NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for February 10, 2026

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland thanked Fullerton College and Cypress College for their successful spring semester openings and noted a strong sense of purpose and optimism. The opening day themes of “Freedom Dreaming” at Fullerton College and “Recharging for the Next Sixty Years” at Cypress College were highlighted. He also thanked Board President Barbara Dunsheath and Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown for their attendance.

District staff were recognized for representing NOCCCD at the statewide Community College job fair. He thanked staff who attended and recruited for a wide range of positions, engaged with prospective employees, and communicated District values and expectations. He acknowledged the Vice Chancellor of Human Services, Irma Ramos, and the District Director of Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion, Dr. Flavio Medina-Martin, for their leadership and participation.

He provided an update on the District’s Job Family Study, stating it has been a complex and significant undertaking occurring alongside several other major initiatives across the District. He thanked everyone for their patience as work continues.

Chancellor Breland concluded by recognizing the level of activity taking place across NOCCCD in support of students and instructional programs. He shared that he sees momentum and a seriousness of purpose across the District and expressed pride in the campuses, gratitude for employees, and appreciation for the Board’s continued support.

Board Actions

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

• Authorization to adopt the state and federal legislative priorities for 2026 and authorize the Chancellor of the North Orange County Community College District to advocate on behalf of the Board.
• Authorization to adopt Resolution No. 25/26-36 designating February as Black History Month.

Human Resources

The Board approved the retirements of Cypress College Instructor, Political Science Eapen Mathews; Cypress College Human Resources Generalist Barbara Woolner.

The Board approved the resignation of Cypress College Instructional Assistant, Career Planning and Workforce Development Center, Laura Andrade; Fullerton College Special Project Manager, Dual Enrollment, Allison Hancock.

The Board approved the hiring of Fullerton College Special Projects Coordinator, Dual Enrollment Weber Cheng; Cypress College Human Resources Generalist Natalie Harrold; Fullerton College Child Care Teacher I Ada Hong; Anaheim Campus Student Services Specialist/Transfer Center Shannyn Sayula; and NOCE Special Project Coordinator, DSS Educational Coaching Marcia Zarate.

Chancellor's Staff Reports

NOCE

NOCE President Valentina Purtell reported that NOCE has been renewed for the Community College Technical Assistance Provider Grant, with a total award of $2,341,000 supporting work through the remainder of the 2025–26 year and the 2026–27 fiscal year, including $500,000 dedicated to English language learner healthcare pathways.

She shared that the Parenting Program hosted its seventh annual “Building Trauma-Informed Communities Parenting Conference” at the Brea Community Center. The free in-person event, themed “Nurturing Ourselves, Our Family, and Our Community Through Trauma-Informed Care,” welcomed students, parents, caregivers, and community members. President Purtell concluded by announcing that the 2026 Lunar New Year celebration is scheduled for February 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Anaheim campus.

Fullerton College

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo reported that the College is accepting applications for its first Bachelor of Science degree in Drones and Autonomous Systems, noting that 20 spots are available and 17 applications have been received. She reported on enrollment efforts, with spring headcount at 19,958, a 4.448% growth over the same time last year.

President Olivo thanked alumnus Steve Haddadine for a $30,000 donation to name a study area and for conducting estate planning workshops for donors. She concluded her report by inviting attendees to the Lunar New Year celebration scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the quad.

Cypress College

Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer thanked the campus community and the Cypress Police Department for responding to last week’s campus closure, and expressed appreciation for the teamwork with law enforcement in resolving the situation.

He reported that Cypress College hosted its Opening Day Convocation on Friday, January 30, and thanked Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Chancellor Breland, and members of the Chancellor’s staff for attending.

Dr. Thayer reported on Black History Month and noted that Cypress College will be hosting Black History Month basketball games against Saddleback, with additional events scheduled. He concluded by inviting attendees to “Coffee with the President” on February 12, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m.

Resource Table Reports

District Management Association

District Management Association President Karla Frizler thanked Trustees, the Chancellor, and executive leaders and expressed appreciation for the District-wide update sent to employees regarding the District’s Job Family Study. She stated that while the DMA Executive Board appreciates the opportunity to meet and confer with the District, site representatives continue to reinforce that managers would like a voice in decision-making and in the prioritization of recommendations at the division, department, and program levels. She concluded that managers' collective goal is to ensure their areas operate efficiently and effectively in support of student success.

Academic Senate

North Orange Continuing Education Academic Senate President Michelle Patrick-Norng reported that the Senate voted to support the proposed partnership with Calbright College. She reported that NOCE finalized its DEIAA action plan under the leadership of Dr. Casey Sousa and expressed appreciation for the committee’s work. She announced that the WASC mid-cycle report and revised action plan were presented for first review and thanked Tina McClurkin for assisting with the drafts. She concluded by reporting that the Senate began discussion of a draft joint collaborative consultation understanding among the three Senate bodies and both union organizations, noting positive initial feedback.

Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti reported that the Senate will receive an overview of the transition from Illumine Legacy to Illumine Insights, as well as a presentation on updated Starfish tools to strengthen early alert and communication efforts. A Senate action item related to the Guided Pathways Program Maps project is to form a work group to review and provide feedback on proposed District policy language regarding artificial intelligence. She concluded by reporting that the Senate will begin discussions on campus protocols regarding potential enforcement activities.

Fullerton College Academic Senate President Bridget Kominek reported that the Senate held its first meeting of the spring semester and unanimously voted to recommend that Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo use available and appropriate resources and collaborate with the Professional Learning Office to provide rapid response training related to immigration enforcement activities. She concluded by inviting Trustees to participate in upcoming Black History Month and Lunar New Year celebrations.

United Faculty

United Faculty President Steven Estrada expressed gratitude for faculty contributions inside and outside the classroom. He shared that the United Faculty negotiations team is preparing to address faculty labor expectations and compensation across the District. Two areas of focus were highlighted: integrating compensated office hours and compensation for additional labor associated with compliance-driven programs such as Cosmetology, Automotive, and Nursing.

CSEA

CSEA Vice President Aaron Pilkey shared that the CSEA negotiations team met with the District negotiations team on February 4, reviewed ground rules, and scheduled negotiation dates through the end of April. He stated that CSEA is awaiting completion of the District’s Job Family Study before moving forward with negotiations on job classifications. He raised concerns about members' safety following a recent threat at Cypress College and concluded his report by requesting ongoing follow-up regarding the hiring of PEs, noting that some of those roles may be classified positions.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu reported on student engagement and noted increased participation in “Tea Time with the Student Trustee,” as well as feedback from 39 students on topics including transportation challenges, mobile library access, completing assignments on campus, and student club involvement. She also shared outreach efforts and concluded by noting that a student representative is now eligible to serve on NOCE’s Curriculum Committee.

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar reported that he spoke at Fullerton College’s Spring Convocation, where he shared updates and goals for the student body and reflected on an Indigenous philosophy from South America to “fly with your roots,” meaning continuing to aim and dream while remembering one’s origins. He recognized Black History Month and reported attending the District kickoff event featuring Dr. Edward C. Bush. He concluded by thanking the Board for approving sponsorship of the annual LGBTQ Summit.

Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco reported a strong start to the spring semester. He stated that the council received an overview of the Cypress institutional planning and resource allocation manual, provided feedback on accreditation, funding, and program review, and concluded by reporting that the District 8 Legislative Affairs Director met with student leaders and provided information on statewide student governance and the upcoming general assembly.

Trustee Evangelina Rosales acknowledged the stress and uncertainty in local communities related to immigration enforcement, encouraged compassion and connection among classmates, coworkers, neighbors, and friends, and emphasized the value of small gestures of support.

Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown reported attending Fullerton College’s Spring Convocation and noted a student survey shared during the event on food and housing insecurity, indicating that many students experienced at least one of these challenges. He recognized available support services, including food assistance, transportation support, housing referrals, and other social services, and their importance. Trustee Brown concluded by discussing mental health support services and the potential use of graduate-level trainees seeking licensure under appropriate supervision.

Board Secretary Mark Lopez extended well wishes for a strong start to the semester across the District and expressed appreciation for comments made by Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar. He reported that a campus Meet-and-Greet at NOCE is scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Conference Room 100A.

Trustee Stephen T. Blount expressed appreciation to Recording Secretary Alba Recinos for accurately capturing his comments and sentiments in the prior meeting.

Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath commented that she enjoyed attending the Spring Opening Convocations and noted that she will report back on the conference she is currently attending.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.