Prospector

Issue date: 2/8/10 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Frankie Hodge The board hears concerns over the chancellor's raise.

In front of a small (perhaps intentionally) audience, the Yuba College Governing Board met on Wednesday, February 3rd at 1:30 p.m. The meeting was held in the Board's regular meeting room which limited the number of people who could be present or participate in the meeting. The advance interest in the meeting suggests that a relocation of the meeting would have been considered as a prudent necessity for openness and accommodation to the interested parties.

The events of the preceding two weeks and the interest they have generated, brought a number of news media persons from as far away as Chico and Sacramento, in addition to the Appeal Democrat, and our very own Prospector staff members. The media attempted to crowd together - standing - at the ends of the room to allow more persons to be seated in the limited gallery seats available.

Many students, staff, and faculty remained standing in the hallway attempting to hear the proceedings taking place in the room.

Trustee George Nicholau "attended" the meeting via telephone from LaQuinta, CA, pursuant to Govt. Code section 54953. Trustee Ben Pearson was absent from the meeting. Trustees Xavier Tafoya, Brent Hastey, Alan Flory, Leela Rai, and Chairman Jim Buchan, along with Student Stephen Frothingham were present on campus for the "Special Meeting".

There were two Action Items on the Agenda:

1. "Rescinding of Board Action Regarding Chancellor Compensation"

a. The Board "will consider rescinding the action taken at its January 20, 2010, Board meeting, when the Board extended the Chancellor's contract and set a new salary."

2. Appointment of District Negotiator.

The Board did point out that their action to "Rescind" the salary action was because of the "public perception" that they were guilty of "Brown Act violations" and NOT because of any belief that their original action was a mistake or needed to be rescinded. During the Public Comment period and discussions between the audience and the Board, it was evident that the majority of the Board was still of the opinion that the "raise" is "deserved" and "necessary" - even "essential" in the words of one member.

Several speakers were recognized to present the points of view of the students, classified staff, and faculty members. They included, student Jeanie Schumacher, CSEA President Teresa Dorantes-Basile, and YCFA President Lisa Jensen-Martin.

Continued...

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