NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for May 26, 2026

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland shared that he attended the North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) commencement ceremony on May 15 and described the event as a special evening that highlighted the accomplishments of working adults, career changers, and immigrants building new lives in the community. He noted that noncredit certificate completions at NOCE grew by 58% over five years, and thanked the NOCE commencement planning team and acknowledged, Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Vice President Ed Lopez, J.D., Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown, Board Secretary Mark Lopez, Trustee Evangelina Rosales, and Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent for attending and participating in the ceremony.

He also attended the third annual Black Graduation ceremony at Fullerton College on May 20, and shared that watching students receive their stoles while surrounded by family, community members, and supporters serve as a reminder of why the District’s work matters.

Presentations

Recognition of Student Trustees

The Board of Trustees recognized the three Student Trustees who served during the 2025–26 academic year: Fullerton College student Samiy Castillo Bolivar, Cypress College student Zachary Colinco, and NOCE student Kristine Nacu.

Recognition of Retirees & 25+ Years of Service

The District also recognized employees who retired during the 2025–26 academic year, along with those celebrating 25 or more years of service with NOCCCD. Their years of dedication and commitment have made a lasting impact on the District, its campuses, and the students they serve.

2025-26 Retirees

2025-26 Years of Service Recognition

North Star Awards

The NOCCCD North Star Award is given out once a year by the members of Chancellor’s Staff in appreciation of an individual’s exceptional contribution to our campuses and District.

The winners of the 2025-26 NOCCCD North Star Awards are:

• Brittany Hamer, Cypress College, Special Projects Director, Outreach
• Carlos Ayon, Fullerton College, Dean of Busieness and Computer Information Systems
• Katherine Pham-Le, NOCE, Executive Assistant
• Joseph Aranda, NOCCCD, Professional Development Coordinator

Learn more about the North Star Awardees.

2026-2030 District-wide Strategic Plan

Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna and District Director of Research, Planning & Data Management Dr. Gabrielle Stanco presented a draft of the 2026–2030 NOCCCD District-wide Strategic Plan. The presentation reviewed the Strategic Plan development timeline and the three strategic objectives: Expand Equitable Student Success and Career Mobility; Strengthen Employee Engagement and Organizational Effectiveness; and Advance Regional Impact and Strategic Partnerships.

Board Actions

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

• Board approval for the 2026 North Orange Continuing Education Accreditation Mid-cycle Report
• Board approval to receive as information the draft 2026-2030 District-wide Strategic Plan
• Board approval to receive as information the new and revised Administrative Procedures in Chapters 4, 6, and 7

Human Resources

The Board approved the retirement of Fullerton College Mathematics/Engineering Instructor Mareike Claassen; Fullerton College English Instructor Elli England; Fullerton College English Instructor Deidre Hughes; Cypress College English Instructor Keith Vescial; and Fullerton College CIS Instructor Nancy Woolridge.

The Board approved the resignation of Fullerton College Instructional Assistant Math Lab Mackenzie Carrillo.

The Board also approved the hiring of NOCE ESL Clerical Assistant I Michael Baldovino; Anaheim Campus Executive Assistant II Rossana Nuno; NOCE Clerical Assistant I, ESL Cindy Sanchez Landeros; Fullerton College Ethnic Studies Instructor David Ferrandiz; Cypress College Communication Studies Instructor Kelly Hutchison; Fullerton College Business Management Instructor Marwin Luminarias; and Cypress College Counselor, Veterans Resource Center Esmeralda Martin.

Chancellor's Staff Reports

NOCE

NOCE President Valentina Purtell shared highlights from the 2026 Commencement and Student Success Ceremony held on May 15. She shared that more than 900 students were recognized across all NOCE instructional programs and thanked Chancellor Breland, members of the Board, and Chancellor’s Staff for attending and supporting the event. President Purtell also shared that one of the memorable moments of the evening was the debut of NOCE’s new mascot, Ace the Falcon.

She concluded by reporting that registrations for the summer 2026 term increased by 20% compared to last summer, while unduplicated headcount increased by 14% to nearly 7,000 students.

Fullerton College

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo shared that Fullerton College’s Speech and Debate Team recently won the 2026 Collegiate Advocacy Research and Debate (CARD) Nationals JV Championship, as well as the Tournament and Conference of Scholars (TACOS) at Weber State University. The team is led by Communications Studies Professor LaToya Green. She congratulated Cheyenne Abeyta and Talitha Arthurs, who were recognized as second and third place speakers. President Olivo also recognized student debaters Emily Arcila, Ernest Figeruoa, Sofi Gallo-Llorente, Gabriel Hood, Nathaniel Ortega, and Mona Sayedsalim for their contributions to the team’s national championship accomplishment.

Additionally, President Olivo shared that Fullerton College looks forward to celebrating commencement on Saturday with alumna Vanesa Estrella serving as commencement speaker. She noted that Estrella was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times for her election to the Fullerton School Board and for helping lead her family business, El Pachuco Zoot Suits, which has served the community since 1978.

Cypress College

Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer thanked employees for their response to the Garden Grove hazardous materials incident and shared that the campus formally opened its Emergency Operations Center, prepared to assist if needed, and continued monitoring the situation through the holiday weekend.

He also shared that Cypress College’s 59th Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday and is expected to include approximately 700 student participants.

He concluded by honoring the memory of charter faculty member Jim Phillips, who was one of 18 faculty members who transferred to Cypress College when the campus opened in 1966 and served as an economics professor for more than 40 years.

Public & Governmental Affairs

Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis thanked the employees honored during the evening for their years of service, and dedication to the District.

Educational Services & Institutional Effectiveness

Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna thanked the members of the Design Team who developed the Strategic Plan report, and also congratulated NOCE on its commencement ceremony and shared that it was her first NOCCCD commencement ceremony.

Administrative Services

Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Dr. John Parker shared that the Governor’s May Revise includes a 4.31% COLA and noted that the state described the budget as stability-focused rather than growth-focused. He also shared that the state continues to acknowledge ongoing structural cost pressures, including PERS, STRS, health insurance, and utilities, as well as potential economic uncertainty in future fiscal years.

Resource Table Reports

District Management Association

District Management Association President Karla Frizler recognized Classified Appreciation Week, and congratulated employees recognized for their years of service and dedication to student success. She also shared DMA’s appreciation for the Chancellor’s May 15 communication regarding the NOCCCD Job Family Study and discussed ongoing concerns from managers related to the implementation of the study results, including communication, transparency, and opportunities for input throughout the process.

Academic Senate

Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti provided an update on the upcoming May 28 Academic Senate meeting, including second reads on Guided Pathways program map design best practices, revisions to the academic honesty policy, accreditation-related resolutions, and proposals related to a student drop survey and future Flex Day themes. She also shared that the Senate will welcome and swear in new senators for the 2026–27 academic year, appoint executive Senate officers, review the academic calendar, and consider summer funding requests related to faculty leadership and curriculum development opportunities through ASCCC.

Fullerton College Academic Senate President Bridget Kominek shared highlights from the Faculty Senate’s final meeting of the academic year, including a recommendation to establish a faculty technology coordinator position beginning in fall 2026. She also shared that the Senate supported curriculum revisions related to the state’s standardized attendance accounting methods, recommendations to support immigration-impacted students, and consideration of adjunct faculty representation on Senate and dual reporting subcommittees.

She concluded by thanking Trustee Evangelina Rosales for attending and speaking at Fullerton College’s first annual Latinx Graduation Celebration and recognized faculty, staff, and volunteers who helped organize the event.

CSEA

CSEA President Elaine Loayza thanked Chancellor Breland for his communication and response regarding the recent Garden Grove chemical incident and also thanked campus leadership and staff for supporting classified professional celebrations across the District. She recognized classified professionals for their dedication and service to the District and discussed CSEA’s continued support for fair job descriptions, salary compensation, and longevity compensation for new hires during ongoing negotiations.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu congratulated NOCE on welcoming its third student trustee, Yellckin Brenes, and shared that she looks forward to supporting him. She also shared that former NOCE Student Trustee Robert Johnson began a tradition of gifting a NOCE pin to incoming student trustees, which she plans to continue at the next Board meeting.

She reflected on her experience serving as NOCE’s first full-term student trustee and thanked the Board of Trustees, District leadership, NOCE administrators, faculty, staff, and student leaders for their support.

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar shared updates from Associated Students, including year-end budget planning efforts and the implementation of senator stipends intended to encourage student participation in student government. He also reflected on attending Fullerton College’s Latinx Graduation Celebration and shared his appreciation for the sense of community, belonging, and representation the event provided for students.

Additionally, he reflected on his experience serving as Fullerton College Student Trustee and thanked students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, District leadership, and the Board of Trustees for their support throughout his term. He concluded by inviting the community to attend Fullerton College’s 111th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, where he will serve as commencement speaker.

Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco shared updates from Associated Students, including the success of the organization’s final “Finals Fuel” event, which provided students with resources and support during finals week. He also shared that he attended the Honors End-of-the-Year Banquet recognizing student achievements, transfer accomplishments, and academic excellence.

Additionally, he reflected on his experience serving as Cypress College Student Trustee and thanked the Board of Trustees, District leadership, faculty, staff, Associated Students members, and fellow student trustees for their support throughout his term. He also shared that he plans to continue his education at UCLA, where he intends to study data theory.

Trustee Stephen T. Blount shared remarks regarding the recent Garden Grove incident and thanked those who assisted families impacted by the evacuations. He also honored the memory of former Cypress Professor Jim Phillips and reflected on his longtime involvement with Cypress College and the Cypress community.

Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown recognized the District’s student trustees and shared that they have been diligent in bringing information back to their campuses and communicating student perspectives and concerns to the Board of Trustees. He also shared that they have been among the most effective student trustees he has worked with.

Board Secretary Mark Lopez shared that he attended the NOCE commencement ceremony for the first time and congratulated NOCE on the event and the debut of its new mascot, Ace. He also shared information regarding upcoming events at the Fullerton Museum Center, including the Fullerton Pride Fest on June 6 and a Creative Co-Op event on May 30.

He concluded by congratulating retirees, employees recognized for their years of service, and the student trustees for their dedication and participation throughout the academic year.

Trustee Evangelina Rosales congratulated employees recognized for their years of service, including faculty members Carolee Freer and Randa Wahbe, who she shared were former professors during her time as a student.

Additionally, Trustee Rosales thanked Fullerton College Executive Director of Friends of Fullerton College Foundation and Outreach Dr. Lisa Nashua for the recent scholarship awards event and congratulated scholarship recipients. She also thanked the student trustees for their service and dedication throughout the academic year.

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent commended the student trustees for their leadership, dedication, and continued engagement with students across their campuses throughout the academic year. He also congratulated NOCE on its commencement ceremony and shared his excitement about the introduction of NOCE’s new mascot, Ace the Falcon. Additionally, Trustee Bent welcomed incoming NOCE Student Trustee Yellckin Brenes.

Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath congratulated scholarship recipients recognized at the Cypress College and Fullerton College scholarship award ceremonies and shared that Cypress College awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships.

She also shared updates from the statewide Consultation Council, including upcoming advocacy efforts by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, opportunities to submit presentation proposals for the Community College League of California annual conference, and award nomination opportunities through ACCT.

Public Comments

Teresa Cespedes shared that she has worked in the District for nearly 26 years and discussed concerns related to classified employee compensation, internal equity, and longevity compensation.

Jason Makabali shared concerns regarding the implementation of the District’s Job Family Study, including concerns related to equity and the evaluation process used for classified staff positions.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the Anaheim Campus.