NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for September 9, 2025

Chancellor's Report

Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland shared that the District has been busy welcoming students back for the fall semester and thanked students and faculty for their energy and efforts. He announced that NOCE will host the California Community Colleges Board of Governors Meeting September 16–17, 2025 recognizing NOCE President Valentina Purtell, Julie Schoepf, and the NOCE and District team for their planning efforts.

He noted that the second Faculty Work Group meeting will take place on September 19, 2025, bringing together the Academic Senate and Adjunct Faculty United to strengthen collaboration and shared values. He also thanked Vice Chancellor of Finance & Facilities Fred Williams and Executive Director of Fiscal Affairs Erika Almaraz for their upcoming Districtwide budget presentations. He highlighted the NOCE Aspire Attire Lounge reopening, acknowledging Tina McClurkin, Stephanie Rodriguez-Yokana, Annie Cotton, Stacy Webb, Denise Mora, and CTE Associate Dean Kim Tang for their work and encouraged everyone to donate.

He also thanked everyone who helped make the Women in Power Spaces (WiPS) event a success, including Trustee Evangelina Rosales and Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath for their participation. He concluded by recognizing the work of NOCE President Valentina Purtell and her team for representing NOCCCD at the Noncredit Regional Workshop which was hosted at Woodland College.

Presentations

2025-26 Proposed Budget

Vice Chancellor of Finance & Facilities Fred Williams and Executive Director of Fiscal Affairs Erika Almaraz presented on the 2025–26 proposed budget, reviewing highlights from the state, system, and District budgets and Board policy reserves. The District’s 2025–26 budget was presented as balanced, with all permanent positions fully funded and accounted for. Ms. Almaraz noted that campuses have done a great job growing enrollment; however, budgeting cautiously for a slower FTES growth rate in the future remains important.

Cypress College Cats

Cypress College President Dr. Scott Thayer addressed concerns regarding the cat colonies at on campus and clarified that he has not directed anyone to harm or threaten the cats. He shared that information has been provided to the campus community through email, the website, and social media and reviewed the history and timeline of the trap–neuter–and–adopt program. Cypress Police Captain Chris Revere also spoke on the issue, noting that the department has not found any evidence to support the recent allegations. Several members of the Cypress College community and the public addressed the Board, sharing a range of perspectives. Some speakers raised concerns about employee working conditions and safety, while others advocated for continued compassion and ethical treatment of the cats, including support for the trap–neuter–and–release program.

Dr. Thayer acknowledged the strong community interest in this issue and emphasized the importance of collaboration moving forward. He announced that Cypress College will explore solutions, host a community meeting, and reestablish a work group to involve interested members of the campus and local community.

Board Actions

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

• Approval of the 2025-26 Proposed Budget.
• Approval to adopt Resolution No. 25/26-09, Resolution of Gratitude and Appreciation to the Anaheim Union High School District.
• Approval to adopt Resolution No. 25/26-08, Reaffirming Support for Students and Privacy of Student Records.

Human Resources

The Board approved the hiring of Cypress College Automotive Technology Instructor Kurt Beu, Cypress College Health Education Coordinator Elise Burlace, and NOCE Administrative Assistant II for Basic Skills/HS Sarah Kazemi.

Chancellor Staff Reports

NOCE President Valentina Purtell reported that North Orange Continuing Education will host the California Community Colleges Board of Governors meeting on September 16–17, 2025. NOCE was selected because of its leadership in serving adult learners through noncredit pathways. She also mentioned that she has the honor of presenting on adult education alongside CCC Chancellor’s Office Dean Gary Adams and President and CEO of Calbright College Ajita Talwalker Menon. She highlighted that the first healthcare mobile clinics were very successful, with 47 students receiving care. Due to high demand, additional clinics are planned, with a goal of offering monthly services across all three NOCE Centers. She also reported that on August 27, Woodland College hosted the Noncredit Regional Workshop for the North/Far North Region, which brought together more than 150 attendees from 30 colleges and seven districts. She noted that it was a very successful model and hopes it continues in other regions. She thanked Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland for attending and recognized the CCTAP team for their efforts in supporting the successful event.

Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo reported that Fullerton College kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a special event celebrating Hispanic-Serving Institution Week. She shared that she enjoyed engaging with students and handing out paletas. She also thanked alumnus Carl Suite for his generous $10,000 donation to the Al Feola Endowed Scholarship for Student-Athletes. With his contribution, the college successfully reached its $50,000 fundraising goal. She also thanked Interim Dean of Ethnic Studies & Student Equity Dr. Ziza Delgado and her faculty for collaborating with the Anaheim Unified High School District, which contributed to a 15% increase in enrollment compared to last year.

Vice Chancellor of Educational Services and Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna shared an update on the District’s integrated Strategic Plan. She reported that the current District-wide Strategic Plan will conclude Summer 2026. To ensure alignment, the District-wide Strategic Plan will be developed during the 2025–2026 academic year and ready for implementation in Fall 2026. She noted that on August 25, the District Consultation Council authorized the formation of a District-wide work group/design team to develop the new plan. The recommendation for this work group will be presented to the Board at its next meeting.

Resource Table Reports

Cypress College Academic Senate President-Elect Jaclyn Magginetti reported on the recent Academic Senate retreat, which was well attended and provided a strong start to the new academic year. Upcoming Senate discussions will include reviewing syllabus guidelines, exploring participation in a Zero Textbook Cost/Open Educational Resources leadership cohort, and developing a community agreement.

Fullerton College Academic Senate President Bridget Kominek reported that the Senate held its first meeting on September 4. Faculty received updates on the upcoming NOCCCD Scholarly Symposium, Zero Textbook Cost/Open Educational Resources initiatives, the college mission statement status, and proposed catalog language for credit for prior learning. Faculty were also elected to serve on various campus and district committees, including the Vice Chancellor of Administrative Services Hiring Committee and the District 2026–2030 Design Team. At the next meeting on September 18, the Senate will review academic progress report changes, the Student Equity and Achievement Plan, and vote on revisions to AP 3415 Immigration Enforcement Activities.

CSEA President Elaine Loayza reported that the chapter will hold its first meeting of the fiscal year on September 17. She expressed concerns about the continued use of professional experts and hourly employees and emphasized the need to prioritize filling essential classified roles. She also highlighted challenges with increased workloads, limited coverage, and staffing shortages, noting that HR is working with CSEA to address these issues.

Adjunct Faculty United President Marlo Smith reported that the union will hold its contract celebration on Friday, September 12, from 4-7 p.m. at Roscoe’s Deli in Fullerton.

Board of Trustees Reports

NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu reported that she hosted her September Teatime at the Anaheim Campus and via Zoom, with the next session scheduled for October 1. She shared updates from the student leadership meeting on September 4, where leaders began developing a survey to gather student feedback. Christine also thanked District leadership for inviting her to the Women in Power Spaces Convening and announced she will participate in the Board of Governors meeting at the Anaheim Campus on September 16–17.

Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar reported that the first Student Senate meeting of the semester was well attended, with 38 students participating and 17 new senators sworn in. He shared that the Inter-Club Council Retreat was successful and that the first Buzzy Club Fest event of the semester will take place tomorrow.

Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco reported that the Associated Students held a retreat on Friday focused on leadership activities and student government processes. He shared that the first day of Club Rush had strong participation, with about 40 clubs and programs involved and an even larger turnout expected tomorrow. He also noted that the student government is planning a town hall to discuss the cat population at Cypress.

Trustee Mark Lopez reported attending the Citizens Oversight Committee meeting on September 10 and thanked the staff and committee members for their work in ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively to improve facilities and enhance the experience for students and staff.

Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath reported attending the WiPS Convening and thanked District Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns Davis for her efforts in making the sold-out event a success. She expressed appreciation for the Board’s unanimous approval of contingency language to ensure that additional District revenue will be shared with employees. She also encouraged continued support for Assembly Bill 1440, which is currently before the governor, and officially welcomed Vice Chancellor of Educations Services and Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jennifer Vega La Serna to the District.

Trustee Stephen T. Blount praised the presentation of the District budget, describing it as well-organized, clear, and noting that it was “a masterpiece.” He also shared personal remarks regarding community concerns about the colony of cats at Cypress and expressed appreciation for the discussion on the topic.

Trustee Dr. Ryan Bent commented on the ongoing cat situation at Cypress, noting optimism about a positive resolution and that the matter will be discussed further at a future meeting.

Public Comments

Annie Do raised concerns regarding preventative measures for COVID-19 and air quality across the District.

Antoinette Triefenbach provided an update on the ongoing grievance involving the Administrative Assistant II employees at Fullerton College.

Chris Norby urged the Board to consider moving Fullerton College football game start times from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. citing health and safety concerns due to high temperatures.

Nicholas Dibbs spoke about the shortage of skilled workers in trades like water utilities and operations and encouraged the District to consider expanding Career Technical Education programs in these fields.

Next Meeting

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Anaheim Campus Board Room.