Napa Valley College/Department of Corrections

Letter to Presiding Judges 2. Letter to the Citizens of Napa County 3. Napa Valley College a) Summary 1 b) Background 2 c) Methodology 3 Documents Reviewed 3 Interviews Conducted 4 Facilities Inspected 4 Other Facilities 5 4. Discussion 5 a) Main Campus 5 b) UpValley Campus 6 c) Funding Base 7 Napa Valley College Foundation 8 Proposition 92 8 d) Unfunded Health Care Liabilities 9 e) Child Development Center 10 f) Capital Improvements (Measure N and L) 10 g) Campus Safety 12 Student Right-to-Know 12 Emergency SMS Text Alerts 12 Law Enforcement Authority & Interagency Relationship 12 Weapons of Campus 13 Crime on Campus 13 h) Disaster Plan 15 NIMS/SEMS 15 Fire 15 Earthquake 15 i) Energy Conservation 15 5. Commendation 16 6. Findings 16 7. Recommendations 17 8. Request for Responses 17 9. Glossary 17 10. Appendix 18 a) Appendix 1: Student Enrollment Statistics/Demographics 18 NAPA VALLEY COLLEGE SUMMARY The 2007-2008 Napa County Grand Jury, which is charged with the duty of providing residents of Napa County with information regarding governmental agencies within the Cities and County, conducted an investigation of the Napa Valley College (NVC), as the College had not been investigated for a number of years. The Grand Jury found that NVC administration, staff and faculty work well together under the competent leadership of the President. NVC meets its mission to engage students by providing high quality programs and services that promote learning, enhance individual development, and prepare life-long learners for their roles in our diverse, dynamic and interdependent world. NVC needs to continue to improve and enlarge its facilities so as to continue to provide high quality programs that will meet the future educational needs of our community. Current funding for community colleges is tied to the K-14 funding mechanism which poses a future problem for NVC due to the decreasing enrollment in K-12 and anticipated increased community college enrollment. In recent years, NVC submitted two bond issues for public approval. Measure N was adopted, but Measure L, intended to provide supplemental funding to complete capital projects commenced with Measure N funds and additional new projects, failed to garner a sufficient majority of votes to be adopted. While some may take issue with the worthiness of a specific project within a Bond Measure, one should not lose sight of the end goal: that NVC have adequate facilities to house educational programs for the citizens of Napa, the recent high school graduate, the life-long learner, the Police Academy cadet, and the training of much needed nursing students in the Nursing Program. NVC liability for retirees’ health plan benefits as of January 1, 2006, was $40,169,000. The NVC Community District (NVCCD) is required to adopt Government Accounting and Standards Board (GASB) regulations 43 & 45 and is currently studying the benefits of locally maintained funds versus participating with California Public Employee Retirement System (CALPERS) in an irrevocable trust arrangement, with a potential for better return on the funds, shortening the amortization period and reducing the annual contribution required. The NVC Child Development Center (CDC) is a state-licensed and subsidized facility which serves over 100 children each semester. It is open daily for children aged two months to five years of age. The staff focuses on the emotional and social development of each child in a warm, nurturing environment. An age- appropriate program of cognitive and physical development is also provided. Daily activities include art, music, dramatic play, science, literature, language development, and creative problem-solving. In response to the findings of December 2006, California Department of Education Contract Monitoring Review, NVC took immediate and corrective actions in the CDC. The California Department of Education now acknowledges that the CDC meets all of its requirements. The Grand Jury understands it is the intent of the NVC Board of Trustees to use reasonable means to protect all members of the college community and the property of NVC. As such, the Board of Trustees recently approved the arming of Campus Police and have instituted an SMS Text Alert System. However, the Grand Jury understands that there are no “Columbine” locks on classroom doors; NVC does not have a campus-wide, stay-in-place notification system besides the PA/bull horn in each of the Campus Police vehicles; and Campus Police do not have computers in their Campus vehicles.

NVC is tied to a K-14 funding system/mechanism dictated by the State.

NVC did not make clear to the citizens of Napa the causes of the increase in cost of the projects of Measure N.

NVC did not make clear to the citizens of Napa the impact of the failure to pass measure L. 16 5. NVC needs to improve and increase its facilities so as to provide for the growing higher educational needs of our community.

NVC provide campus-wide wireless access to benefit the faculty, the students and Campus Security.

NVCCD currently has a $40,000,000 plus unfunded liability for Other Post Employment Benefits for current and retired employees. These benefits are currently funded on a "pay as you go" basis.

the NVC CDC has been restructured to prevent misuse of the services.

NVC does not have a campus-wide, stay-in-place notification system besides the PA/bull horn in each of the Campus Police vehicles.

there are no “Columbine” locks on classroom doors.

NVC has instituted the SMS Text Alert system.

the Board of Trustees voted to train and arm the Campus Police as a security measure.

Campus Police do not have computers in their Campus vehicles.

NVC does not have a wireless communications system.

the solar field and chiller plant help reduce costs to the general fund and over time will pay for themselves.

The Inmate Welfare Trust Fund and its use for the funding of certain Jail custodial and food staff training does not impart sufficient substantive job skills facilitating inmate transition from detention to the general population.

The use of Inmate Welfare Trust Fund funds for new evidence-based programs for inmate rehabilitation is a reasonable use of such funds. RECOMMENDATIONS The 2007-2008 Grand Jury recommends that: 1. The Criminal Justice Committee address and identify in the Adult Correctional System Master Plan the proper official or agency to provide the leadership necessary to carry out the Plan’s recommendations.

NVCCD is required to adopt GASBs 43 & 45 and is currently studying the benefits of locally maintained funds versus participating with CALPERS in an irrevocable trust arrangement, with a potential for better return on the funds, shortening the amortization period and reducing the annual contribution required. Child Development Center NVC Child Development Center (CDC) is a state-licensed and subsidized facility which serves over 100 children each semester. It is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for children aged two months to five years of age. The program participates in the Child Food Program and serves a nutritionally balanced breakfast, lunch, and snack. The staff focuses on the emotional and social development of each child in a warm, nurturing environment. An age-appropriate program of cognitive and physical development is also provided. Daily activities include art, music, 9 dramatic play, science, literature, language development, and creative problem- solving. Parents are considered an integral part of the program and are encouraged to help in the classroom as time permits. Each parent is provided with the results of a Desired Results Developmental Profile on his or her child’s progress and parent- teacher conferences are held each semester. Priority for admission is based on State guidelines. To be eligible for this program, the child's parents or legal guardians must be NVC students working toward a degree or certificate with an identified educational plan, or NVC employees. In accordance with priorities, openings are first offered to student families on the waitlist and then to employee families on the waitlist. Fees are based on a sliding scale issued by the State Department of Education. The program serves as a lab for the NVC Child and Family Studies program and is a training site for health occupations, nursing students and Police Academy students at NVC. The program teaching staff hold CA Child Development Teacher permit or higher. They have education, training, and experience in early childhood education and care. In December 2006, the California State Department of Education (CSDE) performed a Contract Monitoring Review (CMR) of the CDC which found that the CDC was not compliant with all applicable regulations. This review revealed that several staff members had been falsifying records to enroll their children in the program. NVC investigated and further reviewed the qualifications of all individuals whose children were in the program. NVC further reviewed and revised the operational procedures for the CDC, took corrective actions against those who had misused the system, and hired a new Director. A CSDE letter to NVC, dated April 4, 2008, acknowledged that Napa Valley Community College Child Development Program meets all State requirements. Capital Improvements (Measures N and L) With the failure of Measure L in February 2008, NVC is faced with the problem of not having sufficient funds to complete all the projects that were to be funded by Measure N. Measure L, for $178,000,000, included $107,659,705 in funds to complete the work commenced after the passage of Measure N and $70,340,295 in funds for additional capital improvements to the College. The campaign for support of Measure L, as sent out to the general public by NVC, was one of improving educational resources for the community and did not address directly the lack of funding for Measure N projects. On the other hand, the opponents of Measure L focused on the failure of NVC to fund Measure N projects with the funds approved by the voters in passing Measure N. NVC failed to take into account some preconstruction costs for various projects and fell victim to increases in the costs of construction material and labor. NVC originally used a 3% escalation figure in determining the amount of $133,800,000 for the bond of Measure N. This escalation figure proved to be grossly understated, which was a primary cause of the insufficient amount of funding sought in Measure N. It is now estimated that the total cost of the all projects within Measure N through the end of 2011, will be $285,659,705. Available funding for the projects is $177,984,686 leaving a shortfall of $107,659,705. To make up for the shortfall there are $65,336,563 in unfunded projects, $23,325,133 in underfunded projects (original scope reduced to save funds) and a deficit of $9,398,775 in funded projects. There also remains approximately $14,000,000 of Measure N bond funds not allocated to any project. The Grand Jury has been informed that one proposal made by staff to the Board of Trustees uses these funds for “bare bone” renovations for unfunded projects (underfunding): • B1500 Library to Administration (old building 300) • B800/1000 Suscol and Catacula Halls (old building 1000) • B1300 Administration to Student Services (old building 200) • B900/1100 Student Services Center (old building 100) The State of California has allocated but not funded $3,470,000 in matching funds for the modernization of the Physical Science Building. It is not known if or when the State will seek a Statewide Bond which would provide these funds. The following is a partial list of the unfunded modernization projects: • MESA/ Math Lab • Print Shop • Fire Alarm Panel replacement • Tulucay Hall (aka Technology Bldg.) • B1200 Little Theater (old building 900) • B3700 Art Center (old building 400) • B1400 Mallacomes Hall (old building 800) • B600 Gymnasium (old building 1100) downstairs • B1600 La Jota Hall (old building 600) • B3100 Industrial Technology (old building 500) • B3300 convert to Public Safety (old building 1600A) The Board of Trustees’ inclination is to use the remaining funds for the most impacted instructional programs. To this end the Board of Trustees will tour all the remaining projects, including Ceramics, to reacquaint themselves with the teaching/learning/working conditions before prioritizing the projects for funding. Staff is presently recommending that Administration and Student Services offices remain as they are rather than making “bare bone” improvements and to put those funds into other projects. What is apparent is that in the furor over the increase in cost of the projects in Measure N, the public was not informed of what would be lost if Measure L did not pass. While some may take issue with the worthiness of a specific project within a Bond Measure, one should not lose sight of the total issue. NVC provides educational opportunity for the citizens of Napa, the recent high school graduate, the life-long learner, the Police Academy cadet, and the training of much needed nurses. Campus Safety Student Right-to-Know To comply with the federal Student Right-to-Know (SRTK) and the Campus Security Act (Public Law 101-542), NVC provides information to the public on, among other things, the safety and security of the campus. The first page in the Summer 2008, class catalogue lists Emergency Information, including how to call for help in case of threat of violence, fire, earthquake evacuation, ambulance, and more mundane issues such as lost and found, and routine parking concerns. The campus website includes information on Crime Watch, a system to report suspicious activity on campus; Emergency SMS Text Alert system; Crime reporting Procedures; Law Enforcement Authority and Interagency Relationships; Crime Prevention; Weapons on Campus; Disruptive Behavior; Sexual Assault; and Hate Crimes. Emergency SMS Text Alerts NVC is now offering a SMS-based emergency notification service for students/faculty/administration’s mobile phones. In the event of an emergency, NVC students, staff, faculty and others will be alerted of important security/safety information via a text message in real-time. Sign-up for this text message service is simple. While this service is free, standard message rates may apply. NVC and their partner AlertU will never spam a receiver, nor sell customer’s information to any third party companies. Law Enforcement Authority & Interagency Relationship It is the intent of the Napa Valley College Board of Trustees to use reasonable means to protect all members of the college community and the property of Napa Valley College. College Police officers are fully sworn peace officers under section 830.32 of the California Penal Code. College Police officers possess peace officer powers of arrest and enforce the laws of California and the rules and regulations of Napa Valley College. All College Police officers have received the same training as 12 municipal police officers and meet all the standards to be a peace officer in the State of California. At the October 2007, NVC Board meeting, the Trustees voted to provide active shooter training and arm Campus Police as a crime prevention measure. Budget for the weapons was estimated at $10,000. Money for the guns is to come out of the NVC “Reserve”. There are four sworn officers with a maximum of two on campus at any one time. Expected response time from Napa Police Department as assist is approximately five minutes. UpValley campus has one security officer. St. Helena Police Department can be summoned. The NVC Police Department works closely with the Napa and St. Helena Police Departments. College Police officers are able to contact the Napa and St. Helena Police Departments by radio or phone to request assistance for incidents that require resources not available to the College Police. The College Police will summon the assistance of other agencies to provide services for incidents that require special resources. All NVC Police vehicles have a public address system/bull horn. They use phones to communicate and give warnings/emergency alerts. The Campus Police are in need of computers in their vehicles and a wireless system on campus, so as to better facilitate communication in the field, increase ability to respond, and provide a better emergency alert system. The wireless system would have the added benefit of aiding students on campus who have their laptops with them. Weapons on Campus Guns of any type are not allowed on the campus, except in the possession of duly appointed peace officers or holders of a valid concealed weapons permit. Knives with a blade length of more than 3 1/2 inches are not allowed on campus. Crime on Campus The college does not condone hate crimes or violence. Any incidents of hate crimes or violence are to be reported to the College Police or Office of Student Services. Main Campus statistics of the time period August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2007: one aggravated assault and two burglaries in 2005; three burglaries in 2006; one aggravated assault, one burglary, and one motor vehicle crime in 2007. There were no reported sexual assaults, hate crimes or arsons during that time period. UpValley Campus: During the time period August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2007, there was one motor vehicle theft in 2005; no reportable sexual assaults, hate crimes or arsons. Community Education Center: During the time period August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2007, there was one non-forcible sex offense, one robbery, and six aggravated assaults, and one liquor law violation in 2007. No hate crimes were reported August 1, 2005 through July 31, 2007. The Community Education Center shares a common border with a number of private homes and a high school stadium complex. Their proximity requires NVC to report crimes that occur in the private homes or stadium complex, even though a fence separates the campus from them. There are 12 emergency phones on campus. Eventually there will be 23 emergency phones connected to 911 and the Napa Police Department. In the new buildings, every classroom will have its own emergency phone. The first of the new emergency phones has been installed in the lower hallway of the gym on the main campus. The phone is easy to use and allows the caller to contact the College Police or the Napa County 911 Center for help. The new phones are very distinctive. The word "EMERGENCY" is written on the sides and a bright blue light marks the location. New Emergency Phone Station Located in lower hallway of gym None of the classrooms have “Columbine” locks that allow the doors to be locked from the inside. The Campus Police have mixed reaction to the use of such locks, claiming that it would be more difficult to clear/evacuate buildings. Disaster Plan NIMS/SEMS NVC participates in the Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS). The Chief of Campus Police teaches an emergency response course that includes SEMS and NIMS. The campus Emergency Operations plan is compliant with the SEMS and NIMS programs. All faculty members received mandatory federal introductory training on these emergency programs and the school site emergency management team commanders received additional training. In the event of a major community or regional disaster, the Campus Police work in concert with the Napa County Office of Emergency Services (OES). Fire Campus Police can respond within one minute of notification of a fire(s) on campus. The reporting system is wired to a central panel. NVC Police call the City of Napa Fire Department and Police to assist in response. NVC officers begin immediate evacuation of affected building(s), while the Napa City Fire Department and Police are en route to the campus, with an estimated 4-5 minute response time. Earthquake The Grand Jury posed the question, what if there was an 8+ earthquake in the area? NVC has 20 Crisis Emergency Response Team (CERT) trained staff as backup to responders. Campus Police would: • Account for everyone on campus (students, faculty, visitors, administration) • Ask those students not injured to leave campus • Facilitate orderly evacuation • Assemble people remaining on campus • Begin quick assessment/building inspection for gas leaks, water, fire, etc. • Determine the location, number and condition of individuals trapped in buildings • Determine the next priority, meet with Chief Administrative Staff • Use on-campus CERT for assistance, and if needed, request additional assistance from County • Set up triage at campus winery site • Shut down campus (3 entrances/2exits) Energy Conservation NVC’s solar field is the 8th largest in the United States. When constructed in 2006, NVC’s solar energy project was the largest in Napa County and fifth largest in the U.S. Panels should last approximately 35 years. The solar project cost was $7.5 million, with $4 million from the college’s Measure N bond funds and $3.5 15 million from PG&E incentives. Energy from the solar field relieves the general fund from fiscal responsibility for utilities. Solar power saves NVC $300,000 per year. The solar field is a 1.2 megawatt system that generates electricity during the day equivalent to what is needed to power 1,200 homes. The solar array covers 6.5 acres with 5,600 solar tracking panels. The panels track the sun across the sky to maximize energy generation, with the panels turning to face the sun throughout the day. The solar power system’s prime energy output coincides with periods of highest electric demand, enabling the college to substantially reduce utility peak period energy charges. This tracking system allows the solar array to produce up to 20 percent more energy than a stationary solar array of the same size. Over the 30-year life of the photovoltaic system, it is estimated that the solar generated electricity will reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 13,800 tons. The Grand Jury was told that emissions reductions are equivalent to planting over 130 acres of trees, removing 2,700 cars from California’s highways, or not driving 35 million miles. The solar field is located west of the college buildings, just off the road to the college ball fields. The land is in the floodplain and is not suitable for other campus construction. In addition to fueling the college’s energy needs, it has other benefits. Physics and environmental studies classes can see solar energy in action. The soon to be completed chiller plant, which will provide air conditioning via loops of water that go through ice during the night and cool the rooms during the day, will save an additional $175,000 per year. COMMENDATION The Grand Jury commends NVC for the foresight and vision to install the solar field and chiller plant. Both units reduce the costs to the college’s general fund; reduce carbon emissions; and serve as a model to Napa County and other campuses across the country. FINDINGS The 2007-2008 Grand Jury finds that: 1. NVC has a projected increase in student enrollment over the next ten years.