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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

San Joaquin County Grand Jury • 2008-2009

San Joaquin Delta Community College (Follow-Up)

5 pages
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Findings 9 findings

F1 Page 34
Delta College trustees and administrators avoid making the same mistake by entering into a public/private partnership to develop a center/campus in Lodi or Galt. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation will not be implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The current Board and administration have, in fact, implemented this recommendation. The purchase option for the Lodi campus was allowed to expire. The Galt campus property development has been postponed indefinitely.
F2 Page 34
The Board of Trustees thoroughly evaluate all staff and consultants’ recommendations prior to making bond decisions and commitments. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation has been implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The current Board has access to much-improved Measure L Team (bond management staff) reports and is making informed decisions.
F3 Page 35
The Board of Trustees use the most current student usage numbers to determine curriculum needs for students, i.e. brick and mortar vs. internet usage. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation has been implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The current Board has access to much-improved Measure L Team reports and is making informed decisions.
F4 Page 35
The Board of Trustees refocus on the needs of the students and not personal agendas and work together as a cohesive unit. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation is being implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: Unlike the former Board, the current Board has demonstrated the ability to work together from the first meeting when a newly elected Trustee was selected as President of the Board. Further, the ability of the current Board to work together is demonstrated by a lack of controversy at meetings or in the press. The current Board adopted Policy No. 2715, Board of Trustees Code of Ethics and Standards of Good Practice, as a means of defining responsibility and conduct of individual Board members.
F5 Page 35
Delta College Trustees and administration support and work with the new, recently formed committee, Measure L Team, to oversee the various bond programs. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation will be implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The Measure L Team believes it has the support of Trustees and administration. This Team has exceeded all expectations of the 2008/2009 Grand Jury. Reports given to Trustees are timely, concise and accurate.
F6 Page 35
The Delta College Board of Trustees to comply with the Brown Act. Further training on the Brown Act to be given to ensure understanding and compliance. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation is being implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The only Brown Act violation observed by Jurors was minor. Meeting agenda were posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting, but not at a location accessible 24 hours a day. The Administration is taking steps to comply.
F7 Page 35
The Bond Oversight Committee meet once per month in an effort to pre-approve all expenses charged to Measure L funds. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation will not be implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The committee continues to schedule quarterly meetings but has met more frequently. In October 2008, the State Controller issued a 15 report following the audit of Measure L. Finding (3) states “…oversight by the Citizens’ Oversight Committee (COC) was passive, perfunctory and ineffective.” The Board has yet to pass an amendment to the Citizens’ Oversight Committee Bylaws that will allow pre-approval of expenses charged to Measure L.
F8 Page 36
This Grand Jury recommends that the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee question all changes in projects selected for funding, project plans, or delays in construction. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that Measure L funds are not being wasted. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation is being implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The Committee has access to much-improved Measure L Team (bond management staff) reports to aid the review. However, the Committee does not exercise its full authority as described in Section 15278 of the Education Code. The Committee appears somewhat restrained by the Bylaws and continues to review expenditures months after they occur.
F9 Page 36
The Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee to ensure that all aspects of the Brown Act are adhered to in order to give the public a clear picture of the committees’ workings. The Grand Jury believes that the Brown Act ensures a transparent democracy. The violation of the Brown Act cannot be tolerated. Former Board of Trustees Response: This recommendation has been implemented. 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The only Brown Act violation observed by Jurors was minor. Meeting agenda were posted 72 hours in advance of the meeting, but not at a location accessible 24 hours a day. The Administration is taking steps to comply. 10. (No recommendation #10 from the 2008/2009 Grand Jury) 2008/2009 Grand Jury Finding: The Board of Trustees recently established a policy of self-evaluation for Trustees and periodic evaluation of the Superintendent/President. Regular evaluations of performance are the basis of improvement and positive corrective actions. Implementation of the new policy will unify the Board and Administration and help prevent problems of the past.

Recommendations 10