Pasadena City College Trustees Approve Budgets, Contracts, and Curriculum Changes at Wednesday Meeting

The Pasadena Area Community College District Board of Trustees convened for its regular business meeting on Wednesday, May 8, which included a joint session with the Associated Students Board. The wide-ranging agenda covered topics from a facilities strategic plan update to numerous budget augmentations, contract approvals, curriculum changes, and personnel matters.

During a study session, the Board delved into the Facilities Strategic Plan, originally approved in 2020 to guide the college’s strategy for enhancing campus facilities. The plan is currently undergoing a refresh to reflect shifts in enrollment, changes in instructional delivery, program growth, job market adjustments, and existing facility conditions. The update will incorporate community feedback and planned analysis to ensure the plan remains responsive to the evolving landscape of higher education.

The Board took a moment to recognize the achievements of Student Trustee Avery Bradley and the college’s accomplished Forensics Team during the introductions and recognitions portion of the meeting.

Several resolutions were adopted to commemorate upcoming observances, including Resolution No. 807 for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month in June, Resolution No. 808 for Classified School Employee Week, Resolution No. 809 for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May, and a resolution for Foster Care and Foster Family Recognition Month, also in May.

The Board approved a series of budget augmentations, including a $7,692,434 increase for the Student Success Completion Grant, $40,000 for CalWorks, a total of $144,000 for the Small Business Development Center ($71,635 initial increase and $72,365 second increase), $3,532,340 for the California Apprenticeship Initiative New and Innovative Grant Program, $1,045,169 for Retention & Enrollment efforts, $95,231 for the Greater LA Data Science Pathways program, and various increases for adult education programs, such as Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and El Civics.

Among the contracts approved was an agreement with the Pasadena City College Police Officers Association, effective July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2025. The Board also authorized the award of Purchase Order No. P2402692 to Klein Educational Systems, Inc. for a standalone collaborative robot ($126,373.47) and Purchase Orders P2402693 and P2402694 to Metzler Violin Shop, Inc. and Shar Music, respectively, for various musical instruments.

The Board approved additions, modifications, and deletions to the credit and noncredit curriculum, as well as a minimum wage rate increase to $17.50 per hour for unclassified employees, effective July 1, 2024, to comply with the City of Pasadena’s minimum wage ordinance.

The Board also approved the personnel consent calendar items J.2. – J.4., which include employment, changes of status, separations, and additional compensation for academic personnel. Additionally, the Board authorized the transmittal of the 2023-2024 Third Quarterly Financial Status Report to the Chancellor’s Office and approved piggybackable agreements for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Furthermore, the Board approved professional conference attendance for various staff members and the reimbursement of applicants for costs associated with interviewing at Pasadena City College.

The meeting concluded with announcements by shared governance representatives and the Board of Trustees, followed by the Superintendent-President’s report, which provided updates on college initiatives and achievements.

Upcoming Board Meetings are scheduled for June 18 and July 17.