NOCCCD Board Meeting Highlights for June 24, 2025
On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 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 Union High School District Board Room.
Chancellor's Report
As part of his report, Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland invited District Director of Public & Governmental Affairs Kai Stearns to introduce two new team members: Interim Administrative Assistant III Amabel Arredondo and Web Content Specialist Melissa Ann Lum. He reported that he attended NOCE’s United Domestic Workers (UDW) Summer Luncheon on June 11and acknowledged the impact of increased ICE activity on students and families, noting significant declines in ESL enrollment. He concluded by recognizing that it was Vice Chancellor Cherry Li-Bugg’s last Board of Trustees meeting and thanking her for 11 years of service, her leadership, equity-driven work, and forward-thinking approach.
Presentation
2025-26 NOCCCD Tentative Budget
Vice Chancellor of Finance & Facilities Fred Williams and Executive Director of Fiscal Affairs Erica Almaraz presented on the 2025-26 NOCCCD Tentative Budget, including the District’s budget timeline, State outlook, and next steps. Key dates include the close of the 2024–25 fiscal year on July 31 and the proposed budget presentation on September 9. Next steps include continued monitoring of state funding developments and preparation for the final budget adoption in the fall.
Board Actions
The Board of Trustees acted on agenda items, including those highlighted below:
- Approval of the 2025-26 NOCCCD Tentative Budget
- Approval to enter into an agreement with Pathways of Hope to provide Food Pantry services at North Orange Continuing Education and Cypress College.
Human Resources
The Board approved the resignation of Fullerton College Financial Aid Technician Ramiro Alvatorre; Cypress College Director of Development Rachel Ghatikar; and Fullerton College Student Services Coordinator Marwin Luminarias.
The Board also approved the hiring of Fullerton College Administrative Assistant II, Student Development & Engagement Sumaiyah Imraan; Cypress College Special Projects Coordinator of Development Associate Elizabeth Lavezzari; Fullerton College Administrative Assistant II, Child Lab Demetrice Munford; Fullerton College Special Projects Coordinator, Dual Enrollment Carmen Perez; Fullerton College Special Projects Manager, APIDA Communications Camille Serrano; NOCE Grants and Special Projects Assistant Jaspinder Uppal; Fullerton College Communication Studies Instructor LaToya Green; Cypress College Director of Educational Partnerships and Programs, Charger Experience/Promise Brittany Hamer; NOCE Basic Skills Instructor Sara Ornelas Franko; Fullerton College CalWORKS Counselor Magali Trujillo-Gonzalez; and Fullerton College Director of Disability Support Services Leona Vassale.
Chancellor's Staff Reports
NOCE President Valentina Purtell announced that the Pharmacy Technician Entry-Level and Advanced-Level programs received full six-year accreditation status and are recognized by national accrediting bodies. She congratulated Pharmacy Instructor Dr. Julie Shields, the Pharmacy Technician faculty team, and Interim Associate Dean Tina McClurkin. She also shared that the Fall online schedule is now available with several new program offerings. President Purtell highlighted NOCE’s continued partnership with United Domestic Workers (UDW), including the June 11 summer luncheon, and thanked Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland, Dr. Brenda Bermudez, Dr. Sharon-Frances Moore, and UDW leadership for their participation.
Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo reported on recent campus enrollment efforts, including that the Outreach Department served over 2,400 first-time freshmen, with 400 additional students reached through follow-up and the “All Hands-on Deck” Deans subcommittee, which developed 17 enrollment strategies. She also stated that the Fullerton College Mission Statement discussions will resume when faculty return in the fall, with a revised version to be brought to the Board.
Cypress College President Dr. Scott Thayer reported that summer enrollment is up 19 percent, with nearly 7,000 students and a 92 percent fill rate. The Foundation Board will hold its annual planning retreat on Friday, and he acknowledged Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath and Trustee Stephen T. Blount for their continued participation. He also noted that more than 60 participants attended the recent Juneteenth seminar, and that Cypress College will host the city’s “Salute to America” event this Friday at 5:30 p.m.
Irma Ramos, Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, reported that a tentative agreement was reached between NOCCCD and Adjunct Faculty United (AdFac). She thanked the negotiations team for their commitment, noting they worked late into the night to finalize the tentative agreement.
Dr. Cherry Li-Bugg, Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Technology, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve in her role over the past 11 years. She thanked Chancellor’s Staff, the Board of Trustees, her colleagues, and Districtwide faculty and staff for their collaboration in advancing student success and equity.
Resource Table Reports
District Management Association President Karla Frizler thanked the DMA Executive Board for their service and announced next year’s officers. She acknowledged the strain many managers are experiencing, particularly those on the front lines, and encouraged all managers to check in with staff and offer support.
CSEA President Elaine Loayza gave several remarks regarding negotiations, sharing with the Board a document explaining the current compensation proposal. She urged the District to support its adoption, calling it affordable and sustainable.
Marlo Smith, President of Adjunct Faculty United, announced a tentative agreement with the District as well as upcoming informational meetings. She acknowledged the impact of recent ICE activity, thanked NOCE leadership for guidance to the ESL Department, and expressed support for undocumented students.
Board of Trustee Reports
NOCE Student Trustee Kristine Nacu thanked the Chancellor’s Office and Board leadership for their support during her orientation. She looks forward to the CCLC Student Leadership Retreat in July, the Board of Governors event in September, and the Trustee Workshop in August. She shared plans to hold office hours to engage students and invited everyone to NOCE’s Opening Day on August 8, 2025.
Fullerton College Student Trustee Samiy Castillo Bolivar thanked Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland and Fullerton College President Dr. Cynthia Olivo for their continued support of undocumented students. He shared that Associated Students now have a faculty advisor and spoke about the impact of recent student healing circles. He also attended a national student journalism conference in Philadelphia and highlighted his visit to the Desperate, Scared but Social exhibit at the OCMA Museum.
Cypress College Student Trustee Zachary Colinco shared that the Associated Students Executive Board will meet in July to get acquainted noted that the group has discussed ways to support students in response to recent events.
Trustee Mark Lopez shared that he attended the “No Kings Rally” on June 14 with students and community members and expressed appreciation for those who participated. On June 16, he attended the Fullerton Museum Center (FMC) Board meeting and highlighted several upcoming events. He encouraged everyone to visit the FMC website for more information.
Trustee Evangelina Rosales thanked Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland for addressing recent events impacting the community. She offered words of support to students and families experiencing fear and anxiety, urging them to stay informed, stay connected, and to seek out support for their well-being.
Board Vice President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath reported on the recent Board of Governors meeting, which included updates on the California budget and Assembly Bill 1440. She also noted early discussions about a proposition to amend the Education Code and shared that Vision 2030 is under revision. Dr. Dunsheath also met with the student trustees and thanked them for their time, and recognized Vice Chancellor Dr. Cherry Li-Bugg for her contributions during her tenure.
Public Comments
Aaron Pilkey addressed the Board with comments related to income inequality and asked that the Board consider retroactive pay and a fair offer during negotiations.
Belinda Allen read a statement on behalf of Christina Mix which commented on the diversity NOCCCD’s classified staff and asked the Board to consider this during negotiations.
Pamela Spence commented on negotiations and asked the Board to consider a one-time lump sum to offset rising costs for staff.
Seija Rohkea shared remarks on the vital role of classified staff and encouraged the Board to support the proposal being considered in closed session.
Annika Shellenbarger expressed hope that retroactive pay will be considered and also thanked the Faculty and Student Senates for supporting a resolution to include Classified Senate in Title 5, which is scheduled for a vote this week.
Next Meeting
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Anaheim Union High School District Board Room.
