Letter to the Editor
I thank you for the opportunity to respond to the unsigned editorial for The Sun’s Summer Edition 2016.
I find three main themes that attempt to paint a picture of secrecy and an adversarial attitude toward student journalists from my administration. These perceptions are false.
The first theme of an “adversarial attitude” toward student journalists is not based in fact. In the four and a half years I have served as Superintendent/President, I have been open and accessible for each student interview requested of me. I have been honored consistently in the past with an A rating for accessibility to student journalists by your editorial board. Additionally, the editorial board in Issue 4 this year gave 14 of my administrators an A for their consistency in showing a “willingness to talk to the press, respond to emails and do not make gathering information a chore.” Interestingly, the editorial board gave me a B this year, although I have had numerous interviews with Sun reporters this year and my open door policy has not changed.
Regarding the release of documents under the California Public Records Act: I have never, nor has this Governing Board ever, shied away from being open and transparent with media. One of my first orders of business upon my arrival was working with the Governing Board to hold a press conference and a series of reports and media releases to explain how we were placing Proposition R projects on hold to get the College’s financial house in order. Hundreds of California Public Records requests from media throughout the region were answered in a manner that addressed media requests while still preserving the College’s core mission of education. For my efforts demonstrating a commendable understanding of the need for candor regardless of any potential negative outcomes in the media, the Public Relations Society of America, San Diego/Imperial County chaptered named me the Diogenes Award winner in 2013.
The editorial’s allegation that it took a letter from a national First Amendment organization to take action on the nine Public Records requests made by The Sun in April is also untrue. The student journalist received a response within the 10 days required by the California Public Records Act.
Additionally, because of the sheer volume of records requested (more than 32,000 emails) your reporter was informed that responses would be provided on a rolling basis as they became available, and that has happened. We have been so committed to fulfilling these requests, we hired a consultant to complete the requests as quickly as possible.
The second theme of a “culture of secrecy” is not based in fact. There have never been more opportunities for stakeholders throughout the district—both internal and external—to be involved in College decisions. More faculty, students and staff than ever are involved in shared governance through standing committees of the Shared Consultation Council (SCC). Each of the nine standing committees meets monthly, with eight of the committees meeting at least twice a month. Each of the SCC meetings is open to the public, and the SCC meetings have been safe places for employees to bring forward suggestions and challenges. Throughout my tenure as co-chair of the SCC with the Academic Senate President, we have seen the SCC leadership grow in inclusivity and transparency.
The awareness of Southwestern College’s positive impact in the community has also grown over the last four and a half years. I and Trustee Norma Hernandez are members of the South County Economic Development Council, and several administrators are members of chambers of commerce throughout the South Bay. We have strengthened the membership of our Southwestern College Foundation and the Proposition R Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee. Participation in each of these organizations has allowed our College to inform key communicators throughout the region of the academic achievement of our students and the status of their financial investment in the College through Proposition R.
Coupled with ongoing presentations made to community groups and service organizations, and well- attended community forums on campus, awareness of our excellent educational opportunities continues to grow. Two independent polls conducted this academic year—one of SUHSD parents and the other of community members—give high marks to Southwestern College for its value. We are thankful for the community’s continued support of the College and our students. That widespread enthusiasm for Southwestern College demonstrates openness—not secrecy.
Regarding perceived secrecy of investigations: matters surrounding investigations of any Southwestern College employee or student will continue to remain confidential. All our employees and students have a right to privacy regarding personnel or disciplinary actions, and the College must continue to honor that right.
The third theme of a “cover up culture” is not based in fact. A final point in the editorial “With that much money on the table, there is little standing in the way to prevent more fraud” is inflammatory and maligns the efforts of the entire College. Since the College conducted the Proposition R Focused Special Review in 2012, we have received clean financial and performance audits every year. We have implemented all 20 of the action steps recommended by the Focused Special Review.
The final updates to all of the policies in the 6000 category (Business and Financial Affairs) are making their way through our review process and will be finalized before November of this year. We refinanced our Proposition R bonds in 2015 for a savings to taxpayers of $3.69 million. We expect to refinance the bonds again this year for a potential savings of $13 million to taxpayers.
We have achieved AA bond credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. We present Proposition R updates at each of our monthly open, public Governing Board meetings, and we’ve provided ongoing updates regarding Proposition R and the potential for a new bond at our Planning and Budget Committees, Shared Consultation Council and Institutional Facilities Committee. Our Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee is very involved in the Proposition R program. To imply that I or my team have not been open and inclusive about our current bond is irresponsible and harms the College and its employees and students.
The facts demonstrate that Southwestern College, this administration, and this Governing Board have restored integrity to the Proposition R bond program and we will continue to do so. I am proud of the great strides we have made in improving our college culture to be far more transparent and inclusive of our community as a whole. And, we have steadfastly supported the Sun and the student journalists who are learning how to present a fair and balanced source of information for our college community. My thanks to the editorial board for sharing my viewpoint with you.