Weekly News Brief | December 9, 2022
From the Office of Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.

Earlier this morning, I sent an email to all classified and confidential staff regarding the completion of the Beyond the Blueprint plan for a gradual return to on-site operations and launch of the new Telecommuting Agreement process. We've learned much through the pandemic about the changing nature of teaching and learning. These lessons have revealed both strengths and weaknesses in engagement from a distance.

While technology means we can do many things from home, serving our students in the most efficient and effective way often means being in person. This is in addition to the collegiality and creativity that face-to-face communication supports. That balance will be something for Human Resources and managers to work through with classified and confidential staff.

I believe strongly in participatory governance, and I have been so pleased to see the District Consultation Council and other broadly representative groups engage in true dialogue. We are all better for the experience when we share our perspectives openly and honestly while listening to others with the goal of understanding. That does not mean we always agree, or that the result is our preferred outcome, yet if we strive to understand we can often find a better way forward together.

I hope those engaged in the process felt the value of your involvement. It is my intention to continue moving forward in this way. As always, the conversation continues.

With gratitude,

 Whitney

Whitney Yamamura, Ed.D.
Chancellor

Report from the Board of Trustees

On Wednesday, December 7, the Board of Trustees met and accepted retirements from employees with more than ten years of service, honoring Jorge Sanchez, maintenance specialist team lead, OCC, and Jane Burton, manager of board support services and board secretary. Trustees thanked the retirees for their dedicated service. Trustees further shared memories of working with Jane in her many roles in support of the Board and District. Trustee John Hanna of the Rancho Santiago Community College District conducted a ceremonial oath of office for Trustee Jim Moreno in the presence of family and friends. Trustee Moreno's reelection to a new four-year term was certified on December 5, 2022. Trustee Moreno reflected on the importance of education and public service, stating "our nation's strength begins with education." A brief reception was held for the retirees and Trustee Moreno.

Chancellor Whitney Yamamura, Vice Chancellor Marco Baeza, and Vice Chancellor Marlene Drinkwine presented a follow-up report on where the Coast District stands in terms of fiscal stability relative to peer districts. The presentation provided broad overviews of negotiation methodologies used by other districts, reflection on the 85 percent salaries and benefits guiding principle, and updated fiscal projections (offering a most likely scenario, optimistic scenario, and pessimistic scenario). Matters were covered broadly to establish a common baseline of information. Key observances were that opportunities remain to identify incremental cost constraints; all fiscal projections (most likely, optimistic, pessimistic) anticipate a structural deficit in 2025-26; alternative allocation models exist to allow for a slowing of expenditure growth; and that alternative models could still provide opportunity for salary and benefit improvements when there is no longer state-funded COLA beginning 2025-26.

Additionally, the Board ratified the Districtwide Strategic Technology Plan 2022-25. Director of Internal Auditor Rachel Snell presented a fourth quarter report on projects in process. Trustees expressed appreciation for Director Snell and the work of the Coast District in responding to audit requests. Geoff Kischuk from Total Compensation Systems, Inc., in conjunction with Vice Chancellor Drinkwine, presented the Coast Community College District Actuarial Study of Retiree Health Liabilities. Vice Chancellor Drinkwine further provided a Financial Status Report for the first quarter ending September 30, 2022, to be delivered to the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

Consistent with Senate Bill 367, the Board directed staff that Student Health Centers apply to use the statewide standing order issued by the California Public Health Officer to distribute dosages of a federally approved opioid overdose reversal medication and participate in the Naloxone Distribution Project administered by the California Department of Health Care Services – with related preventative information to be made available during student orientations. This is in addition to existing availability of opioid overdose reversal medication through college public safety.

The Board adjourned in memory of Marion Parker, mother-in-law to Trustee Elizabeth Dorn Parker; Elizabeth Patsy Blunt, sister to Vice Chancellor Marlene Drinkwine; and Evelyn Hart, community leader and friend of the district – who served on the Citizens' Oversight Committee for Measure C and Measure M.

Organizational Meeting
The Board will meet today, Friday, December 9,at 2 p.m. to decide on officers and committee assignments. Trustee Elizabeth Dorn Parker will be sworn in for her first full term of office.

College News

Schedule, Week of December 12

Chancellor
Dr. Yamamura is in the District, Monday through Friday