Acting Superintendent/President Board Update
December 12, 2024
President Olivares-Lambert, Board Members, and Community Members:
Following discussions with the Academic Senate Leadership and with your support and direction, the Executive Team launched the Listening and Feedback Sessions in November. These sessions aim to foster broad and meaningful community dialogue on targeted areas to enhance college decision-making.
As detailed in your report, the Executive Team engaged with various communities, including coordinators, deans, faculty, classified leaders, counselors, and advocates for some of our most vulnerable populations. These sessions have highlighted a variety of recommendations and several pressing themes:
- Mental health support
- Support for our undocumented community
- Support for our LGBTQIA+ members
While the work ahead is significant, our commitment to our students across all constituent groups has never been stronger. We are dedicated to continuing these sessions to develop actionable and unified plans for the college community. We will present these plans to the Governing Board with confidence in your support.
Student Engagement
The student voice is a vital component of these conversations. On December 3rd, the Townhall for the LGBTQIA+ Student Survey provided valuable insights. While students shared positive experiences at Chaffey, many expressed concerns about anxiety, depression, and the need for clearer resource information. In response to these and other concerns, we have:
- Immediately streamlined easier access to mental health resources
- Identified a plan to expand mental health clinicians and interns
- Launched a survey on mental health support for all students
- Prepared a survey for student families needing child care, which will launch this week
- Solidified legal and financial resources and training plans to support our undocumented community
- Finalized AP 3415, which outlines the College's response to Immigration Enforcement Activities
- Students will also be invited to participate in Listening Sessions and Town Hall meetings during the spring semester.
Additional Updates
Academic Issues Group
The Academic Issues Group has been contacted by representatives from the ASCCC Collegiality in Action Program. We plan to initiate discussions to improve effective participation in early spring. As previously noted, we are committed to constructive dialogue to enhance collaboration.
Measure P Funding
I am pleased to report that Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s reaffirmed the College’s bond rating at AA2, indicating high quality and low credit risk. On November 21st, the College sold its most recent series of Measure P General Obligation bonds. The sale attracted over 90 investors worldwide, driven by the College’s financial and operational strength, projected enrollment trends, expanding tax base, and overall positive trajectory.
This competitive demand enabled the College to significantly reduce borrowing costs for taxpayers. The Measure P bonds achieved a final borrowing rate of 5.3% with a 25-year financing term. Additionally, the sale of General Obligation Refunding Bonds eliminated six years of future bond debt from property taxes.
InTech Collaboration
At InTech, we met with Drew Linder, Nucor/CSI’s new general manager, and long-term partner Scott Starr. Despite new leadership, they offered a strong commitment to maintaining InTech's advanced manufacturing training in the Fontana community and beyond.
ADN Pinning Ceremony
Last evening, we attended the ADN Pinning Ceremony, one of the most heartfelt and inspiring events of the year. The professionalism, dedication, and care that radiates from faculty and the gratitude displayed by students were truly uplifting.
As finals week concludes and the holiday season begins, I want to express my gratitude for the support I have received. Like everyone else, I look forward to Dr. Shannon’s return in January and to the important work we will accomplish together. Until then, I wish all members of our community a peaceful and joyful holiday season.
Lisa Bailey
Acting Superintendent/President
