NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for December 16, 2025

Board Highlights is produced by NOCCCD Public & Governmental Affairs as a summary of the Board actions and reports. It is not intended as a replacement of the official minutes of the Board meeting.

Recognition of Trustee Emeritus Recipients

The Board approved a resolution recognizing former trustees from the past twenty-five years and conferring upon them the status of Emeritus Trustee. Board President Jeffrey P. Brown and Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland presented copies of the resolutions to Emeritus Trustees Leonard Lahtinen, Donna Miller, Jackie Rodarte, and Molly McClanahan, thanking them for their years of dedicated service to the District, its students, and employees.

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland shared year-end highlights reflecting campus engagement, community partnerships, and Board involvement across the District. He highlighted student momentum, programs, and campus collaboration during his “Chancellor Connect” event at Cypress College. Dr. Breland also attended the Cypress College Health and Wellness Center ribbon-cutting, recognizing the expansion of holistic student support services. Additional highlights included the Fullerton College Performing Arts Center Groundbreaking and the Cypress College Americana Gala Kickoff events. He concluded by wishing the Board and the entire NOCCCD community a happy and restful holiday season.

Presentations

Short-term Employee Best Practices

District Director of Human Resources Operations Mylene Daniels presented best practices for hiring short-term employees, including professional experts and faculty reassigned time. The presentation reviewed recruitment procedures, Education Code, Title 5 requirements, District administrative procedures and approval processes to ensure compliance and fiscal stewardship.

Equal Employee Opportunity Report

District Director of Diversity, Culture and Inclusion, Dr. Flavio Medina-Martin; District Director of Research, Planning and Data Management, Dr. Gabrielle Stanco; and District Director of Human Resources Operations, Mylene Daniels, presented the 2025 Equal Employment Opportunity Report. The report provided an overview of District activities, including EEO recruitment outreach and strategies, employee racial and ethnic workforce trends, and progress toward DEI goals, including employee engagement and retention efforts.

Board Actions

The Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below:

• Trustee Dr. Barbara Dunsheath was elected as the 2026 Board President.
• Trustee Ed Lopez, J.D. was elected as the 2026 Board Vice President.
• Trustee Mark Lopez was elected as the 2026 Board Secretary.
• The representative to the County Committee on Election of Members of the County Committee on School District Organization will continue to be Trustee Evangelina Rosales. Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent will serve as the alternate.
• The Representative to the Fullerton Museum Association of North Orange County will continue to be Board Secretary Mark Lopez.
• The Representative to the Cypress College Foundation will continue to be Trustee Stephen T. Blount.
• The Representative to the Fullerton College Foundation will continue to be Trustee Evangelina Rosales.
• The Representative to the Community College Foundation of North Orange County will continue to be Board Vice President Ed Lopez, J.D.
• The two Ad Hoc Representatives to the Community College Foundation of North Orange County will be Chancellor Breland and District Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis.
• The three Representatives to the District Investment Committee will continue to be Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, Trustee Stephen T. Blount, and Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown.
• The three Representatives to the District Audit Committee will be Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Trustee Stephen T. Blount, and Board Secretary Mark Lopez.
• The Representative to the Orange County Community Colleges Legislative Task Force will be Trustee Evangelina Rosales with Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath as the new alternate.
• The Representative to the District Retirement Board will continue to be Board Secretary Mark Lopez.
• The three Representatives for the Board Policy Review Committee will be Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, Board Vice President Ed Lopez, J.D., and Board Secretary Mark Lopez.
• Approval to appoint Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland as Executive Secretary.
• Approval to appoint Alba Recinos, Administrative Support Manager, Chancellor’s Office, to serve as Recording Secretary.
• Approval to adopt the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar: January through December
• Approval to accept new revenue and to make adjustments to General Fund and Financial Aid Fund revenue and expenditure budgets in accordance with the revised and new fiscal year 2025-2026 allocations totaling $5,300,896 and adopt the corresponding resolutions.
• Approval to accept Resolution 25/26-26, honoring Fred Williams as Vice Chancellor Emeritus.
• Approval to accept and adopt the revised Board Policies in Chapter 3.

Human Resources

The Board approved the retirement of Fullerton College Dramatic Arts Instructor Kevin Clowes; NOCCCD District Manager of Fiscal Affairs Ivy Hwee; Cypress College Executive Assistant AeYoung Kim; and Fullerton College Equipment Operator Andres Rico-Barajas.

The Board approved the resignation of Fullerton College Earth Sciences Lab Clerk Sadie Durning; NOCCCD IT Technician II Alima Islam; NOCCCD District Director of EEO & Compliance Yasmin Andrawis; and Fullerton College Administrative Assistant II Demetrice Munford.

The Board approved the hiring of NOCCCD Payroll Specialist Huyen Cong; NOCCCD Groundskeeper Anthony Corbala; Cypress College Campus Safety Officer II Daniel Hernandez; NOCCCD District Accounting Analyst Marvin Monterroza; Fullerton College Executive Director, College Foundation and Community Relations Lisa Nashua; Fullerton College Special Projects Coordinator, Dual Enrollment McKenna Pomeroy; NOCCCD Payroll Specialist Thelma Prado; NOCCCD District Accounting Analyst Jacob Schmidt.

Chancellor's Staff Reports

NOCE

NOCE President Valentina Purtell shared that spring registration is off to a positive start. She also reported that in support of Career Pathways, NOCE hosted a virtual career fair on November 20 featuring employers aligned with the school’s CTE programs. She concluded her report by highlighting NOCE’s Power-Up Resource Fair Holiday Edition and thanking Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent for bringing holiday cheer to students at multiple NOCE centers.

Fullerton College

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo began her report by congratulating the Hornet men’s basketball team for earning 35 consecutive home wins. She also recognized Vice Chancellor, Administrative Services Fred Williams for his support of the athletics program, noting that he was presented with a plaque and a lifetime gold card. She thanked Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown, Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, and Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath for attending the groundbreaking event for the Performing Arts Center. She recognized Trustee Evangelina Rosales for attending the Latinx Community College Trustee Association Caucus meeting at the annual CCLC conference and thanked Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath for nominating her to serve on the California Community College’s Women’s Caucus Board. She also shared that Fullerton College secured nearly $6 million in funding from the Samueli Foundation and the State for dual enrollment programs and the Environmental Justice Fellows program. She concluded by welcoming Dr. Lisa Nashua, who was affirmed as Executive Director for the College Foundation and Community Relations.

Cypress College

Cypress College President Dr. Scott Thayer shared several campus updates and recognitions. He highlighted the actions of Campus Safety Officers Anne Marie Valadez and John Garbisch, who responded to a medical emergency and provided life-saving chest compressions to a community member. He shared that the College hosted its annual campus holiday gathering and thanked Board President Dr. Dunsheath for attending and gave special thanks to Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Maginetti for her assistance during the event. He concluded his report by thanking those who supported and attended campus events and wishing everyone a happy and restful holiday season.

District Services

Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna and Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis congratulated Vice Chancellor Fred Williams on his retirement and extended holiday wishes to the Board and community.

Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Irma Ramos shared that the District received a rebranding grant from the State Chancellor’s Office. She noted the items will be used at career fairs and other events to represent the District when engaging with students and the community. She concluded her report by wishing everyone a happy holiday and congratulating Vice Chancellor Fred Williams on his retirement.

Resource Table Reports

Interim District Management Association President Rosanna Islas shared information regarding the PERS 260/261 Workday Rule, noting that January 2, 2026, has been designated as a non-workday and that the rule currently applies to classified staff and classified managers. She also shared that DMA meets monthly and is working on initiatives planned for spring 2026. She concluded by wishing the Board and community a joyful and safe holiday season.

Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti shared that the fall semester concluded with numerous campus events and thanked Chancellor Breland for hosting the “Chancellor’s Connect” event, noting strong faculty participation and engagement. She noted that the Academic Senate recently approved the College Institutional Planning and Resource Allocation Manual. She concluded her report with holiday well wishes and hopes for a restful winter break.

United Faculty President Steven Estrada recognized faculty efforts across the District during the semester, including work related to finals, grading, winter intersession, and curriculum revisions. He emphasized that much of this work occurs beyond contractual obligations and thanked the Board for the opportunity to acknowledge faculty contributions.

Fullerton College Academic Senate President Bridget Kominek congratulated students on their success this semester and noted that the College hosted end-of-the-semester relaxation and study events. She thanked those who donated to programs such as EOPS Adopt an Angel to support students and families during the holiday season. She reported that at the December 4, 2025, Faculty Senate meeting, senators received an update on zero-textbook-cost and open-educational-resource efforts. She concluded by thanking Vice Chancellor Fred Williams for his service and wishing everyone a relaxing season and a happy New Year.

CSEA President Elaine Loayza congratulated Vice Chancellor Fred Williams on his retirement. She thanked Human Resources for their presentation on best practices for hiring short-term employees and stated that CSEA will continue to review this issue next year. She thanked classified professionals for their work and acknowledged the current Executive Board for its support. She shared that a new Executive Board for 2026 will be presented next year and concluded by wishing everyone a happy holiday.

Adjunct Faculty United representative Naveen Kanal expressed appreciation to Chancellor Breland for involving adjunct faculty in the Faculty Work Group. He also expressed appreciation to Vice Chancellor Fred Williams for his support of adjunct faculty and shared that he will be missed. He noted anticipation for the upcoming hiring season and shared excitement about positions being offered at Cypress College and Fullerton College. He concluded by expressing gratitude for these efforts and wishing everyone a happy holiday season.

Board Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu shared that serving as the District’s second student trustee has been a privilege. She described efforts to engage with students, including hosting Teatime with the Student Trustee meetings, maintaining a communication board at the Anaheim campus, and participating in campus projects, events, and activities. She expressed appreciation for the support of students, student leaders, faculty, staff, and the District and Chancellor’s Office. She concluded by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar shared that the fall semester has concluded and that students have completed finals. He also shared that he attended the Performing Arts Center groundbreaking and expressed enthusiasm for future campus productions. He congratulated Vice Chancellor Fred Williams on his retirement and thanked him for his service to students. He concluded by extending holiday wishes and appreciation to the Board and community.

Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco reported on a successful Giving Tree event, during which gifts were wrapped and distributed to more than 20 children from the community. He shared that the Associated Students are onboarding new council members, planning tentative event dates for Spring 2026, and will hold two intersession meetings to support onboarding, planning, and expectation-setting, including resolution planning. He concluded by congratulating Vice Chancellor Fred Williams on his retirement and thanked him for his years of service.

Board Secretary Mark Lopez shared that he attended the Community College League of California conference and participated in workshops on Employee Free Speech, Legal Boundaries Explained, Crayons to College, and DEIA Compliance Amid Federal Scrutiny. He also shared that he attended the Americana Gala Kickoff on December 10. He concluded his report by wishing everyone a happy and safe winter break, thanking Vice Chancellor Fred Williams for his years of service, congratulating him on his retirement, and expressing appreciation for all his work.

Trustee Evangelina Rosales extended holiday greetings and thanked the Chancellor’s staff and constituent groups for their leadership and behind-the-scenes work. She shared that she attended the Community College League of California conference and noted that discussions included policies, hiring, and learning from practices in other districts. She also referenced topics discussed at the Women’s Caucus meeting, including the gender pay gap and women in leadership. She concluded by thanking Janeth Manjarrez for her service at the Fullerton College foundation.

Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown expressed personal thanks and appreciation to Vice Chancellor Fred Williams for his years of leadership, steadiness, honesty, and the standards he set during his service. He referenced the District’s clean audit history and acknowledged Williams’ work and growth in facilities oversight, sharing that he will be missed. He concluded by wishing everyone a restful and joyful holiday season.

Trustee Stephen T. Blount shared comments regarding Vice Chancellor Fred Williams, highlighting his leadership and accounting work and expressing appreciation for his experience handling complex data.

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent shared remarks about participating as Santa Claus at multiple NOCE and Cypress College events. He also thanked Vice Chancellor Fred Williams for his years of service and noted his professionalism, transparency, and honesty. He shared appreciation for Williams’ guidance to the Board, thanked him for extending his service to support the District, and concluded by wishing him well in retirement.

Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath shared her appreciation for serving on the Board. She recognized the Cypress College Foundation and highlighted the Americana Gala Kickoff event. She shared that she attended the Community College League of California conference and referenced the discussions on maintaining focus. She also noted that Fullerton College will host the CCC Women’s Caucus event on March 6 in collaboration with International Women’s Day and concluded by extending holiday wishes.

Public Comments

Kathleen McAlister spoke regarding a petition requesting that the Cypress College English Department offer transfer-level courses during the winter intersession. She shared that the department has reviewed the request and that the department’s position remains unchanged. She stated that the department’s decision is based on instructional considerations, student success data, enrollment patterns, and course structure requirements.

Alejandro Omidsalar spoke about concerns regarding curriculum decision-making within the Cypress College English Department. He addressed requests originating outside the department to offer an accelerated transfer-level English course during the winter intersession and stated that the English Department has previously reviewed and declined such requests. He shared that the department’s position remains unchanged.

Bianca Stopani shared concerns and urged the District to address student concerns related to treatment, accountability, and campus climate.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27.