Candidate for
Board Member; Peralta Community College District; District 5

During the past twelve years that Dr. Bill Riley has been a trustee, the District has made solid progress in a range of areas critical to the mission and the future of the District.

Let's take a look at a few of the areas of improvement over the last few years. These accomplishments demonstrate that through strong leadership and an expanding sense of collaborative teamwork, the District has taken significant steps towards insuring that + in spite of the economy and its negative implications for higher education in California + the future for Peralta is much stronger than it was twelve years ago.

• Expanded access to the Peralta Colleges and increased student enrollment by 12% - 15%

• Together we've greatly expanded access to the Peralta Colleges and increased student enrollment dramatically for all students across the board. Through a series of outreach efforts, marketing and providing better student services, plus a broad range of classes, enrollment. It is our mission to provide access to education to all students.

• I chaired the Measure E Committee. The passage of Measure E, the $153.2 million bond measure that won 79.1 percent of the vote, signaling a new era at Peralta.

• I co-chaired the Measure A Committee. The $390 million Bond Measure (Measure A) passed by an overwhelming majority of votes and included a rare provision that funds could be used not just for construction, but for equipment and furnishings as well. The huge voter approval rate further affirms the high esteem in which the community holds The Peralta Colleges. With the over $390 million bond, over the past years, Peralta's infrastructure has been strengthened with dollars ear-marked to improve educational facilities, infrastructure and classrooms at Berkeley City, Alameda, Laney and Merritt.

• During my tenure as a trustee at Peralta, relationships with four-year colleges and universities has been enhanced. One of the primary missions of community colleges is to prepare students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Peralta has kept its goals and objectives to partner with colleges and universities locally, within the state, and across the country. Peralta students can choose to transfer to any of the California State Universities, the University of California institutions, and independent and private universities both state-wide and out-of-state.

• During my tenure as a trustee at Peralta, community partnerships have expanded and improved. The Peralta Colleges have partnered with literally hundreds of organizations in our community, fostering growth within the cities and communities we serve. Peralta I know and understand as a trustee that by partnering with others, we promote and create a climate of access and success. A wealth of community organizations is critical to creating a successful support system, some examples of organizations that Peralta has partnered with include: the MLK Freedom Center, Alameda County, the Alameda County Small Business Development Center, PG&E and other utility companies, AC Transit, local public and private high and middle schools, the six cities of our service areas, faith-based organizations and a myriad of other community based organizations.

• We collaborated in developing and implementing a strategic plan through shared governance. "The Peralta Colleges' Strategic Plan provides a pathway to educational leadership for the East Bay through which we deliver programs and services that sustainably enhance the region's human, economic, environmental and social development. With this plan in place, the Peralta Colleges can empower our students to achieve their highest aspirations. We can develop leaders who create opportunities and transform lives. I view this comprehensive strategic plan for Peralta is a major accomplishment.

• I have been supportive of Peralta Colleges continuing to increase the International student enrollment, a major revenue source. The Peralta Colleges now rank among the top 25 associates' institutions for international student enrollment.

• During my tenure as Board President, Peralta was one of the first public institutions in the state to fund the ever-growing cost of providing health care coverage, developed a plan to make sure Peralta retirees can be assured that their medical benefits are in place.

• During my tenure I have encouraged and supported both: 1) increased grants and funding coming to the Peralta Colleges and 2) expansion of Peralta's Career and Technical Education Opportunities.

• As a member of the Peralta Foundation, I established an annual Golf Tournament which has raised over $700,000 over the past years for scholarships, supplies and equipment for students and staff.

My priorities as a Peralta trustee in the coming years given these difficult times are:

(1) Balance the 2010-11 budget while maintaining the quality of services, programs and curriculum for students, faculty and staff, in spite of state cutbacks.

(2) Maintain quality health benefits for staff and faculty as the cost continues to rise.

(3) Ensure the efficient use, reporting and monitoring of all expenditures of the district, especially the construction/measure A bonds for improvements on the campuses.

(4) Maintain a high quality of faculty, staff and administrators.

(5) Work to expand local, state and federal funding sources, as well as private foundations and businesses.