NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for July 28, 2026
On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Board of Trustees met for a regularly scheduled meeting. The following are highlights of the meeting held at 5:30 p.m. at the Anaheim Campus Board Room.
Chancellor's Report
Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland shared updates from Chancellor’s Staff recent Executive Team retreat, which focused on leadership, District-wide alignment, and infusing major planning documents with specific actions, timelines, and areas of responsibility. He also recognized District Services employees for their work supporting the campuses and students and highlighted the upcoming ACCT Governance Leadership Institute, which will be hosted at Fullerton College and attended by trustees from across California.
Board Actions
The Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below:
- Board authorization to receive the Quarterly Investment Report and the Irrevocable Retiree Benefits Trust Report ending on March 31, 2026.
- Board authorization of adjustments to the Executive Officer Salary Schedule, one-time payments, salary column advancements, and contract renewals effective July 1, 2026.
Human Resources
The Board approved the hiring of:
- Jose Flores Nava, Cypress College Ceramics Instructor
- Felicia Hall, Cypress College Public Health Science/Kinesiology Instructor
- Brianna Beltran, Cypress College Special Projects Manager, Nursing Success
- Zachery Chen, Cypress College Special Project Manager, Cybersecurity
- Andrew Cheng, Cypress College Business Office Specialist
- Raymundo Gutierrez, NOCE Special Project Manager, CC TAP
- William Moore, NOCE Special Project Coordinator, CC TAP
- Alyssa Reece, Cypress College Special Project Coordinator, Foundations
- Ayinde Rochan, Fullerton College Special Project Director, Men of Color
- Sena Shin, NOCE Administrative Assistant II
- Montserrat Thompson, NOCE Community Engagement Coordinator
- Guanlin Wang, NOCE Instructional Assistant, ESL
- Dorothy Cardenas, Fullerton College Special Projects Coordinator, Hornets Resources Center
The Board also approved the retirement of James Dowdalls, Fullerton College Instructor, Art.
The Board approved the resignations of Paaras Chand, Cypress College Instructor, Computer Science; Jocelyn Aponte, NOCE Administrative Assistant II; Enrique Contreras, Cypress College Special Projects Coordinator, Dual Enrollment Tech & Data Enrollment; and Johanna Sandoval, Anaheim Campus, Human Resources Specialist.
Chancellor's Staff Reports
NOCE
NOCE President Valentina Purtell reported continued enrollment growth, with more than 4,500 FTES generated last year and increases in both summer registrations and student headcount. She also highlighted a recent meeting with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Family Self-Sufficiency Committee to strengthen referral pathways, coordinated case management, and educational opportunities for families across Orange County.
She concluded by inviting the Board to NOCE’s Opening Day celebration on August 6 and the annual professional development conference on August 7.
Fullerton College
Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo shared that she and other Fullerton College representatives attended the National Conference on Student Enrollment, where they learned best practices in enrollment services and strategic enrollment management. She also recognized the appointments of Dr. Brandi Avila as Dean of Student Support Services, Ayinde Rochan as Special Project Director, Men of Color, and Dr. Carlos Ayon as Vice President of Instruction, effective August 1, 2026.
Cypress College
Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer highlighted the recent Toyota T-TEN graduation and recognized faculty members Michael Klyde and Paul Kelley for the program’s success. He also shared that the College’s annual managers retreat will focus on enrollment, belonging, wellness, and the 60th anniversary theme, “60 Years, One Cypress.”
President Thayer concluded by honoring retired photography faculty member and former Academic Senate President Rob Johnson and shared that the College is working with his family to plan an on-campus memorial.
Resource Table Reports
District Management Association
District Management Association (DMA) President Rosanna Islas thanked the Board and District for the approved on-schedule salary increase and one-time off-schedule payment. She also shared that the DMA Executive Board established its 2026-27 priorities, including increased collaboration, stronger communication, more opportunities for managers to connect, and continued support for DMA members.
CSEA
CSEA First Vice President and Chief Union Steward for Cypress College Aaron Pilkey thanked the District for the approved salary increase and one-time payments, and raised concerns about personal devices being used to record classified employees and noted the need for a clear District policy.
Board of Trustees Reports
NOCE Student Trustee Yellckin Brenes shared his commitment to increasing student engagement and ensuring student voices are heard. He also spoke about transportation support for students, recent improvements at the Anaheim Campus, and invited the community to attend NOCE Opening Day on August 6.
Fullerton College Student Trustee Samantha Meili shared that Associated Students is working with College administration to make parking permits more accessible for students with outstanding holds and noted that student leaders will participate in training on August 18 and 19 to prepare for the academic year.
Trustee Evangelina Rosales congratulated the newly appointed administrators and welcomed Rosanna Islas in her leadership role with the District Management Association.
Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath discussed recent federal developments related to earnings-based accountability requirements for college programs and increased review of federal grant applications. She also raised concerns about data security and encouraged the District to monitor these federal actions.
Public Comments
Jason Makabali raised concerns about the District’s job family study, questioned whether the study’s findings had been sufficiently reviewed, and urged the Board to examine its long-term impact.
Cypress Mayor Leo Medrano recognized Cypress College and the Board of Trustees for their partnership with the City of Cypress and their support of affordable higher education, dual enrollment, community programs, and career technical education.
