The Copper Mountain College Board of Trustees met yesterday in regular session and in special joint session with Morongo Unified School District. Assignment reporter Chris Fleischman attended both meetings and files this report…
The Copper Mountain College Board of Trustees met in regular session yesterday at the CMC Bell Center. During the meeting, Executive Director of the CMC Foundation informed the board of a $8,000 grant from Morongo Basin Transit Authority as part of the college’s pledge to free transportation for students. As part of the college’s ongoing 20th Anniversary celebration, the Board honored the legacy of Owen and Audrey Gillick, who were in attendance. Later, Faculty Association President Jeffrey Haig praised the board’s agreement to salary advancement negotiations but expressed concerns over the lack of cost of living adjustment, and California Schools Employees Association Chapter President Sara Hutson expressed similar concerns over the fourteen months of ongoing negotiations for 2020-2021 contracts. The board also held public hearing regarding redistricting plans, including a discussion about how population and demographic trends in the area impact the various redistricting scenarios.
After regular session adjourned, the board convened in joint session with Morongo Unified School District. During this session, 29 Palms City Manager Frank Luckino presented updates about Project Phoenix, including the new multipurpose facility and galley style kitchen which will be used to teach culinary arts to 29 Palms High School students as early as Fall 2022, according to Superintendent/President Daren Otten. The boards of trustees also discussed enrollment trends in MUSD and at CMC, in addition to the growing success of the duel enrollment and Career and Technical Education programs in the district.
