Special Report to the Public:
Geysil Arroyo
Trustee Geysil Arroyo reported that she was proud to provide remarks to students at each of the college commencements as part of her role as Board President and thanked those involved with the production of the events. She said Chancellor Gregory Smith’s commencement speech was very meaningful to students. Trustee Arroyo also welcomed the four new student trustees.
Mariah Jameson
Trustee Mariah Jameson reported that she has a new understanding of the phrase “smile season” and said that she really enjoys being able to participate as a trustee in the various college celebration activities.
Marichu Magaña
Trustee Marichu Magaña reported that “smile season” was terrific, and, as a longtime faculty member who used to sit on the field during San Diego Mesa College’s ceremony, she said she was proud to be on stage shaking the hands of students and that she felt their excitement. She recognized the impact that faculty and classified professionals have in helping students achieve their goals.
Craig Milgrim
Trustee Craig Milgrim said he echoed his fellow trustees’ reports. He talked about the importance of recognizing marginalized communities considering the administration's attempt at erasure, especially in the LGBTQIA+ community, and invoked the words of Harvey Milk “you have to give them hope.” He said that attending the various Lavender celebrations, which recognize the hard work of students and involved time and effort by faculty and classified professionals, gave him hope.
Maria Nieto Senour
Trustee Maria Nieto Senour reported that she attended each of the college graduations with other Board members and shared that each was unique and very festive in the ways that they celebrated students.
Gregory Smith
Chancellor Gregory Smith reported that AB 1433, in support of funding non-credit education, was held up in appropriations and won’t move forward. He said the District will look for new ways to approach and advocate that for that matter next year. He said a proposed revision by both the Senate and Assembly to Governor Gavin Newsom’s tentative budget would improve funding for California’s community colleges, and that it is the hope of the District that some of those updates are accepted into the final budget, due by June 30.
Chancellor Smith reported that more than 16,750 associate degrees, certificates, and
diplomas were awarded to nearly 9,500 students during all four college commencement
ceremonies. He recommended watching online the Miramar College student speaker whose
story brought him to tears; the moment during City College’s ceremony when President
Ricky Shabazz queued the music and the student excitement reached a crescendo; the moving performance
by Mesa College’s Angel Wilson; and, he said, while it’s difficult to see on video, he said when experienced during
the live ceremony, College of Continuing Education’s ceremony had everyone feeling
heightened emotions. Chancellor Smith shared his report from with Professor Veronica Gerace who explained the work being done with faculty across the District to improve black
student success, and she reviewed recommendations to help support that work moving
forward. He thanked Pablo Martin of Miramar College and Andrew Hoffman of Mesa College for their service as Academic Senate presidents. Chancellor Smith
said farewell and thanked Miramar College Vice President of Administrative Services
Brett Bell, who retires in July. He also shared his report with Miramar College President Wes Lundburg who introduced new Vice President Maria Battisti. He commented on the concerning events of the past week relating to immigration enforcement
and the handcuffing of Senator Alex Padilla for speaking out and said that he stands firm in his role to push back against actions
that would harm members of the District community. He said that he hopes people will
head into the summer to breathe, relax and rest with a renewed commitment to serve
students and the larger community.
Student Trustee
Student Trustee Celina Martinez reported that City College held its commencement ceremony on May 22, where 1,014 students graduated earning 1,096 associates degrees and 386 certificates — 60% of graduates received multiple awards; that Mesa College hosted its commencement ceremony on May 30 in celebration of hard work and perseverance; and that Miramar College hosted its commencement ceremony on May 16 at Compass Point on campus. She also reported that College of Continuing Education participated in the new Student Trustee training, and Student Trustee Yahir Melendez is excited to work with the full Board in the upcoming year.
BOARD ACTIONS
At its regular meeting of June 12, 2025, which was conducted in-person, with online participation available, the Board of Trustees:
• Announced the following actions from Closed Session: the Board denied the appeal
of an Administrative Determination of a Title 5 Complaint; and approved the disciplinary
action of expelling a San Diego City College student (#061227-603-9099-25) from all
colleges, campuses, programs, sites and activities of the San Diego Community College
District.
• Administered the Oath of Office to Student Trustees: Celina Martinez (City College), Jeremiah Palomino (Mesa College), Ariella O’Garro (Miramar College), and Yahir Melendez (College of Continuing Education).
• Heard public comment from Professor Tanya Hertz who shared that current federal administration policies have led to the defunding
of grants that once supported the Miramar College REC Program, which will have to
be put on pause until more funding can be found; from Professor Norell Martinez who commented about the lack of transparency in the sabbatical process and against
the proposed creation of a bond-related Police Lieutenant position; and from Associate
Professor America Martinez who spoke in support of free speech. City College Academic Senate (AS) President
Mona Alsoraimi-Espiritu shared a statement in response to the removal of a student-produced sign, which was
posted on a campus building and subsequently removed by the college. She reported
the statement has been signed by 85 students, employees, and other community members.
She also spoke to agenda item 14.08, providing a statement in opposition to the hiring
of a new Police Lieutenant, which would support the Measure HH project. Mesa College
AS President Andrew Hoffman thanked Chancellor Greg Smith and members of the Board of Trustees who participated in the college’s commencement.
He also thanked his senate colleagues for the collaboration during the past year.
He continued by saying this was his last Board of Trustees meeting as Mesa College’s
AS President and told a story from his first days on campus 37 years ago when faculty
shared a rotary phone, and how many believed it was good enough – to illustrate faculty
members’ commitment to students. He said there were concerns about increasing salaries
for administrators, including for the Measure HH bond construction campaign. He said
there was confusion and anger over the priorities identified for the bond campaign,
including the inclusion of offices for the college administration, which he said were
not previously disclosed. College of Continuing Education AS President Richard Weinroth thanked Chancellor Smith and the trustees, all of whom attended the college’s commencement last Friday. He
said the Chancellor’s words were amazing and especially well-received by students.
He also acknowledged Dr. Lisa Carulli’s work on the college’s lavender graduation, as well as a celebration of Black Student
Success, both of which were meaningful. He said the Pride Flag was raised at SDCCE
and expressed appreciation to Trustee Craig Milgrim for his advocacy for a second flagpole. He thanked Chancellor Smith for celebrating our immigrant students and employees and affirming their important
place in our community. SDCCE Classified Senate President Esther Anthony-Thomas thanked Chancellor Smith and the Board for their presence at many events. The college held its STAR Conference
where wellness tips were shared by Vice President of Administration Jacqueline Sabanos. There were several other presentations, including one by President Tina M. King, the AFT, and there was also fundraising for scholarships. They also acknowledged
Neill Kovrig’s service. Elections were held for two-year terms. She shared messages of thanks from
employees in response to the window period results.
• Adopted revisions to Chapter 4 - Instructional Services (first reading 5/15/25)
board policies as part of a comprehensive six-year review to ensure currency; and
had a first reading of Chapter 3 – General Institution, Chapter 6 – Business and Financial
Services, and Chapter 7 Human Resources Board policies.
• Adopted a resolution to reaffirm the board's support of the LGBTQIA+ community; and approve the appointment
of Alex Villafuerte to the Trustee Advisory Council (nominated by Trustee Marichu Magaña).
• Approved new or revised courses and programs following a presentation by Vice Chancellor Susan Topham.
• Authorized agreements with healthcare agencies for use of clinical facilities by students enrolled in District
health occupation programs.
• Approved the 2025-2030 Memorandum of Understanding with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) that formalizes the relationship between the two institutions to collectively
serve and benefit the students in the San Diego Community.
• Approved the 2025-26 student fee schedule; and authorized travel for San Diego Mesa College students to study abroad in Kyoto, Japan from June 21 to
July 19, 2025
• Following remarks by Chancellor Smith and an in-depth report by Vice Chancellor Dan Troy, approved the Tentative Budget for FY 2025-26. The total District Budget of $2,022,078,850
includes income, appropriations, and expenses for all District funds. The budget had
been reviewed by the Board’s Budget Study and Audit Subcommittee (trustees Marichu Magaña and Craig Milgrim).
• Approved the appointment and employment contract of Maria Battisti as Vice President, Administrative Services, San Diego Miramar College.
• Authorized travel for students from City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, and College of Continuing Education
for purposes of intercollegiate team competition, tournaments, approved out of season
competition, student leadership, academic program competition, and related activities
from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
• Accepted grants from the County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency for Mental Health Services Act and from the San Diego foundation for mental health
services expansion at City College; and from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) for the Rising Scholars Network Grant funding at City, Mesa, and Miramar
colleges and the College of Continuing Education.
• Entered into an agreement with the Urban Institute as part of the Student-Parent Action through Research Knowledge (SPARK) Collaborative
Mesa College; and with the Foundation for Grossmont-Cuyama Colleges to provide Strong Workforce funding for the support the development of a Vocational
Nurse Training Program at the College for Continuing Education, for the districtwide
CTE Transitions Credit by Exam process, and for districtwide credit for prior learning
initiatives.
• Awarded contracts to National Vending for districtwide vending services; to USA Waste of California, Inc. for districtwide
waste collection services; to Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. (Koff & Associates) for total compensation review; and to Complete Office and Kelly Spicers' for districtwide Reprographics and specialty paper.
• Authorized the use of the Harold J Ballard Parent Center as an off-campus facility by College of Continuing Education; and issued a Master
Agreement for each selected firm and corresponding Notice to Proceeds (NTP) Awarded
for the 8 RFQs for as-needed contracts awarded on March 27 and April 17, 2025.
• Awarded bids for three work categories (06A arch carpentry; 09D flooring, and 32B
site concrete) for the ECC Theatre renovation project following public comments by
from Dave Everett of the Western Electrical Contractors Association; and to Align Builders Inc. for the Mesa College storm drain improvement project.
• Entered into a contract with The Kya Group for procurement and installation of flooring at the District Office under a CollegeBuys
Master Service Agreement.
• Entered into two-year consulting contracts with one consultant as bond contract
specialist, four consultants as campus bond project liaisons, four consultants as
campus bond communications coordinators, and four consultants as bond administrative
assistant/technicians.
• Approved additional campus funding to supplement the accepted U.S. Department of Education Title III Yo Soy STEM Program grant funds for the installation of the Planetarium
system; and an additional year and increased the value of the master agreement with
Hammel, Green, and Abrahamson, Inc. to provide planning and design services for the ECC theatre.
• Authorized the purchase of fuel cells located at City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges
under a power purchase agreement from ESA Project Company, LLC.
• Heard an update on an Emergency Action taken pursuant to PCC 22050 to replace 12kV
transformer feeding power to M Building at Miramar College.
• Consideration of projects to be included in the District’s five-year Capital Construction
Plan commencing FY 2027-2031 subject to revisions and requirements as issued by the
California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO).
• Approved purchase orders and contracts completed during May 2025; applications for faculty and SPAA sabbatical leaves for the 2025-2026 academic year; and contracts of employment for certain president,
vice chancellor, and vice president, and other positions; and various personnel actions including the certification of short-term personnel service effective on or after
June 13, 2025.