NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for May 26, 2026

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland shared that the District hosted a curriculum convening on June 3 at the Anaheim Campus, bringing together faculty and curriculum leaders from across the District to discuss instructional design, program development, and student success. He recognized several June observances, including Pride Month, Juneteenth, Men’s Health Month, National Safety Month, PTSD Awareness Month, and Immigrant Heritage Month, and noted that these observances reflect the District’s ongoing commitment to supporting all members of the community.

Seating of the New Student Trustees

Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown administered the Oath of Allegiance to the three new Student Trustees that will serve during the 2026-27 academic year: Cypress College student Ahmad Haidari, Fullerton College student Samantha Meili, and NOCE student Yellckin Brenes.

Presentations

Community Partnerships Study Session

Chancellor Breland introduced the study session on NOCCCD’s community partnerships. He described the presentation as a reflection of the District’s identity as “The Destination District” and its commitment to collaboration, trust, and shared investment in the North Orange County community. Chancellor Breland acknowledged the faculty, staff, administrators, and students whose relationship-building efforts support these partnerships and introduced Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna, District Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis, Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo, Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer, and North Orange Continuing Education President Valentina Purtell, who delivered the presentation.

Board Actions

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

• Board authorization to receive the proposed, revised Board Policies in Chapters 3, 4, and 5.

Human Resources

The Board approved the hiring of Fullerton College Film/TV/Cinema Instructor Jordyn Barber; Cypress College English Instructor Megan Cole; Fullerton College Counselor Cyndy Garcia; Cypress College Counselor Maria Haro; Cypress College Librarian Benjamin Mendez; Fullerton College Ethnic Studies Instructor Marisol Rivera; Fullerton College Film/TV/Cinema Instructor Elyusha Vafaeisefa; NOCE Instructional Assistant, ESL Edgar Lua Hernandez; Fullerton College Student Support Services, DSS Julian Ortega; Fullerton College Executive Assistant II, VPAS Luz Vazquez Arriaga; and Fullerton College Campus Safety Officer II Josue Moreno.

The Board also approved the retirement of Fullerton College Instructor, English Elli England, and Fullerton College Sr Research & Planning Analyst Victor Manchik.

The Board approved the resignations of Fullerton College Executive Assistant II, VPAS Marisa Cornejo; Cypress College Student Services Technician/VRC Carlos Martinez III; and Fullerton College Interpreter Coordinator, DSS Allison Rodgers-Griffin.

Chancellor Staff Reports

NOCE

NOCE President Valentina Purtell shared updates on NOCE’s continued enrollment, outreach, and student support efforts through strong community partnerships. She also highlighted expanded summer technology support services for students, the reopening of the Career Skills and Resource Lab with enhanced services, and a growing partnership with the Assistance League of Fullerton to provide students and families with clothing, household items, and hygiene resources.

Fullerton College

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo reported on the College’s 111th Commencement Ceremony, which celebrated nearly 1,000 graduates. She thanked faculty, classified professionals, administrators, community partners, and those involved in planning the ceremony. President Olivo also congratulated Fullerton College alumni Kash Amos, who made history as USC's first Black student commencement speaker, and Clovis Hung, who became the youngest graduate in the history of the UC Irvine School of Humanities at age 15.

Cypress College

Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer shared that Cypress College will host a management retreat on June 30 focused on enrollment, budget discussions, and a collaborative art project with a local artist. He also announced upcoming summer “Popsicles with the President” events and invited the Board to attend Opening Day Convocation and New Student Welcome Night on August 21, 2026, which will launch Cypress College’s 60th anniversary celebration.

Public & Governmental Affairs

District Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis congratulated the District’s new student trustees and shared that communications teams from across the District recently participated in a summer retreat, which included a crisis tabletop exercise led by the District Director of Campus Safety Quyen Vuong, as well as presentations from each campus communications team.

Administrative Services

Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Dr. John Parker announced the appointment of Khaoi Mady as the District’s new Executive Director of IT Services.

Resource Table Reports

District Management Association

District Management Association (DMA) Vice President Rosanna Islas introduced the 2026-2027 DMA Executive Board, thanked current President Karla Frizler for her leadership and service over the past two academic years, and announced that the new Executive Board will hold its first planning meeting in July.

Academic Senate

Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti provided an update from the May 14 Academic Senate meeting, which reviewed and supported a resolution opposing proposed changes to federal accreditation regulations under consideration by the U.S. Department of Education.

United Faculty

United Faculty President Steven Estrada congratulated the District’s new student trustees and thanked District leadership for hosting the Student-Centered Funding Formula Initiatives Academy and Curriculum Workshop, noting the importance of collaboration across the District.

CSEA

CSEA President Elaine Loayza thanked the Board of Trustees, District leadership, and both negotiation teams for their collaboration and support in reaching a tentative agreement on the implementation of the District’s Job Family MOU.

Adjunct Faculty United

Adjunct Faculty United President Marlo Smith congratulated the District’s new student trustees, with special recognition given to NOCE student trustee Yellckin Brenes, and announced the results of ADFAC’s recent executive board elections.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Yellckin Brenes shared his appreciation for the support and onboarding opportunities he has received as he begins his term as student trustee and thanked Chancellor Breland, President Valentina Purtell, and District staff.

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samantha Meili shared that Fullerton College Associated Students leaders will be attending the 2026 ASCCC Student and Faculty Leadership Institute to further develop their leadership skills and support student success efforts at Fullerton College.

Cypress College Student Trustee Ahmad Haidari expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve as student trustee and thanked Cypress College and District leadership for their support.

Trustee Jeffrey P. Brown reflected on the significance of commencement ceremonies and the celebration of student achievement across the District, and recognized Flag Day, encouraging reflection on the country’s founding principles and traditions.

Board Secretary Mark Lopez attended the commencement ceremonies at Cypress College and Fullerton College, and reflected on the celebration of student achievement across the District.

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent congratulated graduating students across the District and thanked those who organized and supported this year’s commencement ceremonies. He reflected on the important role community colleges play in helping students achieve their educational and career goals.

Public Comments

Jason Makabali shared remarks on the District’s Job Family Study process and expressed concerns about communication efforts

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Anaheim Campus.