Guest Opinion| Letter of Concern

Pasadena City College is a gem of higher education in our community. Soon to celebrate its 100th anniversary, PCC has served thousands of students in its 99 years of existence. The college has transferred students to four-year universities: provided certificates and associate degrees to occupations such as nursing and auto mechanics; and provided many relevant courses to thousands of adults.

However, as citizens of the community, we have become deeply concerned about negative actions by the Board of Trustees of PCC. In fact, at a recent meeting of the Board of Trustees, the management team of the college presented a detailed five-page report of their concerns to the trustees. Seldom, if ever, have the administrators of college felt compelled to openly express concerns to community college trustees. We, too, as citizens who love PCC must express our concerns to the trustees.

While we do not have specific knowledge of all the concerns presented to the Board by the Management Association, we are very concerned about these issues that they raised:

Excessive legal expenditures by the Board in an attempt to invalidate the contract of the Superintendent/President.

The attempt to micromanage the college. It has been totally inappropriate and confusing for Board members to directly call and write emails to college administrators without going through the college president.

The Board’s failure to engage with District’s employee groups equally and to refuse to have open dialogue with all constituent groups.

Putting the accreditation of the College in jeopardy by failing to follow the guidelines as defined by the Accrediting Commission of the Community and Junior Colleges.

By creating the impression of racism by some Board members.

Causing damage to the reputation of the College which will hamper the efforts of the PCC Foundation to raise money for student scholarships and other financial support of the College.

We fear that as more damaging allegations become public, PCC will face another era of instability. We sincerely hope that the PCC Board of Trustees addresses these concerns, and that we can work together to restore stability and responsibility to the College.

Jack Scott, former California Community College Chancellor, PCC President and State Senator
Bill Bogaard, former Mayor of Pasadena
Geoff Baum, former PCC Trustee and former President of the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges
Cynthia Kurtz, former City Manager of Pasadena
Hoyt Hilsman, former PCC Trustee
Alan Lamson, President, PCC Faculty Retirees Association
Bill Hawkins, former President of PCC Foundation
Lonnie Schield, former President of PCC Foundation
Jon Fuhrman, Board member, PCC Foundation
Mikki Bolinger, former PCC faculty and former editor of PCC Courier

The views expressed here are those of the signers alone and not of any organization they may be affiliated with.