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The Board of Trustees of Western Texas College met in a regular Board meeting at 7:00 pm on Monday, November 14, 2011in the Palmer Hall Boardroom.
Present: Mr. Drew Bullard, Mr. Lee Presswood, Dr. Jay Kidd, Mr. Tim Riggan, Mr. Eddie Peterson, Mr. Scott Richburg, Mr. Mike McWilliams
Absent:
Staff Present: Dr. Mike Dreith, Ms. Patricia Claxton, Ms. Melanie Schwertner, Mr. Ralph Ramon, Ms. Tammy Davis, Mr. Roy Bartels, Mr. Mike Thornton, Ms. Stephanie Ducheneaux, Mr. Jeremiah Boatright, Mr. Kyle Smith, Mr. Britt Canada
Others Present: Mr. Ben Barkley (SDN), Mr. Bill Lavers (DCOS)
Dr. Jay Kidd gave the invocation.
The baseball team was introduced and team members include: Riley Coverdale, Puslineh, Ontario; Zac Johnson, Woods Cross, UT; Dillon Polk, Watauga, TX; Thurman Hall, Southfield, MI; Steve Minaudo, Sterling Heights, MI; Austin Card, Keller, TX; Kyle Stearns, Boyd, TX; Christian Simmons, Lubbock, TX; Martin Yanez, Big Spring, TX; Jeremy Gonzalez, San Marcos, TX; Stanton Taylor, Hawley, TX; Miles Gully, San Angelo, TX; Pat Esposito, Amarillo, TX; EJ Alva, San Marcos, TX; Cody Cunningham, Haslet, TX; Kyle Breitner, Toronto, Ontario; Caleb Read, Paradise, TX; Jacob Ingram, Frisco, TX; Adam Levine, Chevy Chase, MD; Kiefer Ballard, Mansfield, TX; Jeremi Moreno, Amarillo, TX; Mike Kattula, Sterling Heights, MI; Alex Kline, Birmingham, AL; Taylor Hunt, Tooele, UT: Tyler Durham, Frisco, TX; Simon Fisch, Perth, Western Australia; Robert Gummo, Bellefonte, PA; Stuart Fraser, Scarborough, Ontario; Kevin Lahaie, Cypress, TX; Chance Hart, Big Spring, TX; Jacob Caples, New Caney, TX; Chris Fischer, Cloverdale, British Columbia; Luis Demota, Bronx, NY; Ben Stedronsky, assistant baseball coach; Frank James, assistant baseball coach; and Cameron Dodd, head baseball coach.
The men and women’s golf teams were introduced and team members include: Mathias Boesmans, Belgium; Jarred Briley, Texas; Alberto Castillo, Mexico; Jeremy Granado, Texas; Julian Hilbertz, Germany; James Kerr, England; Kyle Lucas, South Africa; Felix Moesmang, Germany; Jason Pearce, Texas; Guillermo Saldana, Mexico; Tommaso Trillo, Italy, Matthew Whittaker, Canada; Stephanie Bertelsen, Denmark; Molly Franks, Texas; Tia Guy, Texas; Rachel Hanlon, Scotland, Maria Palacios, Spain; Judy Papenfus, South Africa; Jessica Pickwick, Australia; Elizabeth Cortez, assistant golf coach; and Walt Williams, head golf coach.
The men and women’s track teams were introduced and team members include: Akil Sawyer, Houston, TX; Alvin Smith, Dallas, TX; Armon Owens, Houston, TX; Austin Robinson, Garland, TX; Brandon Crosswhite, Kufman, TX; Cade Brown, Rule, TX; Christopher Cole, Cedar Hill, TX; Chantceon Withers, Baytown, TX; Claude Melhado, Clarendon, Jamaica; David Jackson, Manor, TX; Edward Yruegas, Snyder, TX; Esteban Anguiano, California; Geoff Betts, Amarillo, TX; Gustavo Escobar, Dumas, TX; Hugo Aguinaga, Cactus, TX; John White, Houston, TX; Joseph Robledo, Belton, TX; Joshua Helom, Lewisville, TX; Krisneve Palmer, Manchester, Jamaica; Leander Lewis, Saginaw, MI; Lorenzo Johnson, Mineral Wells, TX; O’Jay Ferguson, Nassau, Bahamas; Phillip Barnes, Georgetown, TX; Rajeem Garrett, Austin, TX; Richard Shark, Kennedale, TX; Roberto Camacho, Copperas Cove, TX; Rodrick Simmons, Missouri City, TX; Rogeek Rochester, Clarendon, Jamaica; Rondell Simmons, Missouri City, TX; Stephen Elizodo, La Vernia, TX; Timothy Carter, Stony Point, TX; Tommy McIntire, Forney, TX; Troy Faulkner, Staten Island, NY; Zachary Durst, Mineral Wells, TX; Abigail Gonzalez, Graham, TX; Ashley Rhodes, Wortham, TX; Danessa Vasquez, San Saba, TX; Jennifer Anaya, San Saba, TX; Jennifer Washington, Crowley, TX; Josette Campbell, Clarendon, Jamaica; Kandice Lewis, Carrollton, TX; Maricela Castillo, Mineral Wells, TX; Rosa Torres, Snyder, TX; Samalia Cousins, Portland, Jamaica; Samantha Woodburn, Jamaica; Shakendra Gabriel, Cedar Hill, TX; Sharlene Nickle, Clarendon, Jamaica; John Mikalik, assistant track coach; and Garrett Hicks, head track and cross country coach.
Motion by Mr. Riggan, seconded by Dr. Kidd to approve minutes of October 10, 2011 Board meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. McWilliams, seconded by Mr. Bullard to approve financials for October 2011. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Richburg, seconded by Mr. Peterson to approve resignation of Mr. Nathan Tramel, Instructor English. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Peterson, seconded by Mr. Richburg to approve employment of Mr. Robert Creamer, Instructor Solar Energy Curriculum Specialist. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Mr. Bullard, seconded by Dr. Kidd to approve the Resolution for “Goods in Transit.” Motion carried unanimously.
Information and Discussion
Mr. Kyle Smith and Ms. Stephanie Ducheneaux discussed developmental math, English, and reading. We have a developmental model that is changing lives and also how we teach developmental. Some of this material was presented to the Board in April. Our developmental math passing rate in 2009-2010 was 40% and the passing rate in 2010-2011 was 60%. In previous years, students placed in developmental math had to follow the required 3 math class sequence. So a student placed in the lowest level of developmental math had to spend 3 semesters remediating before being able to take a transfer math course. Needless to say, these students lacked motivation. How do you motivate students who are placed into a developmental course? You offer them the opportunity to get through the course(s) as quickly as possible. This is what brought about the beginning of our Fast Track classes. In the fall of 2010, we started the Fast Track program in math 0301, our lowest level of developmental math. Then in the spring, we incorporated the Fast Track in all 3 levels. Forty percent of students passing math 0301 also got credit for math 0302. Just under 40% of those students passing math 0302 also got credit for math 0303 and 30% of those students passing math 0303 also got credit for college algebra. In spring 2011, 21 of the 33 students who passed math 0302 started out in the Fast Track course. Twenty-three students started out in the Fast Track math 0303 course. Four dropped, 18 of the remaining 19 got credit for math 0303 and 11 of the 18 also passed college algebra. In fall 2011, 36 out of 52 math 0301 students have already passed math 0301 and are working on math 0302. Two math 0301 students have already passed math 0301 and math 0302 and are working on math 0303. Almost 70% have passed by mid-term. In fall 2011, 22 out of 68 math 0302 students were placed into the Fast Track courses. Twenty out of the 22 have already passed math 0302 and are working on math 0303. One online student has already passed both math 0302 and math 0303. Eighty-five percent of the Fast Track students have 3 or fewer absences meaning they are excited about coming to class. These Fast Track courses are proving to be the motivational tool needed for student success. The developmental English and reading courses have shown positive results over the last few years with a 70-80% passing rate. However, all the history, government and science classes are reading and or writing intensive. Therefore a student placed in developmental reading and or writing may not be able to start most college level courses until their sophomore year. Taking a full year of developmental courses and what we call “can take courses” basically puts the students a year behind. In hopes to accelerate these developmental sequences, the English and reading departments have developed their own Fast Tracking methods. The English department gives the developmental students an in-house placement test the first week of classes. This involves both grammar and a writing sample. Once the placement tests are graded, students are placed into the appropriate level of the developmental sequence. The English department offers 3 levels of developmental and an ENGL 1301 on the same day and time so this movement does not cause scheduling conflicts. Although the numbers are not astounding, they are a definite step in the right direction, and the students who “tested out” have been given new hope.
Mr. Bill Lavers, Executive Director of DCOS, discussed the tax abatement between Western Texas College and WL Plastics Corp. This is a historic opportunity for Snyder, and an exciting thing that is happening. WL Plastics will start with 33 jobs and could go over 50. Their primary customer is oil and gas. They need to build another building to keep up with the demand. Three hundred – 350 trucks will leave the site monthly with their product. This could tie in to our proposed truck driving school. They would consider us to provide their training. They will start here and grow. Eighty percent of their workforce is from West Texas. Dr. Dreith stated he did not see a recapture on what happens if they are not here the entire 10-year span. Mr. Lavers stated we could add a paragraph like DCOS has, so if they leave in 7-years, they will owe us the remaining 3-years up front. Dr. Dreith asked why the hospital approved a 7-year abatement and ours is 10-years. Mr. Lavers stated that their limitation was 7-years and he wasn’t there to explain it could be 10-years. He stated the hospital will go to a 10-year abatement. When does construction begin? They will begin to break ground next week. They will be located behind the Beacon Hotel. Would they be willing to give us cash in lieu of the abatement? Mr. Laver’s stated he could take the suggestion back to them. He also stated that a representative could come speak to WTC. The hospital has approved the abatement; it will be on the City’s agenda on the 28th; the Commissioner’s Court will look at it tomorrow; and the ISD can’t do an abatement but can do a cap. WL Plastics has existing buildings in Bowie, Wyoming, Utah, Kentucky, and Canada. They are owned by three corporate entities that run the companies. They are been around for 11 years. They had a 40% revenue growth last year. They look like a company that will be here to stay. They have been honest and forthright and everything has been above board. Mr. Lavers thanked the college for their partnership since he has been here.
We received a letter regarding state funding for community college employee retirement. The legislature when dealing with TRS redefined the 6% which means colleges will pay more. A majority of community colleges will file a law suit when they receive their larger bill.
A November calendar was presented to the Board.
There was no information or questions from the Board.
There were no suggested agenda items.
Dr. Dreith presented the following president’s report:
- This morning we had a send off for our Lady Westerner Volleyball team at the Visitor’s Center as they started their trek to the national finals. Coach C and the ladies pulled off a regional upset of top-seeded Midland to earn the berth, the first in the history of the program. WTC is seeded 15th in the 16-team field. Their first game is on Thursday vs. Western Nebraska at 11:00 a.m. and can be viewed in a live video stream on the NJCAA website.
- The WTC women’s cross country team finished seventh in the country over the weekend. Sharlene Nickle finishes 9th at the national meet and was named an All America. Abigail Gonzales finished 31st was named a NJCAA Coaches Association All-American. The men finished 22nd in the country.
- The Coliseum was rocking this weekend with our first UIL volleyball post-season tournament. It brought hundreds of fans into Snyder. We have a two-year contract for the event and will once again be the host for post-season UIL basketball as well.
- Our Veterans Day ceremony has become a very impressive event. This year’s event started with a World War II air solute from the Commemorative Air Force and displayed the talent of our Drama Department.
- A very good visit last week with our Achieving The Dream advisors, Dr. John Brockman and Mark Figueroa. Their post-visit report was very complimentary. They believe the college has a unique opportunity to take a national leadership role in establishing a campus honor code.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Mr. Richburg, seconded by Mr. Bullard to go into executive session. The board adjourned and went into executive session in accordance with section 551.074 of the Texas Government Code. Purpose: personnel. At the conclusion of the executive session, the board reconvened and no action was taken
Meeting adjourned.
Date of next regular board meeting– December 12, 2011.
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