Board alters developmental plan
by Lauren Crider nw news editor

    Action taken at the TCC Board of Trustees meeting last week could affect many students as the board considered changes in the developmental education plan, increases in continuing education fees and a new electric provider.

   In response to recently mandated changes by the state, the board also considered changes in the district’s developmental education plan.

   Under the current plan, certain TASP scores require students to enter the developmental education program. The plan requires students to maintain a certain grade and attendance record in developmental classes to remain enrolled in TCC. Also, students may not withdraw themselves from developmental courses unless withdrawing from all classes.

   As a result of this policy, 800 students have been dropped from all their courses. Seven hundred of those students have not returned to TCC.

   Dr. Cathie Jackson, district director of admissions and records, and Dr. Tahita Fulkerson, SE Campus dean of instruction, requested that the board consider changes in this current program.
They asked that more freedom be given to allow for different circumstances with each student. They also outlined specific changes for the board to consider.

   The board approved the changes and allowed further investigation and consideration of the current policy.

   In light of deregulation, TCC is now looking for a new electric company to service the campuses and extending property.

   Dr. David Wells. TCC provost, told the board that TXU, Texas-New Mexico Power Company and Reliant are bidding for service.

   According to Wells, timing, fuel prices and the college’s electric bill over the past year influence price bids.

   When deciding on the best provider, the board will not only consider price, but the strength of the company, the conditions of the contract and references from those whom the companies are currently supplying.

   The board must also consider one major risk. The school faces a penalty if it either over estimates or under estimates how much electricity TCC will use during the duration of the contract.

   If it uses either too much or too little, the school must pay for the extra electricity.

   Because of this risk, the school also needs more time to add meters for the current building projects into its final estimate.

   Since the board is waiting on bids from the companies, Dr. Leonardo de la Garza, chancellor, asked the board to allow seven to 10 days before deciding.

   Once the bids arrive, the board has 24 hours to make the decision before the contracts are void. Because of the time constraint, de la Garza also asked that the board either allow him to make the final decision for them or to convene before their next meeting to decide.

   Wells emphasized that if the school does not choose its provider, it risks thousands or even millions of dollars.

   In other action, the board made changes in continuing education fees.

   Wells explained that pay for instructors, the needs of the community and competition were included when determining the need for changes.

   The board approved the changes.

   Another point of discussion was the upcoming trustee elections.

   The board agreed to call the trustee election and establish early voting places.

   They also authorized de la Garza to enter into contract with Tarrant County regarding early voting.

   Last election, he entered into contract with Tarrant County allowing the college to establish early voting at various locations as opposed to the single location, which would otherwise be TCC’s only option.

   Elections will take place Saturday, May 4.
  

   The board also approved participation in the Fort Worth South TIF Zone, covering improvement in the area over the next 22 years.  

   Dr. Judith Carrier, SE Campus president, was appointed to the City of Grand Prairie TIF Board to oversee the college’s participation.

   The board granted tenure to the following faculty members: Connie Alexander, associate professor of psychology, NW; Cynthia Allbee, assistant professor of math, South; Raymond Benge, associate professor of physics, NE; Lawrence Herrington, associate professor of nursing, South; Janie Jackson, assistant professor of health sciences, NE; Ivan Mino, assistant professor of Spanish, SE; Toe Myint, associate professor of semi-conductor manufacturing technology, SE; Douglas Oliver, associate professor of geology, SE.

   Also, Dr. Cynthia Reed, professor of psychology, NE; David Stanton, assistant professor of psychology, SE; Luther Turner, associate professor of chemistry, SE; Penny Wagner, assistant professor of math, South; Carol White, assistant professor of math, SE; and David Williams, associate professor of health and physical education, SE.

   The next board meeting is Thursday, Feb. 21, on NW Campus.