BOARD REPORT NOVEMBER 12, 2020 SPECIAL REPORT TO THE PUBLIC Trustee Maria Nieto Senour began the reports with statements pertaining to recent elections. She congratulated Trustees Bernie Rhinerson and Mary Graham on their re-election to the Board, indicating that this would continue the tradition of excellence and stability. She congratulated Trustee Sean Elo-Rivera on his election to the San Diego City Council, noting that this will also be a loss for the Board. Trustee Senour also commented that, even though ballots are still being counted in a few states, she is greatly encouraged by President-elect Joe Biden’s and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ groundbreaking win, and that she is looking forward to having First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, a community college professor, in a place of influence, along with the appointment of a new Secretary of Education. Trustee Sean Elo-Rivera indicated that this would be his last report and that he has mixed emotions as he leaves the Board to join the San Diego City Council. He said that he believes that education is impacted by what happens outside the classroom and that his service on the City Council would afford him the opportunity to help set public policy in important areas benefiting education. Trustee Elo-Rivera expressed his appreciation for his experience on the Board, especially working with his fellow Board members and Chancellor Carroll. Trustee Mary Graham expressed appreciation to the voters for her re-election to the Board. She said that she is also sad to see Trustee Sean Elo-Rivera leave the Board, but that she is eager to see what he will accomplish for youth and others while serving on the San Diego City Council. She thanked Mesa College Academic Senate President Manuel Velez for his comment regarding academic freedom in relation to proposed mandated curriculum for ethnic studies, and said that she would support a resolution for an ethnic studies graduation requirement if one were brought to the Board. She noted that given the serious division in the nation, everyone, especially educators, would need to be patient and work hard to help the country unite. Trustee Craig Milgrim reported that the get-out-the-vote movement was evident on both sides during the recent election, and that this was just the first step in an effort to reverse the problems of the past four years. He asked for all to make a commitment to continue to vote and exercise their franchise. Trustee Milgrim congratulated Trustees Mary Graham and Bernie Rhinerson on their re-election, and said that he has appreciated the advice and friendship they have provided. He said that he is proud of Trustee Sean Elo-Rivera for his grassroots campaign, and shared his appreciation for everything he’s done while serving on the Board. Concerning discussions of equity and inclusion efforts, Trustee Milgrim shared that racial and ethnic-based outreach efforts frequently do not include LGBTQ students and that it is important that LGBTQ students be included. Trustee Bernie Rhinerson thanked voters for re-electing him and Trustee Mary Graham to the Board, and that given current challenges, stable leadership is more important than ever. He said that he will miss Trustee Sean Elo-Rivera, but remarked that there now will be a supporter of community colleges on the San Diego City Council. He remarked that there is a lot of important work to be done and that he looks forward to what lies ahead. Chancellor Constance Carroll reported that there will be many positive changes as the result of the presidential election outcome. The incoming President-elect and Administration promise to strengthen funding for education in the wake of COVID-19, to institute policies and financial support benefiting students, and to continue to support DACA and other vulnerable categories of students. There is currently great interest nationally in who will be chosen for the post of Secretary of Education. The Chancellor also reported that she, Trustee Bernie Rhinerson, Mesa College President Pam Luster, and Communications Director Jack Beresford have just completed their meetings with legislators from San Diego regarding forthcoming legislation. Dr. Carroll indicated that the College Police Review Task Force has been meeting and is well on the way to shaping future recommendations regarding policy and practices. Miramar College President Wes Lundburg chairs the task force and Continuing Education Professor John Bromma serves as co-chair. Also, efforts are underway to strengthen the representation of noncredit students in the activities and reports of the student trustees. Student Trustee Taylor Carpenter thanked the Board for listening to the community in its open door sessions prior to the public Board meeting. She reported that City College is finding creative alternatives for students online and mentioned that students will continue to struggle through the pandemic, especially with the County’s recent move back to the COVID-19 purple tier and the tightening of restrictions that is required by this category. Student Trustee Carpenter reported that Miramar College is finalizing Associated Student Government (ASG) scholarships this week and recently hosted a live town hall on Zoom to address questions about online learning, and in the future plan to unify the student body through more virtual events. She reported that at Mesa College senators are working on projects for racial justice, Pathways, and the Mesa 2030 Plan, and that she is hopeful and appreciative of the support systems in place at the college. Additionally, Student Trustee Carpenter said that the student trustees are making an effort to be more inclusive of noncredit student voices and she provided an update that students celebrated Veterans Day by participating in the virtual Continuing Education event on November 10 and that students will participate in the “Tell Your Story Before They Do” President’s Town Hall virtual event on November 18.
The governing board of the San Diego Community College District is composed of 5 elected members and 1 student trustee position. The student trustee position is filled on a rotating basis. BOARD MEMBERS Sean Elo-Rivera, J.D. Mary Graham (Executive Vice President) Craig Milgrim Bernie Rhinerson Maria Nieto Senour, Ph.D. (President) CHANCELLOR Constance M. Carroll, Ph.D. (secretary to the board) STUDENT TRUSTEES Sanam Azai Taylor Carpenter Destiny Gallegos-Muñoz
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT 3375 CAMINO DEL RIO SOUTH SAN DIEGO, CA 92108-3883 (619) 388-6957
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