what is new and upcoming in various areas. They also discuss the challenges of sending out board updates and the importance of being aware of areas of initiatives being pursued on campus. The board also announces their next meeting for self-evaluation purposes.