NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Special Meeting
Monday, May 9, 2005
7:00 p.m., Hagerty Center, Room A
7:00 p.m. REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cheryl Follette called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
| ROLL CALL | ||
| Trustees present: | Robert Brick, Ross Childs, Cheryl Follette, Walter Hooper, Ted Mattis, Jack Stegenga, Elaine Wood | |
| Trustees absent: | None | |
| Also present: | Karen Anderson, Rick Buckhalter, Tom Carr, Marian Chase, Lynn Chrenka, Becky Cooper, Gerald Dobek, Stephen Drake, Holly Gorton, Heather Gruenberg, Kathleen Guy, Robert Guyott III, Marilyn Jaquish, Gene Jenneman, Bronwyn Jones, Mark Kortocrax, Dan Kostrzewa, Paul LaPorte, Cathie Martin, Tina Martinek, Justin Martinson, James McIntyre, Craig Mulder, Clifton Murie, Vernie Nagy, John Nelson, David Pelshan, Jim Press, John Rockwood Sr., Jean Rokos, Karen Sabin, George Seger, Stephen Siciliano, Ann Swaney, Bill Wiesner, and one illegible signature. |
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Jack Stegenga made a motion, seconded by Elaine Wood, to approve the agenda
as presented. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION: BOARD POLICIES A-102.00 AND PROPOSED A-102.01
Chair Cheryl Follette reviewed the board's current Governing Style policy A-102.00 and the need for updating the policy to provide a set of guidelines to insure ethical behavior and accountability to the community. She explained that Draft policy A-102.01, A Trustee's Code, came to board during a retreat facilitated by an ACCT consultant in 2002. The policy is a "spirit" document-it encompasses the spirit of how the board wants to govern. Cheryl asked trustees to share some of their thoughts on the desired governing style to be used by this board.
Elaine Wood explained that it is the Board's goal to review all policies and update them. The current governing style policy A-102.00 needs revising because it doesn't explain enough about how they want to govern.
Ross Childs said the Board may have heated discussions coming to a decision, but it speaks as one voice after a decision is made. The board develops policy to represent the common good of the college and community, and they need to integrate a wide variety of perspectives into decision making, as opposed to personal interests.
Bob Brick explained that upon coming onto the Board he asked about the specific protocol for voicing opinion and that much of the discussion at a recent retreat was devoted to "trust" as an important charge, noting the absurdity of trying to silence anyone. Bob explained that he has not felt stifled from speaking his opinion on this Board.
Ted Mattis stated that he doesn't think it possible to silence these board members and that they represent the community. Board members vote their opinion and then live by that decision and move on. Ted referred to the Trustee Quarterly publication that features a similar Trustees Code of Ethics as a model to be used by community college boards of trustees.
Elaine Wood explained that the appropriate role of a governing body such as the NMC Board of Trustees is not that of an administrative or management board, but a strategic visioning policy board. She noted that one of the primary responsibilities of the Board is to employ, support, and monitor the president-what and how they expect the president to perform his duties of running the college. She explained that they hold the president accountable and review his performance through an effective, documented process that they have been using over the past four years.
Jack Stegenga explained that the current governing style board policy was adopted in 1995, reviewed in 2000, and is quite simple. He feels that the new version could be written better, but that it's a question of ethics-what's wrong and what's right. Jack noted that the proposed policy is not the final draft, but the trustees and administration do not want to undermine each other and want to best serve the students.
Jay Hooper stated that he agrees modifications need to be made to the current policy to update it. He noted that in re-reading the code as published, there are three sections he feels should be reworded. Jay said the Trustee Quarterly has a better example. He shared that he speaks out whenever he pleases, but supports a decision made by the board as a whole, noting that he would also revisit a topic and talk about it more in the future, if necessary.
Elaine Wood read from the Trustee Quarterly and said the board is already doing all of these:
Ross Childs noted that the language, "not undercutting and second guessing the president" should be reworded. Elaine Wood clarified that undercutting means not to talk behind someone's back. A trustee should bring concerns directly to the president or other trustees.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Rick Buckhalter: asked how the board holds the president accountable for his actions, i.e. Kirk Hornburg issue.
Lynn M. Chrenka, Ph.D.: submitted request to speak, but waived the opportunity.
Stephen Drake: spoke about NMC's history as strong and reputable educational institution that has maintained itself and grown by perpetual self-assessment, community input, having a dedicated board of trustees provided by the community, hiring only the best people for all positions and having an open and fair internal governance.
Bronwyn Jones: expressed her support and pride for NMC and spoke to its commitment to an open governing process; said she, and any staff person or student, has always had the opportunity to express their opinion and been listened to with importance and respect.
Paul LaPorte: congratulated and thanked the Board and President for their continuing commitment to excellence in education and governing. Noted that the document presented was an acceptable first draft.
Cathie Martin: stated that the NMC chair does not operate any differently than other board chairs she has worked with; the chair is elected to represent the Board; you cannot have a dozen people reporting to the community.
Clifton Murie: presented the board and audience with copies of his statement; the topic on his public comment card read: "Code of Silence."
John Nelson: commented that he had great respect for the Board; the document is fine as a policy, but has problem with an oath concept or pledge; agreed that Board members should support the decision of the board, but not give up opinion.
Bill Wiesner: commented that the policy is stifling free speech and that there is danger in written policy; stated that the proposed policy would undermine confidence and that members of the Board should speak and disagree openly.
Chair Follette asked Ross Childs to take the input from this meeting to the Policy Committee and bring back a report at the meeting in August. She noted that Policy Committee dates will be publicized, there will be an ongoing process of updating Board policies, and many policies will come to the Board this year.
Elaine Wood explained the consensus process used by the Board. She shared that the Board discusses topics at great length before voting.
Cheryl Follette thanked everyone for their valuable input and noted that upcoming Board meeting dates are printed on the agenda, along with the Board's web site and e-mail address. She invited everyone to attend those meetings.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
Recorded by
Karen Sabin
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