Fleming is clearly unprepared to guard the taxpayers’ substantial investment in Washtenaw Community College. Fleming has attempted to whitewash other Trustees’ inquiries regarding oversight of the Police Academy. (This list was last updated 9/2/2020 and reflects decisions taken through the 9/1/2020 delegate body meeting and the 8/20/2020 MI AFL-CIO general board meeting. Martin Thomas. Her attendance record at WCC Board Meetings was as follows: * Meeting notes are not available for the April 28, 2016 meeting. We’d be honored to have you on the team. View our full list of endorsers here. Additionally, she supported a $26M no-bid outsourcing contract for IT services, then used the opportunity to publicly insult the IT staff she just voted to terminate. She also attempted to write off a full-blown plan (complete with site information) for a hotel and conference center in the new, $225,000 Master Plan as “just a suggestion.”. She is unwilling to demand accountability from non-resident College administrators who do little more than dissipate our investment in career and technical education. Ruth Hatcher grew up on the south side of Chicago attending both the University of Chicago Lab School and Hyde Park HS. She does not ask questions and has approved every spending request since 2016. It will also require a lot of work, especially on WCC's part. In 2014, she was elected to the Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees for a six-year term beginning in January, 2015. Published in 2020 WCC Trustee Candidates, Board of Trustees, Christina Fleming, David DeVarti, IT Outsourcing, Martin Thomas, News, Ruth Hatcher, WCC Budget, WCC Conference Center and Hotel, WCC structural deficit and WCC Watch. Her overall meeting attendance record is 96.25%. 30th Circuit Court Judge. Because of her experience as technology professional, Fleming says she can help the board stay in front of changes in technology. DeVarti, Fleming and Hatcher each ran on a platform of bringing change to the board especially when it comes to the current communication problem between faculty and administration. We are hopeful that he will continue to be a rational voice on the BOT in a new term. Slightly more than a year later, WCC’s IT costs have exploded under the new managed services contract. During his interview, Mark expressed that the current board dynamics need to change and that he strongly supports the addition of more teachers to the BOT. The members are Board Chair Christina Fleming, Trustee Ruth Hatcher and Trustee Dave DeVarti. “Trustees are elected to represent the best interests of everyone in Washtenaw County. Washtenaw Community College was established in 1965, when Washtenaw County voters passed a millage to provide financial support for a countywide community college. You can learn more about the Trustees, view meeting schedules and agendas and documents and find a list of Board Policies with a click of your mouse. Ruth Hatcher’s institutional knowledge of the college is unparalleled. David Kartsonis candidate for El Camino Community College District Board of Trustees - Trustee Area 4. See a chart that indicates when each Dallas College board member’s term expires. The packet of materials for each Board Meeting is available 48 hours prior to the meeting and is accessible by clicking on the link below. Note: you can vote for up to THREE of the 4 candidates listed to fill 3 slots on the board. Christina Fleming. Analysis: Since 2015, all WCC Board members combined have missed 7.51% of the votes they could have cast, had they been present at the time of the vote. ( Log Out / DeVarti describes himself as a progressive political activist and finds the current Board of Trustees responsible for the current state of affairs at the college. Working as volunteers, board members are dedicated to the good of our community through committing time, energy, and personal resources to the work of the College. Academic Influence released its first-ever ranking of US community colleges, and WCC ranked near the bottom of community colleges in Michigan. She does not appear to exercise any authentic oversight or allegiance to the Washtenaw County taxpayers. Wanda Stokes. She attended Earlham College, a Quaker school in Indiana where she earned a B.A. The Board does travel to additional locations 1-2 times per year, including areas like the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center, an extension of Richland Community College. Under the new managed services provider, the year-end FY20 budget included $9,096,714 for IT costs. During her 5½ years on the Board, she has cast a grand total of three “No” votes. By Eileen Peck on September 8, 2020 In the November 3, 2020 election, three Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustee seats are open. LANSING — Candidates running for a spot on the Lansing Community College Board of Trustees want to see more students enroll not just to study but to finish. According to Devarti, his commitment is to the students, staff, faculty, taxpayers, and community leaders. If you believe the WCC Administration, Ann Arbor is a rich community. Ruth does not feel that the college can simply be managed under a business model and fiercely promotes improved communication and collaboration between the faculty, the board, the president, and the administration. Mr. Freeman is the only current member of the BOT who has shown any public concern for the issues that faculty have been raising and who had not publicly denigrated those concerns. Analysis: During her tenure on the WCC Board of Trustees, Christina Fleming has transformed herself into a thoroughly reliable “Yes” vote for the Administration. 1st District, Ingham County Commissioner. The race for a seat on the Oakton Community College board of trustees features 13 candidates vying for three seats. Each candidate has expressed that they fully support our commitment to provide educational excellence to … The board defines the vision of the college, serves as a liaison between the colle ge and the community, approves annual budgets and sets policies, among other responsibilities. Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees Member.Vote for not more than 3. To endorse Eli, simply fill out this form and click “Endorse Eli.” WCCWatch: Martin Thomas | WCCWatch: David DeVarti | WCCWatch: Ruth Hatcher. I first met Ernesto while I served as the English Department Chair at Tecumseh High School in 2005. 30th Circuit Court Judge. Since 2015, she has missed a total of 26 votes. BECOME A VOLUNTEER. Grand Rapids Community College Board Trustee. He previously worked as the Director of Government and Community Relations at Washtenaw Community College (WCC), where he is responsible for leading the College’s government and community outreach in coordination with local, state and federal officials, as well as civic leaders and community organizations. * Through June 30, 2020. Last month, we asked our readers what issues they wanted to hear the candidates running for local office address ahead of the August primary. Mark Freeman WCC Trustee Christina Fleming began her six-year term January 1, 2015. He is in strong support of underprivileged students having accessible and affordable education, as well as more detailed metrics on how to define student success. Endorsements The following are some of the community leaders who have endorsed Eli Savit for Washtenaw County Prosecutor. Real change starts with you. Meeting Information. Titles are listed for identification purposes only. **Data reflects meetings through June 30, 2020. Grand Rapids Community College Board Trustee. She seems to have bought into the idea that the Board of Trustees is in place to “advise” the College president. Brandy Lovelady Mitchell. Washtenaw County Democratic Party Real change starts locally. … The... What if Ann Arbor weren’t a rich community? Good Evening. She authorized unrestricted catering services for WCC executives. Fleming has attended almost all regular meetings, but did miss two meetings and one retreat in 2019. Voters should send Christina Fleming home on November 3, 2020. Volunteer. BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEMBER - OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE (Vote for not more than 3) Pam Jackson Max C. Milstein Emily Mixter PROPOSAL SECTION. He is very opposed to any initiative by the administration, the president, or the Board of Trustees that does not involve complete transparency to the stakeholders, including recent efforts of the board to bypass the Open Meetings Act. At the board table they are there to set policy, provide financial oversight and support the goals of the College, while respecting the roles of the administration, faculty and staff. Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees (three seats, nonpartisan) Dave DeVarti. I served on the Santa Cruz city school board from 2010-2014. Three seats on the WCC board of trustees are open, with several board members running for reelection this Nov. 3. This year our committee included WCCEA members, MEA-OPT members, an AFCSME 1921 member(our WCC grounds and maintenance group) as well as a representative from HVCLC, the Huron Valley Central Labor Council. WCC ranks near bottom in Academic Influence rankings, Recovering from COVID-19 in Washtenaw County, every new executive hire since she arrived. One was in opposition to raising tuition in 2015. The candidates are listed in the order of votes received: Change ). The three candidates where chosen based on their responses to several interview questions that in our belief, provided a measure of the necessary leadership qualities that will play a key supportive role in the decision making process involving the future of Washtenaw Community College. He has also taken classes at WCC. I am pleased to announce that the WCCEA Board of Trustee Endorsement Committee has chosen three candidates to endorse for the 2014 general election. Submitted by Justin Carter, WCCEA Delegate. David DeVarti is a former Ann Arbor City Council member and served on the city planning commission and Downtown Development Authority. These endorsements are from the individuals listed and unless explicitly stated, should not be perceived as an official endorsement from the organizations they represent. Christina Fleming has become an enthusiastic cheerleader for the WCC Administration. DONATE. Board of Trustees Member, Washtenaw Community College (vote for no more than TWO): There are 10 candidates running for 2 six-year terms on the board. Donate. Ingham County Clerk. Dr. While the Area 1 race is now uncontested, in Area 5, three candidates vie to represent Redwood City, East Palo Alto and part of Menlo Park. The Times endorses one incumbent and three newcomers for the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees. Each candidate has expressed that they fully support our commitment to provide educational excellence to our community. Mosallam earned an engineering arts degree, graduating Cum Laude, while playing on the MSU football team from 1992 through 1996. Ms. Fleming declined to respond to my invitation to speak directly to prospective voters, so I’ll examine her record as a WCC Trustee over the last 5½ years. He is a very strong advocate for collaborative communication between the administration, the BOT, and the faculty and believes that those most affected by a decision or new initiative be involved and included from the outset. Her approach as a board member would focus on transparency and student success, as well as budgeting priorities and the importance of maintaining a quality education. ( Log Out / Despite her self-proclaimed technology expertise, Fleming voted to eliminate the jobs of 31 highly qualified IT professionals. He has taken several classes at WCC, worked successfully with the WCC Foundation, and continues to be a constant presence as a trustee on campus. ( Log Out / Classes started in September 1966 on a temporary campus at Willow Run, with 1200 … “Without hesitation, I endorse my former colleague and friend of fifteen years, Ernesto Querijero, as a trustee for the Ann Arbor School Board. If bringing change to the Board was her goal in 2014, voting “Yes” on everything has been a poor strategy to achieve that. Harrison Township. The term of office is four years, and members are elected by the voters in the trustee area they represent. Washtenaw Community College Education Association, WCC Board of Trustees: May 27, 2014 Speeches, WCCEA Faculty Union Cares: Student Emergency Fund. Michigan State University Board of Trustees. I was a Monterey county resident for 15 years prior. During her long tenure at WCC she held several positions, including Full-time Professional Faculty and Department Chair of the English department, Interim Dean of Humanities, Interim Vice President of Instruction, and President of the faculty union, the WCCEA. Ruth dedicated over 30 years of service to college with an unwavering commitment to student success. She does not appear to exercise any authentic oversight or allegiance to the Washtenaw County taxpayers. Our community college system is dysfunctional. She also supported the establishment of an armed police force on campus. The seven elected members of the MiraCosta College Board of Trustees each represent and must reside in a specific area of the college district. Harrison Township Trustee. The 2020 elections will bring new faces to the San Mateo Community College Board of Trustees. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Board of Trustees; Meetings and Announcements; Board Elections; Candidate Campaign Documents Currently selected; Agenda Archives ; EPCC > Administration > Board Of Trustees > Candidate Campaign Documents. Yesterday, I looked at the impact of COVID-19 on recent high school graduates. _____ David Fitzpatrick’s notes for September 27, 2016. The four-candidate race also includes Martin Thomas, manager of … She also spear-headed several collaborative initiatives and promoted mutual respect among all constituencies within of the college community, never losing site of the college’s core mission. The other two were against the nominations of two other Board members to officers’ positions. This ill-considered decision will cost WCC millions more than it had paid for IT services through 2024. Overall meeting attendance record through June 30, 2020: Fleming attended 57 of 59 monthly meetings; 12 of 12 Special Meetings and 8 of 9 Board Retreats. In August, the WCAT’s interview team met for half an hour with each of the ten Ann Arbor Public School Board of Trustees candidates for the November 4, 2014 election. Endorsement: Hoffman, Anderson, Henderson and Han for LACCD - Los Angeles Times Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com. The possibility of a "recovery" from COVID-19 in Washtenaw County is exciting. HVALF has the authority to issue endorsements only in races at the county and local level. At 4.09%, Fleming’s “missed vote” percentage is lower than the combined average for the entire Board. It does not serve all the populations of our community. Fleming’s voting record since 2015 shows the following: Analysis: During her tenure on the WCC Board of Trustees, Christina Fleming has transformed herself into a thoroughly reliable “Yes” vote for the Administration. The Clerk/Register’s office is available to the public in-person by appointment, only, in order to allow us to serve the public while carefully adhering to social distancing guidelines designed to protect the health of the public and staff.. We encourage you to access our services online or by mail unless it is necessary to visit us in-person. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. David DeVarti: Ruth Hatcher: But what if it weren't? **There were 2 additional Special Meetings in 2018, but the minutes were not published. Rhonda Warner. When asked about outsourcing and consultants, he stated that he values the college’s internal resources and would prefer to capitalize on faculty and staff expertise whenever possible. Candidate Campaign Documents Type Candidate Name Date Received Document Type Election Year: 2021 (2) District: 2 (1) District: 3 (1) Election Year: 2019 (41) District: 4 (18) D Ruth Hatcher. He encouraged faculty to continue reaching out to board members and invited us to contact him personally. Oakland Community College is governed by a seven-person Board of Trustees. He views faculty as the key to student success at the college and values how their efforts result in what he refers to as the final product, that is, educated, graduated students. COMMUNITY COLLEGE. Christina Fleming did not complete the brief questionnaire at Vote411, but you can view the other candidates’ responses here. AUTHORITY - REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY OF SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN A Proposal Authorizing the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA) to Levy an Assessment We were impressed by the good will, the intelligence and commitment to public service of all ten candidates. a $26M no-bid outsourcing contract for IT services, operational funds to pay the “Advanced Transportation Center” loan debts, WCC millions more than it had paid for IT services, discard a fully developed, fully functional website, an enthusiastic cheerleader for the WCC Administration, facilitated the creation of a structural deficit, clearly unprepared to guard the taxpayers’ substantial investment in Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw Community College Board of Trustees, More posts in 2020 WCC Trustee Candidates », Yes, the 2020 WCC Trustee election matters, WCC Board of Trustees Candidate Ruth Hatcher, WCC Board of Trustees Candidate David DeVarti, WCC Board of Trustees Candidate Martin Thomas, Student loan regulations argue for free community college, Retract the WCC press release on IT outsourcing, WCC Trustee oversight more critical than ever, Real estate development plans haven’t gone away, The mixed messages of free community college tuition, WCC’s survival depends on Trustee oversight, A reckoning is approaching higher education, More posts in WCC Conference Center and Hotel », WCC should not miss enrollment opportunities, Community college as infrastructure takes on new significance. Mr. DeVarti also voiced a concern over the currently bloated upper administration and the costs associated with such an institutional model. The October edition of For the Record will highlight the endorsement process for the Board of Trustee candidates — coming soon to your inbox. And the College must also make an additional $1.5M in technology infrastructure upgrades in FY21 to meet the terms of the managed service contract. He further states that it may be necessary to consider the termination of those individuals that are at the core of these unresolved issues that are compromising the health and integrity of our college. Given Ruth’s expansive knowledge of our college’s history and its inner workings, she possesses the institutional knowledge necessary to recognize the issues most important to faculty, as well as those of the administration, and the wisdom to provide guidance and insight during these tumultuous times. Board members are elected officials who serve six-year terms without compensation. Victor … Ruth has regularly attended the Board of Trustee’s meetings and has a keen awareness of the state of crisis the college now faces. Help keep the website running, the office lights shining, and flyers flying with a one-time or reoccurring financial contribution. Since her election to the Board, it is clear that Fleming has done more damage than good. Learn about Anna Zinkel's Policies. Fleming has supported every new executive hire since she arrived. She has facilitated the creation of a structural deficit at one of the best-funded community colleges in Michigan. Mark Freeman has served on the WCC Board of Trustees since 2009 and is currently the board secretary. Today we share the candidates’ responses to question four: The elimination of the … It also forced WCC to discard a fully developed, fully functional website because the new IT provider couldn’t support it. Fleming has attempted to whitewash other Trustees’ inquiries regarding oversight of the Police Academy. Help out a standing committee throughout the year, work on campaigns, or network with other organizations. The public is welcome to attend these meetings. Last month, I provided WCC Trustee candidate Christina Fleming with a series of questions, which you can see here. All Richland Community College Board of Trustees meetings will occur in the Board Room on the Campus of Richland Community College (Room N154), unless otherwise noted.