Classified contract approved, bond timeline presented

Wednesday’s board meeting saw the signing of the classified contract, seven instructors receiving tenure, and the bond timeline being presented.

The classified contract was passed with one recusal by James Zordich who said he might pose a potential conflict of interest. The contract was finally ratified after a “thirteen month journey,” said Cathy Nichols, President of the Classified Employees Association.

“I know it was a long journey and an arduous journey, but the commitment to reaching agreements was just very collaborative,” said Diane Noriega, Board chair. “We could not be more pleased that this has been resolved and we’re moving forward.”

Seven faculty members received tenure. Nicholas Chura, mathematics instructor, Jon Delifus, ABE/GED instructor, Kristen Kjensrud, physical therapy instructor, Jason Pinkerton, biology/natural resources instructor, Regina Shankland , mathematics instructor, Laird Sheldahl, anatomy, physiology and biology instructor, Mark Thomas, machine tool instructor, and Julie Hutchins, ABE/GED instructor, who was not able to attend the meeting due to an injury.

Bill Becker, fiscal adviser to MHCC President Debbie Derr presented the bond timeline stating that PR campaigning for the bond starts now – at the board meeting. “It is an interesting process (and) a process that we need to accomplish,” said Becker.

Mt. Hood’s new aquatic director Tanya Richardson gave a presentation about her plans to bring the cost of running the aquatic center to a manageable level.

Eight instructors were approved to take sabbatical during 2014-15 school year, Jack Schommer from the Integrated Media department; Michael McAfee, from mathematics; Javid Mohtasham, from the Environmental Health and Safety Program; Daryl Harrison Carson, from the theater division; David Garlington, from the business division; Richard Walters, from the welding and Industrial technology division; Elizabeth Cohen from science; and Teri Tong from Dental Hygiene.

In her presidential report, Derr recognized Sule Whitlock, Rho Theta honor society president, on her achievement as the 2014 New Century Scholar, and she mentioned that there will be a “Freedom Fighter’s” exhibit in the Diversity Resource Center on April 2. She also said that Mt. Hood signed a reverse transfer agreement with Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) at Flying Pie Pizzeria on Feb. 2.

On Monday, Derr attended a meeting with Gov. Kitzhaber to discuss expectations of employees in the manufacturing industry.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 9.