Thank You
We Won by 554 Votes
April 2, 2013
Vote for Joan on April 2 because
experience and dedication matter.
This race for Trustee of the St. Louis Community College has heated up.
My opponent has raised $15,000---from unions/labor and is trying to make this
non-partisan election into a glossy, high-profile campaign. If she wins I fear
that special interest groups could have extreme influence on the decision-making
of the College.
I have a grassroots campaign and
have this website so citizens can read what I’ve been doing the last year and
understand the complexity of our College. And, I’ve met with people from
many neighborhoods, organizations and nonpartisan groups to tell them about the
College. I have kept an open mind and I endeavor to make
decisions that are in the best interests of both our College and our St Louis
area.
There
have been lies told about me:
1. I was part of the Board that
hired the Chancellor.
My response: I was not on the Board when the Chancellor
was hired. And, I will
not comment on her performance as this is a personnel matter and I think
ethically and legally I am bound to privacy.
2. I have always voted against
Labor/union contracts.
My response: Labor/unions are making
inferences that I am anti-union. This is not true. I’ve looked at each bid and
asked questions regarding the quality of work, the terms of the contract, the
background of the contractor. I
have not voted for a contract because it was union or non-union. I respect unions-both my father and brother were
union members. The
Board has followed the College policy on bidding and awarding contracts.
3. I get paid for this job and I
get an expense and travel account.
My response: This is a volunteer position. I have taken two trips to
advocate for the College—met with government officials in Washington DC and
Jefferson City. I took a 3-day Trustee training course in Washington DC and
attended two state community colleges association conferences—in Kansas City and
Lake of the Ozarks. I
was reimbursed for my expenses, for which I provided receipts.
4.
I am part of the inner circle of the Republican party and they are working hard
for me.
My response: I have kept my position as
Trustee as non-partisan. I
have not contacted Republican groups to help me in this race. I think we citizens have had
enough bickering among Republicans and Democrats on all levels of government. I respect the
non-partisan cooperation of the College and will not digress from this in order
to get votes.
Feel free to email me with your
concerns and comments. I will not respond until after April 7 but I assure you that I want to hear
from anyone who wants to talk about the St. Louis Community College.
I ask for your vote
on April 2.
Thank you
Joan McGivney
Re-elect Joan McGivney
Candidiate for 6-year term for
St. Louis Community College Board of Trustees
April 2, 2013
I have had the honor of serving
as a Trustee of the St. Louis Community College after being elected in an April
2012 special election to fill the final year of an unexpired term. Since then,
it has been my privilege to work with the rest of the Board in assuring that St.
Louis Community College fulfills the needs of both our students and our
community.
I’ve kept an open mind as I
listened to members of the community so I could better understand their
concerns. I also acquired an overall perspective of the St. Louis Community
College by attending various events on all our campuses, established alliances
at state community college association conferences, and met with members from
all levels of government. In addition, I completed a 3-day national training
course with the American Association of Community Colleges.
With my background in
education, business and community service, I’ve brought my insights to the Board
and I endeavor to keep contributing to the well-being of the St. Louis Community
College.
I ask for your vote on April 2.
Joan McGivney
February Update
TRIP TO ADVOCATE FOR STLCC WITH FEDERAL
GOVERNMENT
FEBRUARY 11-14, 2013
We met with the staffs of Senator Roy Blunt,
Senator Claire McCaskill, Congresswoman Ann Wagner, Congressman William Lacy
Clay and Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer.
And, we actually had a few minutes of
”real person”
time with Senator Blunt and Senator McCaskill
and Representative Clay and Representative Wagner as they hurried in and out of
subcommittee meetings.
We shared our story of how STLCC uses federal
dollars to improve the lives of students, the region and the overall economy of
our nation.
For example, for 2012/2013 school year,
11,744 STLCC students received an average PELL grant of $ 1,925 (total PELL
grant dollars of $22,608,143 awarded to STLCC students) and numerous federal
grants. I was impressed with the attentiveness and
sincere interest in STLCC of all the people we met.
We also met with Assistant Secretary
Jane Oates, who is responsible for the Employment and Training Administration in
the U.S. Department of Labor.
She told us how impressed she was with the
proposal STLCC made for MOManufacturingWINS.
This $ 14.9 million federal grant is a
three-year consortium grant to enhance the abilities of nine participating
colleges to meet the manufacturer’s skill needs by adopting the National
Association of Manufacturers certification model.
She stressed how we could continue to get more
grant funds for other projects if we can demonstrate how the training skills
help businesses and the national economy and put people back to work.
She said that even though there will be budget
cuts in Congress due to sequestration*, the $2 billion funds for TAACCCT (Trade
Adjustment Assistance Act Community College and Career Training) have already
been allocated for the next couple of years.
Congress will not go back and take these funds
away because they provide needed training to bring our workforce up the
necessary level to compete in the global economy.
I also went to a one-day training class
that I thought was valuable.
I learned how to advocate and understand the
federal budgeting and legislative process.
I realize that building a relationship with our
federal elected officials is crucial to helping get our message out about how
STLCC is helping raise the level of skill and knowledge in our students, which
benefits our region and our economy.
I learned that there is a genuine concern that
our federal tax dollars are spent wisely. There has to be accountability. Colleges must prove that students succeed in
getting jobs and skills or in transferring to four-year institutions.
There were discussions about how to measure
success.
(more on this topic at another time)
(*see below for notes about Sequestration)
Sequestration
* On August 2nd 2011, the Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) was signed into law,
preventing the United States from defaulting on outstanding spending
obligations.
* The BCA sets forth a timeline of spending reductions and new triggers for
raising the debt ceiling.
* Since Congress and the Super Committee were unable to pass a plan reducing
spending, sequestration was triggered. • On March 1st, most federal
discretionary programs will receive an across-the-board cut of approximately 5%.
* For years 2014 - 2021, it is up to the Congressional appropriators to
determine where the cuts are made, however they must find at least $42.7 billion
in savings annually in non-defense programs.
* The Pell Grant program is exempt from sequestration in 2013, but is eligible
for cuts by the appropriators beginning in FY 2014.
FY 2013 Appropriations
* Congress passed a six-month continuing resolution (CR) in September to keep
the federal government operational well into the new year.
* The CR has an overall funding level of $1.047 trillion, which reflects levels
agreed to in the Budget Control Act.
* The overall funding level is $8 billion more than FY 2012, resulting in a
0.612 across-the-board increase for most programs.
* The CR is largely a 'clean' bill, and free from most policy riders.
* Other than the small across-the-board increases, programs are level funded .
* Various policy and funding proposals seen in the House and Senate
appropriations bills for FY 2013 will be revisited next year before the CR
expires on March 27th.
* Above information from ACCT Legislative Overview, Feb. 11, 2013
JANUARY 2013 Update
January 7, 2013 started with a “bang” with Professor Michael Hauser’s Lecture on
“Teacher-Student IneREACTION:Establishing Proper Chemistry in the Classroom”.
Professor Hauser is the 2013 Meramec Faculty Lecture Award Honoree who gave an
innovative talk on how to engage students in learning. Not only did he show us
chemical reactions I have not seen since I took Chem101 many years ago, he was
inspiring in his dedication to assuring that his students learn. Thank you,
Professor Hauser for your dedication and putting our students first for the 20
years you have been with STLCC. Our college shines brighter with people like
you. And, thank you to the Meramec Faculty Lecture Award Committee for
offering these selection and awards since 1988. I’m sure it has been uplifting
experience for all involved.
I
attended the STLCC at Meramec first ‘EMERGING SCHOLARS AWARDS BANQUET’ on
November 27. I was glad to sit at the table with 2012 Award Winning Scholar
Amanda Potts and her Mentor Kathleen Daugherty. It was gratifying to hear about
Amanda’s commitment to learning and plans for the future. I was thankful that
Kathleen Daugherty teamed up with Amanda to be her mentor. There were three
other scholars and their mentors honored that evening---Matt Naumann, Ana
Sholla, Marsha Wendels with mentors Donna Zumwinkel, Charles Groth and Allan
Shiller. This is an encouraging program that recognizes students and spotlights
STLCC commitment to student success. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO ARE INVOLVED IN
THIS PROGRAM.
There were four budget briefings made by Kent Kay (Vice Chancellor for Finance
and Administration) to the staff at the four campuses. I went to two of these
--- at Forest Park on November 29 and Meramec and December 6. There were
thoughtful discussions and comments made regarding student enrollment, Pell
grants, funding issues, scheduling concerns and more. Although the financial
picture is an on-going concern for all of us, I think it is important that we
never lose our commitment to our students and our community. I was glad that the
administration is reaching out to the campuses to keep them informed about some
of our financial issues.
On
December 8 the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor met in a work session with a
number of faculty with the purpose of understanding ways to improve STLCC. I can
only speak for myself, not the entire Board. I felt that there was a positive
dialogue and I personally acquired a better understanding of some of the
concerns that were addressed. There were a number of targeted areas that we will
all work on. One key area is the “culture” of the college. A task force of
faculty, staff, and board members is to be formed by mid January to identify
what the “definition of culture” should be for STLCC. This will be an on-going
committee and we will have another work session on this before mid April. More
on this as we make progress.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER-NOVEMBER UPDATE
It’s been inspiring as I tell folks about all the outstanding programs
offered at STLCC and how “COMMUNITY” plays a vital role for both the College and
to our area. We all benefit when we work in collaboration as we advance the
lives of our students and our region.
I spoke at the League of Women Voters
on September 11 and was encouraged by the positive dialogue and interest in
STLCC and I addressed the Gravois Kiwanis Club on September 26. I explained how
times have changed from when many of us earned our degrees years ago. Many of
the STLCC students are not your typical first-year college students. Often they
tried college before and didn’t achieve or they went into the work world right
after high school. Some are returning veterans. They come to STLCC because they
realize they need new knowledge and skills. Today there are programs that didn’t
exist years ago that are now available at STLCC--- such as Event Planning,
Digital Media, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Sustainable Energy Technology, and
more. There are numerous cooperative efforts our students have with such
companies as AmerenUE, Boeing, BJC, ConAgra, Furniture Brands International,
Packaging Concepts, and many more.
I met several Directors of the STLCC
Foundation Board on November 5 and thank Jan Holloway and the Monsanto Company
for hosting the reception. I am impressed with the dedication of the Directors
in providing students the opportunity to succeed in achieving their life’s
goals.
The League for Innovation in the
Community College review panel came to STLCC on September 12-13. Not all
community colleges are members of The League. Community colleges must show that
they value innovation, learning, service, diversity, stewardship, quality,
integrity, community, positivity and celebration. After an extensive review and
outstanding presentations made by the faculty and staff, STLCC was again granted
the honor of continuing to have membership in the League. Congratulations to
everyone who helped make this achievement possible and who continue to further
the outstanding work done at STLCC day by day.
I attended the Missouri Community
College Association conference in Kansas City with several of my fellow trustees
in late October. We attended several inspiring and informative presentations.
Just like our students, we value “life-long learning”. It’s imperative that we
keep abreast of the latest information about education and community colleges in
general. I met many new people from other community colleges in our state who
care about the quality of the education of all students in Missouri.
At our Trustee meetings on September
27, October 18 and November 15 some of the topics we discussed were enrollment
trends, financial aid changes, public perception of the STLCC, STLCC
district-wide athletics, student success, audit and budget issues and concerns
about professional development, broadband technology, and the aerospace
institute. The trustees plan to meet in early December with the staff, faculty
and administration to assure that there is open communication among all people
who want to assure that STLCC is living up to its mission.
AUGUST UPDATE
It’s been a busy month. I was a “student” this month, learning how to be an
effective Trustee.
At the beginning of the month I attended the 2½ day training for trustees
offered by the Association of Community College Trustees. We learned about a
comprehensive range of topics from advocacy, fiscal responsibility, Board-CEO
relationships and more. Trustees came from all over the USA, including fellow
STLCC Trustee Dr. Doris Graham and one Trustee from Canada.
A major emphasis was placed on “student
success”---how to define it, how to measure it, how to achieve it. We found that
this was a topic all colleges are dealing with and one that we cannot neglect.
Our future is dependent on assuring that our students get the skills and
knowledge they need to thrive and improve our world.
I reviewed the information from the class and compared it to what we are doing
here at STLCC. I went to three campuses the week of August 13 and was impressed
with the energy and dynamics of our staff. I’m proud to report that many
of the ideas I learned about have been incorporated here --such as “New Student
Orientation” planning, “Math Boot Camp” and “Smart Start” courses.
At the Board meeting on August 16 we discussed the equity distribution of State
funds that we share with the other eleven community colleges in our state.
Currently we receive approximately 34% of these State funds (approximately $42.3
million of the $125.6 million). Since the enrollment numbers have changed in the
past few years, some of the other community colleges have requested that we take
a reduction in funds so that the funds can be distributed to those institutions
with increased enrollments. After extensive negotiations, it was agreed upon
that we would take a reduction of $420,000 for each of the next five years. This
equity distribution agreement will begin in fiscal year 2014. Metropolitan
Community College (Kansas City) is also taking a cut--$262,000. Related to this
topic, we realize we need to increase our enrollment to receive more state
funds. And, we are all cognizant that community college encompasses many levels
of learning---from the recent high school graduate to the adult learners who
want/need to gain new skills. We recognize we must stay abreast of the trends,
including on-line and hybrid classes and be open-minded to new ideas and
innovations.
It’s important not to jump to conclusions ---be sure to look at all the facts
As I was reading over our trustee July 19 packet of information I came across a
contract for rental agreement for $52,500 with the University of Missouri to
provide temporary lodging for 18 international students who are participating in
the SEED program. I thought to
myself---is this the best use of our funds?
Then, I continued reading our packet –under the next tab—“External
Funds”—the SEED program—Scholarships
for Education and Economic Development—lists that STLCC will receive $734,400 in
a grant from Georgetown University and the U.S. Agency for International
Development. So, of course, we must spend $52,500 in
order to get $734,400.
And, as I learned at the meeting, this is a
wonderful collaborative effort of
STLCC with University of Missouri, Georgetown University, and the U.S. Agency of
International Development.
This grant is for educating 18 deaf students from Central America, Caribbean and
Mexico in computer technologies with business applications. Georgetown University knew that we
had a program of deaf communications/sign language at our Florissant Valley
campus and has been in collaboration with STLCC for a few years. The first year the students live in
family homes near campus and the second year, they live in the UMSL apartments.
In the broader scope, STLCC is doing its part to improve the economic and
educational standards of our neighbors to the south. Hopefully, these students will be
able to go back to their countries and be positive agents in improving their
nation’s economic conditions.
JULY UPDATE
Hello, May and June were busy months---with student recognition events, budget
review and hearing, and the Chancellor evaluation. The highlight for me came on
May 20 at the Scottrade Center when I was shook the hands of many of the 2,800
students who successfully completed their St. Louis Community College education
by receiving degrees and certificates. Great job students!!!!
Did you know that the STLCC is 50 years old? It was established in 1962 and the
college first offered night classes at Roosevelt and McCluer High Schools. More
than 1.2 million students have taken classes at STLCC in these 50 years.
Of special interest to me because so many of us are concerned about taking care
of our planet and limiting our dependence on oil -- in June we awarded the
purchase of four electric vehicles to be added to the “green” fleet of the
college wide Police Departments at each of the four campus locations. I think
this is an important step for the STLCC.
I believe its crucial that the STLCC continues to meet the challenges facing
our society and region.
I will work for you with a common sense
approach for fiscally responsible and collaborative leadership.
IT’S NOT ABOUT ME - IT’S ABOUT US
Let’s make St. Louis Community College work for us.
Elect me as your Junior College Trustee so we can address our needs together.