SHORELINE — Shoreline Community College’s Board of Trustees violated of the state Open Public Meetings Act in May, according to the State Auditor’s Office.
The act was violated, according to the report posted Nov. 17 on the office’s Web site, at a May 7 special meeting of the board. On May 5, the board’s executive secretary sent out a letter announcing the May 7 meeting with the agenda showing that the board would have an executive session, then reconvene the special meeting only to adjourn. No discussion topics were listed on the agenda.
What happened after the executive session was reflected in the board’s minutes. Former Board Chair Paul Burton announced that the board had reviewed the situation of college president Holly Moore, with respect to her being a finalist for the presidency at another college and that the board is prepared to take action.
Former Trustee Sarah Phillips moved to offer Moore a three-year contract, starting at $160,000 a year, in order to retain her services, the meeting minutes said.
The minutes said the reason for offer, which included a $25,000 raise, is that it is important for the college to have long-term stability and a focus on teaching and learning, rather than spending additional money on a search for a new president, should Moore be offered a position at the other institution. Phillips’ motion was seconded by current Board Chair Elsa Welch and a discussion followed.
Board members Edith Loyer Nelson, Phillips, Welch and Burton then voted in favor of adoption. Board member Jeffrey Lewis was not present.
The issue of Moore’s contract then was discussed in accordance with the Open Public Meetings Act at the regular board meeting on June 23.
The auditor’s office report stated “…because the board did not give advance notice of the initial public meeting to approve the salary increase, either in the letter, or in a meeting agenda, we find reasonable cause to believe the public meetings act was violated. The chair and the board have taken corrective action and have been notified as to the proper procedures to follow for any future board meetings, executive sessions or special meetings.”
In a statement included on the college’s Internet news update, Moore said the college will learn from this experience.
“This college is an ethical organization that is open and cooperative to any investigation conducted by an outside agency,” Moore said. “We see this as a natural learning process, and we will take this opportunity to train our board members regarding the OPMA. This will ensure the integrity of the process in the future.”
In the report, the college’s plan of resolution states that “we will provide orientation to all new board members regarding our obligation under the OPMA so that we can ensure there will be no repetition of improper procedures.”
At the next Board of Trustees meeting, on May 26, 33 people signed up to address the board during the open comment period. Faculty members Karen Toreson and Peggy Lytle, in their respective faculty and classified staff reports to the board, said that the statements made during the open comment period reflect low faculty morale.
Toreson said faculty are beginning to say they are reluctant to serve on committees if their input and contributions are not valued. Lytle said morale is dropping because, while some administrators are receiving raises for additional responsibilities, classified employees take on extra responsibilities without receiving raises.
Tim Payne, Faculty Senate Chair and professor of economics, said Moore’s raise and the board’s actions caused concern among some faculty.
“While there are mixed feelings amongst employees, many faculty and staff have concerns about administrative leadership and accountability, including concerns about poor communication and lack of adherence to accepted processes,” Payne said.
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