Board Goals and Priorities

2024 - 2026 SCCCD Trustee Goals and Priorities

(Adopted at the September 3, 2024 Board of Trustees Regular Meeting)

Goal 1: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

Advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the district through implementing clear policies, innovative hiring practices, comprehensive training, inclusive spaces, and data-driven decision-making, to foster an environment where all students and employees can thrive and succeed.

Goal 2: State Center Community College District Employee Environment Priorities:

Create an exemplary work environment that values and respects all employees by implementing competitive pay structures, investing in professional development, and establishing policies that promote work-life balance, inclusivity, and career growth.

Goal 3: Fiscal Integrity and Stability Priorities:

Ensure the institution's long-term fiscal health and stability through regular responsible financial management and transparent oversight.

Goal 4: Board Development Priorities:

SCCCD Board of Trustees will become a model of effective board governance by continuing to seek professional development and member certification from The Community College League of California.

Goal 5: Community Connection and Service Priorities:

SCCCD will strengthen its community connections and partnerships to enhance educational opportunities, workforce development, and institutional support.

Goal 1: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

Priority:

The SCCCD Board will advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility the district through implementing clear policies, innovative hiring practices, comprehensive training, inclusive spaces, and data-driven decision-making, to foster an environment where all students and employees can thrive and succeed.

Strategies:

Prioritize the focus and support for the district KPI, DEIA and accreditation efforts by adopting a Goal of “advocacy for the District.”
Develop a board statement on its commitment to its role related to leadership and support of district-wide and college initiatives.
Hold board study sessions on matters related to student success.
Review hiring policies to ensure policies support and drive fair, effective, and innovative hiring practices to diversify the workforce.
Adopt a policy related to student participation in the hiring process to support student enfranchisement, engagement, and success.
Review board policy 7100 and clarify, the explicit connection of a diverse workforce to student success and the accomplishment of the district, mission, vision, values, and Goals. Include the expectation that the hiring processes will result in hiring an excellent and diverse workforce.
Regularly review Mission, Vision, and Values to ensure they best reflect SCCCD’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Goal 2: State Center Community College District Employee Environment Priorities:

Goal/Priority:

The SCCCD will create an exemplary work environment that values and respects all employees by implementing competitive pay structures, investing in professional development, and establishing policies that promote work-life balance, inclusivity, and career growth.

Strategies

Demonstrate commitment to supporting SCCCD workforce wellbeing. Review competitive pay for all employees.
Develop a policy that supports faculty proficiency in multiple modes of instructional delivery.
Promote and support District’s efforts to nurture an equitable environment where all employees can thrive.
Create policies that support the creation of spaces that address multicultural needs, including reflection rooms, multicultural social justice centers, accessible technology, and sign language interpreters
Integrate DEIA professional development into onboarding and safe space training for employees

Goal 3: Fiscal Integrity and Stability Priorities:

Priority:

Ensure the institution's long-term fiscal health and stability through regular responsible financial management and transparent oversight.

Strategies

Monitor the financial health and stability of the district.
Prioritize the adoption and implementation of the district’s Emergency Conditions Recovery Plan efforts.
Assess ways to optimize equitably funding all SCCCD colleges in order to best serve underserved and/or minoritized populations.
Adopt an updated SCCCD Resource Allocation Model to provide equitable allocation to the colleges and sites and to align with the parameters of the Student Success Funding Formula.
Adopt a values statement and/or policy to clarify allocation priorities to guide the district in a fiscal downturn.
Adopt fiscal policies that prioritize DEIA at all times including times of decreased funding/resources.
Ensure the district maintains a healthy reserve for economic uncertainties to safeguard against financial instability.
1. Establish a minimum reserve policy of 17%
2. Monitor and manage the actual reserve to ensure it remains in excess of the 17% policy.
Optimize Resource Allocation and Funding to equitable support all SCCCD sites
1. Adopt and refine an equitable Resource Allocation Model
2. Align the SCCCD allocation model with the Student Success Funding Formula
3. Integrate DEIA principles into fiscal policies, ensuring that financial decisions support a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Establish board policy that supports and incentivizes securing external funding and partnerships to support district initiatives and infrastructure projects.
Establish board policy to support the Foundation for innovation and other fiscal priorities that drive district growth and development.
Establish board policy to promote sustainability.
1. Promote water conservation efforts by reducing the number of fountains and increasing the use of desert landscapes.
2. Promote efficiency in facilities usage across the district to optimize space and reduce operational costs.
3. Promote water conservation
4. Support infrastructure upgrades to enhance energy efficiency and incorporate renewable energy options.
Establish a policy for SCCCD to adopt OER and Implement strategies to reduce the cost of textbooks for students, including the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER).
Develop a district-wide transportation plan to improve student access to campuses and ensure all facilities are accessible.
Ensure fiscal decisions align with SCCCD alignment with the district’s mission, vision, and values.
1. Utilize data to inform fiscal decisions,
2. Require frequent and transparent reporting to the Board of Trustees on financial health, budget status, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Strike a balance between maintaining fiscal stability and investing in human capital, including competitive pay and professional development for employees.
Develop and implement contingency plans to manage financial downturns, prioritize student needs and avoid layoffs.
Prioritize the repair and upgrading of infrastructure to ensure long-term sustainability and efficiency.

Goal 4: Board Development Priorities:

Priority:

SCCCD Board of Trustees will become a model of board effectiveness.

Strategies

Build Trustees' knowledge base and experiences to enhance leadership.
Evaluate the annual board planning and review evaluation outcomes to adjust as needed.
Develop a better collective understanding of students’ experiences, the institutional barriers that challenge their success, as well as systemwide reforms and potential solutions.
Focus on accreditation training and CCLC Excellence in Trustee Certification.
Support and promote the continuous improvement of the Trustee Onboarding Process, including the Student Trustee.
Continue board commitment to professional development – including ensuring that all board members complete and/or renew the CCLC Excellence in Trusteeship certification.
Provide structured student trustee mentoring to increase student trustee agency in serving as a trustee and to effectively participate in board deliberations.
Review Section 2 of the CCLC Trustee Handbook pertaining to student trustees. Conduct an audit of board processes to ensure student members understand their rights and responsibilities.
Create a Board of Trustees Resolutions Committee
Adopt policies to align the enfranchisement of the student trustee position with that of the elected board members including:
1. Financial support to attend state and local advocacy meetings.
2. Privileges/benefits consistent with that of elected board members (stipend, allowance, mileage)
3. Inclusion in print and digital publications, postings, and ceremonies where elected board members are included.
Prioritize professional development for board members to increase understanding of individual versus board authority.
Develop a board policy that defines “Communication by Governing Board Members with Staff” to be explicit that Board members will normally make requests for substantive information concerning College matters directly to the Chancellor and If the board members are approached by staff or community members, they will refer the matter to the Chancellor.
Prioritize professional development for board members to increase understanding of individual versus board authority.
Provide structured student trustee mentoring to increase student trustee agency in serving as a trustee and to effectively participate in board deliberations
Enhance DEIA awareness and education through multiple Board of Trustee study sessions on DEIA

Goal 5: Community Connection and Service Priorities:

Priority:

SCCCD will strengthen its community connections and partnerships to enhance educational opportunities, workforce development, and institutional support.

Strategies

Establish a policy to make Competency Based Education and Contract Education available to support credential completion and to support workforce/economic development in the region.
1. Implement and expand competency-based education programs to provide flexible learning options that meet the needs of diverse student populations.
Develop and promote contract education programs to meet the specific training needs of local businesses and industries
Build stronger community relations to encourage greater partnership opportunities and support for college programs and facilities.
Encourage the development of strategic planning that helps colleges work together to better serve the communities and address potential future enrollments in non-traditional populations.
Expand workforce development initiatives.
Review and update board values, policies, and commitment statements to ensure conditions exist to support collaborative partnership development by staff, with business, industry, state, regional, local, and national government.
Enhance Community Engagement and Visibility
1. Increase the board's presence and participation in community events such as Asian Fest, Earth Day, and mural unveilings at MCC.
2. Encourage more community input at board meetings to ensure decisions reflect community needs and perspectives.
3. Strengthen relationships with elected officials and community leaders to advocate for district priorities and initiatives.
Develop Strategic Partnerships
1. Establish and expand partnerships with Workforce Development Centers (WFC) and other industry partners to enhance job training and placement opportunities.
2. Engage in outside training and develop international partnerships to bring innovative practices and resources to the district.
3. Secure grants for agricultural technology projects, such as the F3 initiative, to support local industry needs.
Strengthen Board and Community Relations
1. Foster strong connections between the board and community members through regular engagement and communication.
2. Develop partnerships with community-based organizations and enterprises (CBOE) to support district initiatives and student success.
3. Align board actions and decisions with the district's strategic plan values to ensure consistency and focus on long-term goals.
Enhance internship opportunities and career center services to support student career readiness and job placement.