NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES OF MEETING (OFFICIAL) – June 1, 2022
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held in TC103A and via Zoom on Wednesday, June 1, 2022.
Ms. Borislow
Ms. Fernandez (Via Zoom)
Mr. Guilmette (Via Zoom)
Mr. Linehan
Ms. Modeen (Via Zoom)
Ms. Quiles (Via Zoom)
Ms. Paley Nadel
Ms. Sanchez
Not Present: Mr. Cox, Ms. O’Rorke, and Ms. Worden
Also Present: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a roll call of attendance and a quorum present, Chairwoman Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:06 PM.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chairwoman Borislow asked for a motion to approve the April 6, 2022 and May 4, 2022 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Linehan and seconded by Trustee Paley Nadel, by roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved the April 6, 2022 and May 4, 2022 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE:
President Glenn noted that the Board received a thank you note from Trustee Ron Guilmette. Trustee Guilmette was sent a get-well gift box while he recovered at home. He thanked the Board again for their kind gesture.
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees (Verbal)
President Glenn introduced and welcomed Luis Fernandez, and EDP Entry Operator in Enrollment Services and Janet Rene, NECC’s new Benefits Coordinator in the Human Resources department. He then presented welcome gifts to each employee. The Board welcomed Luis and Janet to NECC.
EDUCATION REPORT:
a) NECC Library Services (ADM-3724-060122)
Dr. Paul Beaudin introduced Michael Hearn, Assistant Dean of Library Services who provided an update on how NECC’s library services will continue to serve students’ needs post-pandemic and back on campus this fall. Dr. Beaudin noted that Mr. Hearn has managed the college’s library services since 2014. In additional to his library role, Mr. Hearn has also been active in other areas of college life including his work as a Goal Team Chair for the last Strategic Plan, providing oversight of the Integrated Student Experience goal, and his instrumental leadership as co-chair of the college’s NECHE Executive Team.
Mr. Hearn provided an overview of the role the library (and its staff) plays in the work around equity, particularly post-pandemic. Mr. Hearn shared the draft Equity Statement that was developed for the updated strategic plan, and noted that the college’s Human Resource Development office assists departments in hiring faculty and staff that provide that equity.
But he noted that equity is beyond just diversity of faculty/staff, and is also about having equal services at both campuses. To that end, Mr. Hearn noted that the library staff have spent a good amount of time reviewing the college’s library collection to ensure all perspectives are well-represented. This review with an equity lens started last summer, and began with the college’s magazines and journals. The review continued through all of NECC’s courses and programs to ensure that language and imagery is appropriate. The library conducted workshops for faculty/staff which focused on library resources for social justice causes.
In addition, the NECC website was reviewed and recreated with an equity focus and provides easier search capabilities with tabs and grouping resources for different categories. There are also a couple of bilingual videos on how we try to reach our non-native speakers. The college continues to have a strong social media presence, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. and content is now posted in both languages. And lastly, Mr. Hearn noted that we are also very aware of our physical spaces on campus, and the importance of ensuring that they are equitable across both campuses.
Trustee Fernandez thanked Mr. Hearn for his presentation, and asked how often faculty are utilizing library services through the lens of DEI? Mr. Hearn noted that some faculty request assistance quite often, but on average about 20% of NECC faculty consistently reach out to library services for assistance with instruction, assignments, to ensure that the library is equipped with the necessary resources available for their assignments and classes.
In closing, President Glenn thanked Mr. Hearn and noted that his influence, practicality and vision within his work is felt in several ways across the college.
BOARD CHAIR REPORT:
Chair Borislow noted that she had only one item to bring forward. She praised and expressed gratitude to the NECC Commencement Committee for a wonderful commencement on May 16th. She noted that it was “electric” to see all the families, and the faculty/staff and the graduates and they were elated to be under the tent. Many thanks again to the committee.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit and Finance Sub-Committee (Verbal)
The A&F Sub Committee did not meet, and therefore, there was no report.
b) Alumni Advancement Sub-Committee
Chair Fernandez reported that Trustee Glennys Sanchez has joined the committee. She also noted that the sub-committee will regroup in August to put their attention to past trustees including outreach and a possible gathering of them. She also noted that with the pandemic, the committee has pushed back their work on fund research, but it will be scheduled for the fall.
c) Equity Imperative Sub-Committee
Chair Paley-Nadel noted that after some time, the college has received several great applicants for the Chief JEDI officer position. As a result, there will be two finalists who will be interviewed on campus and in person on June 14 and June 15. The college community will be invited to provide input to the search committee. More information is forthcoming.
d) Nominating Sub-Committee
Chair Quiles reported that there are no updates at the present time, but will correspond with President Glenn regarding any future communication from the Governor on Board vacancies.
e) Presidential Evaluation Committee
1) Motion to Approve 2021-22 Presidential Performance Evaluation (ADM-3725-060122)
Chairwoman of the Committee Marianne Paley Nadel noted that the board packets included a motion and the attached evaluation for review and approval. She noted that the committee recommends approval of the evaluation with two (2) small amendments. The changes included a correction of a misspelled name of a committee member, and a minor edit to the end of a paragraph on page 1. Chair Paley Nadel asked for the full board’s support in approving this evaluation with those two changes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Guilmette and seconded by Trustee Linehan, by roll call vote, the Board unanimously approved the 2021-22 Presidential Performance Evaluation with the edits as presented.
In closing, Trustee Paley Nadel noted to President Glenn that it was an honor to provide this evaluation. She notes “This process connects the dots for what is expected of you. It includes interviews of members of the campus community, and at large, better enables us to do our work better with full transparency and full appreciation for everything you have done for NECC. Thank you.”
President Glenn thanked Trustee Paley Nadel and all of the trustees for their continued support.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) FY23 State Budget (Verbal)
President Glenn thanked the board for again for expressing their confidence in his performance. He then noted that the State is pretty flush right now and noted that the Senate budget (as expected) did not include all items included in the House version. Those differences will now be discussed in Conference Committee, and he noted that updates would be provided to Trustees as the process unfolds.
b) Haverhill campus (Verbal)
President Glenn also expressed his thanks to the Commencement Committee for a wonderful event. On the day before commencement, President Glenn and several members of the NECC Staff attended Dr. Bill Heineman’s inauguration. He congratulated Dr. Heineman on his presidency at NECC.
NECC recently held an open house at the Haverhill campus that drew over 100 people and slightly exceeded the goal set for expected new students. Because of its success, the Enrollment Services team is already planning the next Fall open house, and Dr. Beaudin continues to meet weekly with his enrollment staff to monitor progress.
Trustee Paley Nadel asked what percentage of NECC’s classes would be hybrid in the fall? President Glenn reported that last fall, the college anticipated a 50/50 split, and by spring 75/25. He noted, however, that we did not get there. The college did its best to gauge student interest and scale up to make those modalities work best. Dr. Beaudin is currently working with the Deans to figure out the rhythm of things as we go into the fall semester. He also noted that the college has developed a new strategy with a second 8-week semester, and that strategy will also be continued into the fall. President Glenn reminded trustees that we are not an online college, and as his recent communication to the college community noted, we need presence on campus.
Dr. Glenn also gave a brief DCAMM update. He and Mike McCarthy met regarding the upcoming renovations to the B&E buildings as improvements are needed. The project will cost approximately $12M, and members of the DCAMM team will be coming to campus soon to meet and review detailed plans.
Since the Trustees met last, the Student Community College Cost of Living Pilot Project has secured formal approval and funding for $360K as well as other pending funding. The total funding confirmed is at about $2.9M right now with goal of $3.3M. President Glenn noted that there is another foundation which is prepared to commit another $250K which will ultimately secure all the necessary funding. Project teams are ready to meet. In summary, the project will provide $7K to select students (meeting a certain criteria) for living expenses with intent to significantly impact completion rates which we hope will change funding for students at the state level.
In closing, President Glenn congratulated the NECC Baseball team for their record breaking 41-3 season. They recently returned from the NJCAA Division III World Series in Tennessee. Mike McCarthy noted that he was incredibly proud of these young men and the coaching/athletic staff. This talented team worked hard and made a reputation for themselves, both on and off the field during this trip, he noted. He also congratulated the team on a wonderful season.
c) Lawrence Campus (Verbal)
President Glenn did not provide a report this month.
d) Board Meeting Dates for Academic Year 2022-23 (ADM-3726-060122)
President Glenn noted that the Board meeting dates for academic year 2022-2023 were included on this list for next year.
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Motion to Approve Awarding of Janitorial Services Contract (ADM-3727-060122)
President Glenn noted that from time to time, the college puts a contract proposal (like janitorial services or public safety) out for bid. This year, the college conducted a request for proposals for our janitorial service, and he noted that our procurement staff used all applicable state procedures. With that, he asked for the Trustees to approve a motion to approve.
On a Motion by Trustee Paley Nadel, seconded by Trustee Linehan, by roll call vote, it was voted unanimously to approve the awarding of the janitorial services contract bid to Facilities Management and Maintenance, Inc. (FM&M) for three (3) years (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2025) in the amount of $2,894,020 ($964,673 annually).
b) Personnel Actions:
1) Motion to Approve MCCC/MTA Reappointments (ADM-3728-060122)
President Glenn noted that there are forty-five (45) MCCC/MTA Reappointments slated for approval as listed in Addendum B. These personnel actions are driven by Article XI of the MCCC/MTA Collective Bargaining Agreement.
On a Motion by Trustee Paley Nadel, seconded by Trustee Fernandez, by roll call vote, it was voted unanimously to approve the reappointments of forty-five (45) faculty and professional staff as listed in Addendum B.
2) Motion to Approve Appointments of Department Chairpersons and Program Coordinators (ADM-3729-060122)
President Glenn noted that there are twenty-eight (28) Department Chairpersons/ Program Coordinator appointments slated for approval. This appointment process for Department Chairpersons and Program Coordinators is driven by Article XX of the MCCC/MTA Collective Bargaining Agreement
On a Motion by Trustee Fernandez, seconded by Trustee Guilmette, by roll call vote, it was voted unanimously to approve the appointments of twenty-eight (28) Department Chairpersons/Program Coordinators as listed in Addendum B.
c) Grants and Proposal (ADM-3730-060122 thru ADM-3744-060122)
President Glenn noted that the fourteen (14) grants, totaling $7,574,935, listed below are slated for approval, along with a Pending Proposal for external funding which would approve the implementation of grant-funded proposals awarded to the college over the summer months and scheduled to commence prior to the September Board meeting:
City of Lawrence/Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board (MVWIB): MassHire Merrimack Valley Career Center: $3,500,000
Essex County Sheriff’s Department (ECSD) Education Services Program: $1,319,691
Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care/North Shore Community College: Career Pathways: $625,000
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Adult Basic Education Grant Projects: $717,530
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: High School Equivalency Test Center Grant: $3,185
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Perkins Postsecondary Allocation: $274,298
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Behavioral and Mental Health Allocation Grant: $132,386
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education: Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MA ICEI) Program for Students with Disabilities: $115,000
Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Family Sign Language Instruction: $105,000
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Summer Acceleration to College Program: $23,526
Massachusetts Workforce Skills Cabinet Massachusetts Skills Capital Program: $226,005
United States Office of the Director of National Intelligence/University of New Hampshire: New England Intelligence Community Centers of Academic Excellence: $31,153
United States Department of Education: Student Support Services Program: $435,639
United States Department of Labor/Massachusetts Community College Consortium/Bunker Hill Community College: Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant: $66,522
Pending Proposal for External Funding: TBD
On a Motion by Trustee Linehan, seconded by Trustee Guilmette by roll call vote, it was voted unanimously to approve Grant Items and Pending Proposals for External Funding as listed in Agenda Items #9c1 – #9c15 totaling $7,574,935.
OTHER BUSINESS: Trustee Guilmette noted that his 2nd, five-year term was coming to an end. He noted that it has been a privilege and an honor to serve as the Alumni appointed Trustee, and he looks forward to being available in the future to help in any way he can. President Glenn and Chairwoman Borislow thanked Trustee Guilmette for his distinguished service to NECC.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chairwoman Borislow adjourned the meeting at 5:52 PM.
