Board OKs plan to fill its midterm vacancy

NORTHEAST GLENDALE — The Glendale Community College Board of Trustees approved a plan Friday to fill the vacancy created last week when President Kathleen Burke-Kelly resigned without any prior notice.

Burke-Kelly resigned on Sept. 19, the day after a board meeting during which she said nothing to her colleagues or the public.

That has left the normally five-member board with one open seat.

During a special meeting Friday, the board unanimously opposed a special election, and instead voted for a public process that includes hiring a consulting firm to help facilitate appointing a provisional trustee until the Glendale Community College District's next election in April.

"[A special election is] very expensive," said trustee Armine Hacopian, who is taking over as board president. "It could have cost us almost $150,000. We would rather see that money go to students' education."

The plan includes the formation of a special committee — made up of representatives from several college groups, including the Associated Student Body and administration management — to narrow down potential applications to up to six finalists.

"We haven't done this before and the way board members were appointed in the past, there was very little in writing…. I think this method of having a committee that's going to facilitate things is going to make this a much, much, more open process," said trustee Vahe Peroomian, who is moving into the board's clerk position.

The application deadline for potential candidates is 5 p.m. on Oct. 13.

On Oct. 24, a public forum with the six final candidates will be held, and on Oct. 30, the board is expected to vote and appoint a new trustee.

"Basically folks, this is the plan and the timelines have been worked out." Hacopian said.

"I think our effort is going to make this as open as possible."

The board will bring on the same consulting firm — Community College Search Services — that helped find a new a college president to replace long-time Superintendent John Davitt.

"I think one of the most important things is to have them help in the paper-screening process," Hacopian said. "The consultant will guide the committee."

Board members welcomed the idea of hiring a consultant.

"I'm very glad to hear the proposal of the consultant to help keep the focus," said trustee Victor King, who has moved into Hacopian's former role as vice president of the board.

Once the new trustee is appointed, the board may vote to shuffle the roles, Hacopian said.

"We're just hoping for someone who really has the best interests of the college at heart and is really and advocate for the best things out there for our students, current students and future students," college President Audre Levy said.

Levy called the proposed process aggressive.

"I'm very comfortable so many people will be on board," she said.