We Can energize & improve our College!
1. WE NEED A BOARD THAT CAN MOVE THE COLLEGE INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
The College of Marin has gone through some tough challenges over the last few years:
- Threatened with loss of accreditation by the State
- Looming budget deficits and unfunded pension liabilities
- Deferred maintenance and antiquated buildings and equipment
- A College Foundation accused of mishandling funds
- A Board of Trustees in conflict and disharmony with faculty
The hiring of a new President, Dr. David Coon, and the taxpayers agreeing to support Bond Measure C to modernize and better equip the college started the college in a much needed better direction. Without it, the College of Marin was in serious trouble and far-sighted voters of Marin, who value education, passed it without difficulty. But unbelievably, there was one person on the Board of Trustees who voted NO - that was Barbara Dolan. And "just say No" has been her reputation for her 28 years on the Board.
The College is entering a significant period of recovery, revitalization and renewal. We need someone who wants to work with the other Board members who know how to say YES to the future, YES to an excellent transferrable education, and YES to partnership opportunities with local companies in Marin that need hi-skilled employees.
2. WE NEED A NOVATO REPRESENTATIVE ON THE BOARD FOR I.V.C.
We have TWO campuses of the College of Marin! So why is the Indian Valley Campus in Novato not only vastly underutilized - there hasn't even been a Novato representative on the C.O.M. Board of Trustees for years!
Novato taxpayers are significant supporters of the College through their property taxes every year. So why don't we have a representative on that Board to reflect the future needs and opportunities of our young people and our life-long learners.
I care about that campus. I'm excited about the specific partnerships with the Buck Institute, bioscience and other hi-tech companies in North Marin that could participate in assuring that students gain the most up-to-date skills for high-paying local jobs.
