But under former President/Supt. Audre Levy, that system deteriorated through bad communication and confusion over stakeholder roles in the decision-making process, problems that administrators are still trying to resolve, administrators and trustees said.
The board, meeting at the college’s satellite Garfield Campus, voted unanimously to hire two consultants who are expected to help clarify campus roles and encourage an atmosphere of collaboration in shaping the college’s choices.
Trustees also read over language for a new board policy that would codify which constituencies the board is obligated to consult before making decisions and which groups simply deserve to “participate collegially” in conversations related to those choices.
“We’ve had a pretty rough three years where we really haven’t done a good job with our governance process, as far as getting feedback and making decisions,” Lindsay said of operations under Levy’s administration.
The board’s likely approval of the policy, which resembles those that most colleges adopted as a result of state legislation more than a decade ago, along with its decision to hire the consulting team are important steps, said John Queen, president of the Academic Senate.
“The technical assistance report identified problems of mistrust and miscommunication, and I think everyone on campus wants to get beyond that,” Queen said.
While the measures for change at the college were major steps, many of the problems between the administration, trustees and employees have been alleviated by the selection of Lindsay as head of the college district, board President Vahe Peroomian said.
Trustees acknowledged the dramatic shift in leadership styles between Levy and Lindsay, who has already raised eyebrows through her overtures to campus and community groups, they said.
“It has been an eye-opener,” board Clerk Tony Tartaglia said of Lindsay’s hire as the college’s chief. “The communication with the board has been so refreshing. I think a lot of air has been let out of the balloon.”
