NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for January 27, 2026

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland welcomed everyone to the spring semester and acknowledged the planning efforts across Cypress College, Fullerton College, and North Orange Continuing Education for spring convocations.

He provided an update on the District’s Job Family Study, shared that a memo will be sent to employees soon, and thanked everyone for their patience. He recognized the Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Institutional Effectiveness, Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna, and her team for the Student-Centered Funding Initiatives Workshop, and thanked District Director of Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion, Dr. Flavio Medina-Martin, for coordinating the Classified Compass event.

He also thanked Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath for co-presenting with him at the Community College League of California Legislative Conference, acknowledged community concerns related to immigration enforcement, and stressed the District’s commitment to safe and supportive campuses. He concluded by thanking the Board for its leadership.

Board Actions

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

• Authorization to approve out-of-country travel for 17 individuals to attend the All-African Diaspora Education 2026 Summit (ADES) in Ghana, Africa, from September 23 to October 3, 2026.
• Authorization to receive reopeners for 2025-2026 proposed by United Faculty (CCA/CTA/NEA) to the District and to set a public hearing.
• Authorization to receive reopeners for 2025-2026 proposed by the District to United Faculty (CCA/CTA/NEA) and to set a public hearing.
• Authorization to approve the appointment, compensation, and benefits for Dr. John Parker to the position of Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services, effective March 2, 2026.
• Authorization to nominate Trustee Barbara Dunsheath for membership on the California Community College Trustees Board.
• Authorization to adopt revised policy BP 3510 Workplace Violence.

Dr. John Parker to the Position of Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services

Chancellor Breland welcomed Dr. John Parker as the next Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services. Dr. Parker brings extensive executive experience, multiple degrees in business and finance, and is a proud U.S. Navy veteran. He will begin at NOCCCD on March 2, 2026.

Public Comments on Proposed New BP 2450 Animals on Campus

Meredith Kirby from OC Community Cats expressed support for the proposed campus animal policy. She highlighted existing cat colony management efforts and shared confidence in the program’s success.

Anna Wong thanked Board Vice President Ed Lopez, J.D., Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, and Chancellor Breland for a recent meeting regarding the proposed campus animal policy and expressed support for the draft. She shared that upcoming meetings will focus on organizing volunteers and student participation in the program and noted that the program is anticipated to be active by late spring.

Janae Morgan, founder of Paws in the Sand Cat Rescue, shared an update on trap-neuter-return (TNR) efforts at Cypress College. She reported that 21 cats have been TNR’d to date and expressed her commitment to supporting the campus colony.

Human Resources

The Board approved the resignation of Fullerton College Student Services Specialist/EOPS Alejandra Alvarado; NOCE Clerical Assistant I Christian Oleo; Cypress College Special Project Coordinator, STEM Alyssa Perez; Cypress College Special Project Manager, Nursing Success Jenny Sok Wisman; and Cypress College Executive Assistant III, President’s Office Kristel Valdez.

The Board approved the hiring of Cypress College Vice President of Instruction Luis Gonzalez; Fullerton College Special Project Coordinator, Dual Enrollment Vianney Arciga Echeverria; Fullerton College HVAC Mechanic I Andrew Finchamp; Fullerton College Facilities Custodian I San Juana Frias De Rodriguez; Cypress College Special Project Coordinator, STEM2 Andrea Gomez; Fullerton College Special Project Coordinator, Hornet Resource Center Sarah Kaump; Fullerton College Special Project Coordinator, Hornet Resource Center Brandi Kim; NOCE Student Services Specialist/DSS Denise Larsson; Anaheim Campus Buyer II Marisa Lopez; Anaheim Campus District Payroll Manager Billy Ly; Cypress College Tutorial Services Coordinator Cassandra Matsuya; NOCE Student Services Specialist, ESL Zail Mendoza; Fullerton College Evaluator Enedina Morales; Anaheim Campus IT Security Analyst/System Administrator Binh Nguyen; Fullerton College Facilities Custodian I Constantin Pahomi; Cypress College Administrative Assistant I, SEM Division Alyssa Perez; Fullerton College Facilities Custodian I Floriberto Perez Mendez; NOCE Instructional Assistant/High School Diploma Lab Veronica Perez-Prado; Fullerton College Special Project Coordinator, Dual Enrollment Kaylee Serb; and Fullerton College Facilities Custodian I Dayeisi Violante.

Chancellor Staff Reports

NOCE

NOCE President Valentina Purtell began by recognizing CSEA President Elaine Loayza as a founding member of the Anaheim Campus cat colony program. She reported that NOCE’s P1 FTES projection is at 4,300, consistent with last year, and noted that the spring term typically generates more FTES than the fall, with a 2.9% increase in headcount and an 11.5% increase in registrations compared to last year. She shared updates on NOCE’s strategic planning retreat and Chancellor’s Connect and announced that NOCE will host a national delegation from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, highlighting NOCE as a model for adult learner success. She concluded by announcing that ESL instructor Souzan Sahakian will present on ethical and equity-focused AI practices at a statewide convening.

Fullerton College

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo announced that the upcoming spring convocation, titled “Freedom Dreaming,” is scheduled for this Friday. She noted that Fullerton College’s student headcount is up 6.7% from last year. She shared details of efforts to strengthen external relations, which included visits to various cities within the District’s service area. She thanked Dr. Rolando Sanabria and the outreach department for hosting the "Males Achieving Success" conference, as well as the keynote speaker and President of Compton College, Dr. Keith Curry.

In addition, she announced that Fullerton College has met the requirements to become a California State-designated Black-Serving Institution and highlighted upcoming events celebrating the 100th anniversary of Black History Month in February 2026. She concluded by acknowledging Leno Sanchez-Tapia and Jesus Silva as the recipients of the Classified Recognition Awards.

Cypress College

Cypress College President Dr. Scott Thayer wished everyone a Happy New Year and provided an update on enrollment, noting that the college is on track to meet its semester and 2025–26 academic-year enrollment targets. He reported a more than 4% increase in spring enrollment, surpassing 5,100 FTES. He recognized Dr. Terri Long for her service as Interim Vice President of Instruction, thanked the Board for approving Dr. Luis Gonzalez as the new Vice President of Instruction, and noted that Dr. Gonzalez joins from Oxnard College, bringing more than two decades of higher education experience.

Administrative Services

Acting Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Erika Almaraz provided an update on the California Governor’s Budget Proposal and District enrollment. She reported that the Governor’s proposal projects $42.3 billion in revenues and includes an 8.7 % increase in the state budget and General Fund spending. The proposal includes a 2.41 percent cost-of-living adjustment, 1.5 percent systemwide enrollment growth, and one-time funding. She noted potential risks identified by the Legislative Analyst’s Office, including a stock market downturn and multi-year state budget deficits. Do we write out percent or do the symbol? I see it both ways on here. She reported on enrollment targets and District growth of 1,153.54 FTES, a 3.65 percent increase from the prior year, and that the District is projected to be out of hold-harmless status based on P-1 data. She concluded by noting that budget development will begin in February, the Governor’s Revision will be released in May, and the tentative budget will be presented to the Board in June.

Resource Table Reports

District Management Association

District Management Association President Karla Frizler thanked the District for supporting her management sabbatical. She shared that during her sabbatical, she developed a guide focused on preparing the next generation of noncredit English as a Second Language (ESL) leaders, which has been shared with District employees and managers. She also reported that the DMA Executive Board held its first meeting of the spring 2026 semester and noted that managers across the District continue to express strong interest in the status of the Job Family Study. She concluded by thanking Chancellor Breland for confirming that a memo will be shared with employees.

Academic Senate

NOCE Academic Senate President Michelle Patrick-Norng addressed the impact of Federal immigration-related activity on students in the District. She stated that immigration enforcement activity nationwide is affecting students in the District’s communities and should not be viewed as isolated incidents. She shared that many students and families are experiencing fear, grief, and uncertainty. She reported that some students are choosing to stay home rather than attend classes. She stated that NOCE faculty will continue to support students in classrooms and urged the Trustees to act within their roles and responsibilities to ensure that students and families hear that unlawful and violent behavior is not acceptable in the communities they serve.

Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti shared concerns regarding the impact of Federal immigration enforcement issues on students, faculty, and staff. She highlighted the importance of adequate training and guidance for faculty and staff in the event that Immigration and Customs Enforcement is present on campus. She noted the importance of faculty understanding their rights, responsibilities, and lawful procedures to ensure student safety and due process. She also urged Board members to use their elected positions to support students and families.

Fullerton College Academic Senate President Bridget Kominek expressed support for the statements made by fellow Senate leaders and announced that she will begin teaching her first dual-enrollment course at Anaheim High School. She stated that she looks forward to working with dual enrollment students and reflected on educators' roles in supporting students and their communities.

CSEA

CSEA President Elaine Loayza shared that CSEA will begin reopener negotiations at its first meeting on February 4 and is scheduling meetings with campus presidents to discuss shared concerns and priorities. She emphasized her commitment to continuing to work collaboratively to benefit classified professionals. She concluded by thanking classified professionals for their work supporting campuses and preparing for the start of the semester.

Adjunct Faculty United

Adjunct Faculty United President Marlo Smith reflected on her recent role as Acting Associate Dean in the ESL department at NOCE. She stated that it strengthened her commitment to expanding career growth opportunities for adjunct faculty in the District. She expressed interest in exploring reassigning time for part-time faculty in future negotiations to support leadership and committee responsibilities. She concluded by announcing that the next ADFAC Executive Board meeting will be held on February 11 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu welcomed Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Dr. John Parker and Cypress College Vice President of Instruction Dr. Luis Gonzalez and reported that the spring semester has seen strong student engagement. She announced plans to expand student outreach through monthly engagement activities, such as student connection sessions at the NOCE Student Center, beginning in February. She concluded by sharing that she will be attending a leadership conference in San Diego focused on community college leadership and partnerships.

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar expressed support for the comments shared by Academic Senate leaders and noted the impact of recent national immigration enforcement-related events on students and communities. He reported that the Associated Students are preparing for the spring semester and highlighted upcoming activities, including Students of Distinction, Faculty of the Year recognition, Commencement, and student government elections. He shared that the next Associated Students meeting will be held the following Tuesday.

Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco reported that the Associated Students will hold a spring retreat on February 6 and are working on preparing for upcoming events, including Welcome Back and Club Rush. He noted that the Associated Students are reviewing budget projections and the AS Benefits Card and concluded by sharing that they are developing resolutions for the upcoming General Assembly.

Trustee Evangelina Rosales shared highlights from a recent visit to the Fullerton College Cosmetology Department, where students collaborated with a beauty school from Japan. She noted that the project included student models, hair and makeup, wedding photo shoots, and participation from programs in cosmetology, fashion, photography, journalism, media studies, and printing. She shared that a student showcase is planned for the summer and expressed appreciation to Dean Ken Starkman, department faculty, and staff for their support. She concluded by welcoming Dr. John Parker to the District.

Board Secretary Mark Lopez reported attending the Board Policy Committee meeting on January 9 and the Chancellor’s Connect event on January 14. He welcomed Dr. John Parker and Dr. Luis Gonzalez to the District. He noted immigration enforcement activity in the area and reported that several Anaheim schools were placed on lockdown as a result. He concluded by announcing an upcoming meet-and-greet scheduled for March 23 at Cypress College and March 24 at Fullerton College, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

Trustee Stephen T. Blount reflected on historical and current political conflicts affecting students, communities, and schools, and shared concerns about the impact of enforcement activity on students and campus environments.

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent expressed appreciation to the support team in the control booth for their work and sound quality during the meeting.

Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath reported participating in a strategic foresight initiative hosted by the California Community Colleges League and attending an Effective Trustee workshop in Sacramento. She discussed the California Community Colleges League’s focus on supporting community college baccalaureate degree programs and shared updates from Board of Governors discussions. She noted that NOCCCD’s three baccalaureate degrees have completed the approval process and are in various stages of adoption.

She also shared updates on the Governor’s budget proposal and ACCT’s federal legislative priorities. She concluded by outlining upcoming District events, including the Women’s Caucus International Women’s Day celebration on March 6 at Fullerton College. She also noted that nominations are open for the Rising Star and Legacy Awards and announced that the Americana Awards will be held on March 21 at Cypress College.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10.