NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for September 23, 2025

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland shared several highlights from recent events across the District. He noted that Fullerton College celebrated the grand opening of its new Student Support Center and Maintenance and Operations Center and thanked Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, and Trustee Stephen T. Blount for attending.

He also shared that it was an honor to host the California Community Colleges Board of Governors at the Anaheim Campus. The visit highlighted adult education and noncredit offerings, which were a major reason the District was selected for this year’s annual meeting. He thanked Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, and Trustee Mark Lopez for attending. He extended appreciation to the team who coordinated the visit along with Julie Schoepf, Maria Hernandez, Jennifer Perez, Amabel Arredondo, Annie Cotton, Nisha Jenkins, Kathryn Pham, NOCE President Valentina Purtell and student assistants.

He noted that a special highlight of the visit was lunch provided by the Cypress College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management Program, which received high praise from the Board of Governors. He recognized Jeremy Peters, Lisa Clark, Amanda Gargano, Stephanie Rosati, Jeanette Jones, Brian Hathenbruck, and Tony Hernandez for their work.

Presentations

Sustainability Proposal

NOCCCD Special Projects Director of Sustainability Tyler Deacy presented a proposal to manage risks from natural gas price spikes through a capped-rate agreement with Commercial Energy which would limit costs during high-demand months and offer significant protection and potential savings. The agreement would be for 12 months, with the option to evaluate and renew the following year.

2026–2030 NOCCCD District-wide Strategic Plan Development process

Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna and District Director, Research, Planning & Data Management Dr. Gabrielle Stanco presented the proposed timeline and process for developing the 2026–2030 NOCCCD District-wide Strategic Plan. The current plan will end Summer 2026 and shared that work has begun to draft the next plan, which is scheduled to begin Fall 2026.

Board Actions

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

• Authorization to adopt Resolution No. 25/26-13 in recognition of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month
• Authorization to enter into a 12-month agreement with Commercial Energy- Natural Gas

Human Resources

The Board approved the retirement of Fullerton College Counselor Linda Kelly-Mandich.

The Board also approved the hiring of Fullerton College Communications Specialist Johnny Moon; and Cypress College New Pathways Dual Enrollment Special Projects Coordinator Lance Sahagun.

Chancellor's Staff Reports

NOCE President Valentina Purtell reported that on September 16–17, NOCE hosted the California Community Colleges Board of Governors. She expressed appreciation to Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, and Trustee Mark Lopez for participating. She also recognized Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland, Vice Chancellor of Finance & Facilities Fred Williams, Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna, District Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns, Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo, and Cypress College President Dr. Scott Thayer for their encouragement and support.

She also shared that as the Community College Technical Assistance Provider; NOCE hosted the first meeting of the California Adult Education Program (CAEP) Data and Accountability Workgroup. She shared that this year-long initiative will focus on reviewing and strengthening CAEP success measures.

She concluded by announcing that NOCE has launched a new series of career technical education advertisements, designed to increase public awareness and generate additional enrollment.

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo thanked Trustee Stephen T. Blount, Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath, and Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar for attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Student Support Center and Maintenance and Operations buildings.  

She thanked Trustee Evangelina Rosales for participating in the Foundation Board Retreat. She shared that The Foundation would receive $534,000 from the estate of late retired accounting faculty member LaDonna Rhodes, and plans to identify a location on campus to honor her contribution. She also thanked Friends of Fullerton College Foundation and Community Relations Interim Executive Director Janeth Manjarrez for developing internal procedures for receiving gifts and pledges and noted that Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath pledged to name a bench at the new Student Support Center, marking the first naming at the facility.  

She concluded by honoring retired art professor Nixson Borah who passed away September 4 at the age of 87 and offered condolences to his family and loved ones.

Cypress College President Dr. Scott Thayer invited the Board and community to the 4th Annual Walk of Hope on September 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hosted by the Active Minds Club and the Student Health and Wellness Center, dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

He shared that as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Dr. Maria del Socorro Castañeda presented a workshop, Presence in Absence: Día de los Muertos and the Power of Remembrance. He thanked Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent, Trustee Mark Lopez, and Board Secretary Ed Lopez J.D. for visiting Cypress College last week to tour the campus, and Trustee Stephen T. Blount for attending the college’s golf tournament. He also expressed appreciation to the Cypress College Bistro faculty, staff, and students for their outstanding work in hosting the Board of Governors.

He concluded by sharing that a memorial service for professor Dr. Patricia Ganer will be held on Tuesday, October 14 at 2:00 p.m. on campus, with details being finalized and shared at a later time.

Vice Chancellor of Finance & Facilities Fred Williams announced upcoming District and campus-specific budget update sessions. At Fullerton College, the session will take place on Thursday, October 9 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Cypress College will host its session on Wednesday, October 15 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., and NOCE will hold its session on October 30 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in the Board Room.

Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Julie Kossick reported that Open Enrollment is currently underway and will close on October 10. Any changes made will take effect on January 1, 2026. Questions may be directed to the Benefits Office at benefits@nocccd.edu or 714-808-4800.

Resource Table Reports

North Orange Continuing Education Academic Senate President Michelle Patrick-Norng reported that several faculty leaders attended the Women in Power Spaces Convening on September 5. She thanked NOCE’s executive managers for sponsoring faculty attendance and noted the inspiration of seeing Trustee Evangelina Rosales, Board Vice President Barbara Dunsheath, and NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu in attendance. She also congratulated Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis and the event committee for organizing the convening.  

She thanked Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland for coordinating last week’s faculty work group, which brought together leaders from all three institutions and union representatives to build stronger communication and collaboration.

Cypress College Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti reported that the Academic Senate recently held its first meeting, where members discussed syllabus guidelines, ZTC and OER opportunities, and the upcoming districtwide symposium.  

She also shared that the next meeting would include approval of the syllabus guidelines, discussions on AI, a first read on adopting CourseDog at the District level, and updates on Common Course Numbering.  

Fullerton College Faculty Senate President Bridget Kominek reported that at the September 18 meeting, the Senate received a presentation on the Academic Progress Report process being implemented through Starfish software. The Senate voted to support revisions to AP 3415, Immigration Enforcement Activities, adopted by the District Consultation Council. She shared that the next meeting will also include presentations and discussions on a District employee mediation program, credit for prior learning catalog language, inclusive bathrooms and locker rooms, and interdisciplinary studies degrees.  

CSEA Communications Officer Seija Rohkea thanked the Board for its support of AP 3415, Immigration Enforcement Activities, noting the importance of ensuring safe and inclusive campuses. She also expressed appreciation to the Board for investigating concerns raised by classified staff at Cypress College.

Adjunct Faculty United President Marlo Smith reported that AdFac hosted a successful contract celebration on September 12, attended by Trustee Stephen T. Blount, Board Secretary Ed Lopez J.D., Trustee Mark Lopez, and Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Irma Ramos.

She noted that AdFac held its second faculty work group on September 19, which focused on strengthening collaboration between Academic Senates and unions to ensure equity across the District. She thanked Chancellor Byron D. Clift Breland for initiating this effort and highlighted the positive culture it has fostered.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu reported meeting with Trustee Evangelina Rosales to discuss student engagement strategies and possible short- and long-term projects. She also shared a new initiative called Student Champions, designed to increase student engagement and create pathways for mentorship.

She shared her participation in the California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting and concluded her report by sharing that she will be attending the upcoming California Adult Education Program (CAEP) Summit as a student leader, welcoming nearly 600 attendees from across the state.  

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar reported attending the Student Support Center opening at Fullerton College, noting the importance of the new facility in providing resources and highlighted how these spaces foster a sense of belonging and community for students.

He concluded his report by inviting Trustees to attend a Latinx Heritage Month alumni panel and community celebration on Tuesday, September 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Building 2400, Room 107, noting that Assemblymember Sharon Quirk-Silva is expected to attend.

Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco reported that Associated Students is updating minutes publications to comply with Brown Act requirements and accreditation standards.  

He highlighted recent campus events, including the APIDA program’s pool party, and a camping-themed scavenger hunt. Lastly, he reported that Associated Students is considering a bipartisan voter registration pop-up for Proposition 50; is preparing to host a Region 8 delegate meeting in November; and is planning an informational workshop on AB 1705, which removes prerequisites for Calculus I at California Community Colleges.

Trustee Mark Lopez reported attending several events in recent weeks. On September 11, he visited the 9/11 memorial at Cypress College. On September 15, he attended the Fullerton Museum Center Board meeting, and on September 16–17 he participated in the California Community Colleges Board of Governors visit. He noted his attendance at the Retirement Board meeting on September 18, and he also recognized September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Trustee Evangelina Rosales reported having a meaningful meeting with NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn about her goals and leadership. She also thanked District Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis for organizing the Women in Power Spaces Convening, describing it as an impactful and energizing event that highlighted women in leadership.  

Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath reported on the California Community College Trustees (CCCT) meeting she attended in Sacramento. She noted that much of the discussion overlapped with topics from the California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting. She shared that the Board of Governors is preparing its 2026–27 shared advocacy request, which outlines numerous funding proposals, with enrollment growth as the top priority. She also commented on the opening of the Student Support Center at Fullerton College, where she toured the Veterans Resource Center, LGBTQIA2S+ Resource Program, and Grads to Be spaces.

Trustee Stephen T. Blount reported attending the opening of the Student Support Center at Fullerton College. He toured both the new Student Support Center and the Maintenance and Operations building, noting the thoughtful design, dedicated workspaces, and ample storage for equipment. He expressed appreciation for the staff and managers who guided him on the tour.

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent reported attending several events over the past two weeks. During the Board of Governors visit at NOCE.  He met with California Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian and highlighted her engagement with students during lunch and campus tours. He also attended the opening of the Student Support Center at Fullerton College, noting the variety of student services.  

He also reported on the new Maintenance and Operations building at Fullerton College, praising the design, improved workspace, and benefits of having staff together in one facility.

Public Comments

Joannie commented on the ongoing cat issue at Cypress College and asked the Board to address the matter. 

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, at the Anaheim Campus.