CITY OF SHORELINE
SHORELINE CITY COUNCIL
Monday, June 26, 2006 Shoreline Conference Center
6:00 p.m. Highlander Room
PRESENT: Mayor Ransom, Deputy Mayor Fimia, and Councilmembers Gustafson, Hansen, McGlashan, Ryu, and Way
ABSENT: none
STAFF: Bob Olander, City Manager; Julie Modrzejewski, Assistant City Manager; Joyce Nichols, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Director
GUESTS: Lee Lambert, Shoreline Community College (SCC) President; Jeff Lewis, SCC Board of Trustees Chair; Edith Loyer Nelson, Board Member; Dick Stucky, Board Member; Gidget Terpstra, Board Member
TOPIC: Introduction of new Shoreline Community College President
Mayor Ransom convened the meeting at 6:15 p.m. with introductions around the table. It was noted that SCC Board Member Shoubee Liaw was unable to attend this evening.
Mayor Ransom reviewed the agenda and discussed tonight’s topics. Mr. Olander mentioned that he and Lee Lambert met last week and he was hoping Mr. Lambert would share some of the challenges SCC is facing. He added that the City wants to help make the college successful and to build a productive relationship.
Mr. Lewis described two goals the SCC Board set for itself: 1) to conduct a successful search for a new president; and 2) to improve the governance of the Board.
Mr. Lambert discussed upcoming challenges on SCC’s list of priorities: preparing for a 10-year accreditation review in the fall of 2007; and developing a formal enrollment management plan (to address declining enrollment). He noted that SCC has the smallest community college district service area with only two feeder high schools.
The state says it should have 5,200 FTE, but 4,700-4,900 is a more comfortable level for them. He noted that SCC only had two years with more than 5,000 students. More students equal more stress on their facilities and surrounding areas. Each student enrolled contributes $1,800 in revenue. Declining enrollment caused SCC to have to cut $2 million out of its budget.
Mr. Olander said that in periods of an up economy, fewer people need training, which hurts SCC’s enrollment.
Mr. Lambert said when unemployment is higher, their enrollment increases. Also, declining enrollment in Shoreline schools hurts their enrollment as well. The “Running Start” program also is a bit of a touchy issue for SCC and SSD.
Deputy Mayor Fimia asked if SCC develops an annual legislative agenda.
Mr. Lambert responded that the college presidents get together each year to do this. They will discuss placing “Running Start” on the agenda for 2007. They also have a CEO program – Career Education Options, for helping people get their GED. However, students in these programs are not counted for FTE funding purposes.
Mr. Olander raised the issue of online competition from colleges such as University of Phoenix and other competitive challenges.
Mr. Lambert said the competition is becoming fierce from distance learning programs, and the enrollment management plan is a critical part of beginning to address these challenges.
Councilmember Ryu asked what SCC can do to provide incentives for teachers.
Mr. Lambert said teachers are part of the state’s salary and benefits scale, but it’s not the most up-to-date system of compensation. On average, SCC faculty is the highest paid in the state. 65% of their budget is faculty salaries – higher than most schools. K-12 and four-year schools are funded at higher per-pupil rates than the two-year colleges.
Mr. Lambert also discused other goals:
Councilmember Gustafson asked what the City could do to help SCC accomplish its goals.
Mr. Lambert said one potential area is legislative – to help inform legislators about some of the community college funding issues. He noted that the college is a need of a new health sciences building; this is an area where the City might be able to partner with SCC.
Mr. Olander said that the state must be more consistent in setting priorities for programs and then funding the programs that produce those graduates. Another area where the City might help is with neighborhood support; helping to create a better partnership between SCC and surrounding neighborhoods.
Ms. Loyer Nelson said she attended some of the neighborhood meetings and the college has modified some of its policies and procedures to respond to neighborhood concerns.
Mr. Olander suggested that the college consider holding tours for the neighborhoods in order to increase understanding,
Mr. Olander then reviewed the list of City Council goals for 2006-07. The Council has arrived at preliminary agreement on eight goals and is still discussing another eight goals. The City’s economic forecast predicts deficits in coming years, so the City may have to cut back in programs or services. He said he hopes the City’s Economic Development program will help address some of these financial issues.
Councilmember Way asked if SCC had an emergency management plan, and about the status of its Master Plan.
Mr. Lambert said the college does have an emergency management plan, but it needs further refinement and more advertisement.
Mr. Lewis said the college’s Master Plan is on the SCC Board’s agenda this week.
Mr. Lambert noted that he is looking for a home closer to the college so he can work on building a good relationship with the City and neighborhoods as well as to increase his visibility in the community.
Councilmember Gustafson emphasized the need to keep each other informed and work together.
Deputy Mayor Fimia concurred, noting that the community expects good communication and collaboration between the City and the college. She appreciated his commitment to environmental stewardship, education, and ethnic diversity.
Mayor Ransom declared the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
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Joyce Nichols, Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Director