The LACCD Board of Trustees had their regular meeting on Nov. 6. which opened with a moment of silence for Los Angeles Trade Technical College Professor Paulette Bailey, who had recently passed on Oct. 28.
Board President Nichelle Henderson began the meeting with her condolences for Professor Bailey.
“Paulette Bailey was a compassionate, caring professor who left an indelible mark on her students who loved her immensely,” Henderson said. “She often opened her computer lab as a supportive space for students facing financial and technological challenges, offering one-on-one assistance and a welcoming place to learn.”
This was the first meeting of the board since the recent trustee elections, and members Kelsey K. Iino, Nichelle Henderson, Andra Hoffman and David Vela were recently reelected. Newly-appointed Interim Chancellor Albert J. Roman was also present at the meeting and was welcomed by his peers.
Roman addressed the meeting by discussing his appreciation for being chosen for this role as well as his readiness to do his part as chancellor.
“I am humbled by this opportunity to be your interim chancellor as you search for your new permanent chancellor,” Roman said. “Thank you so much for the vote of confidence in looking forward to working with all of you, first and foremost for the interest of our students.”.
Christian Ozan of SEIU Local 99 was present at the meeting and brought up the issue of workplace violence. On Oct 15 at Santa Monica College, there was a workplace incident, which ultimately led to the death of an employee, Felicia Hudson. Ozan gave her condolences to the family of the victim and brought attention to the issue of harassment.
“Although Santa Monica College is not part of our district, it’s still considered one of our sister community colleges outside this district,” Ozan said.. “My point is, constantly concerns are being brought to my attention by the members regarding being harassed, bullied and approached unprofessionally by their supervisor. Often, it’s the same supervisors creating the problems that make the workplace a toxic work environment for our members.”
Ozan called upon the Board of Trustees to have employees be held to a higher standard to also help address these issues in which she has received complaints.
“This is supposed to be someone who is representing the district in a leadership capacity,” Ozan said. “The supervisors are supposed to be held to a much higher standard, especially when it comes to professionalism in the workplace and dealing with employees.”.
Pierce College was also recognized at the Board meeting, as some Native American artifacts had been found on the college and have since been returned to their tribal owners as officially stated by the Board of Trustees.
Board of Trustees President Nichelle Henderson stated that the Board approved the repatriation of some artifacts that were discovered by LA Pierce College faculty and students from the Totawiam people.
“It was a process, it was wonderful they were recovered but now they are going back to their rightful owners,” Henderson said.
According to the Board’s Chancellor Report, enrollment in the LACCD is up by 7%, with headcount up by 4%.
Interim Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Burke stated that the enrollment by age group in under 20 through age 34 is up in each category.
“Some of the downward trends are in the older adult categories,” Burke said. “The one thing you may notice is the drop in first-time students, which is 10%.”