January 2024

Grossmont College Student Trustee Cesar Nuñez spoke about a partnership with EJE Academies Charter School and Associated Students of Grossmont College, including bringing their mariachi program to more events on campus and partnering with Grossmont College programs and clubs. He noted he was getting ready for the spring semester to begin on January 29.  

Cuyamaca College Student Trustee Courtney Etnyre welcomed everyone to a new year and the planning underway for the new semester, including convocation and welcome week. She also acknowledged upcoming legislative conferences she will be attending. Entyre attended a directors training held by Student Senate for California Community Colleges.  

Trustee Desiree Klaar wished everyone a happy new year and acknowledged Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Trustee Klaar read a quote from Dr. King out loud to the meeting: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” She also mentioned she attended the All Peoples Celebration in honor of Dr. King with other District leaders. 

Trustee Brad Monroe also acknowledged Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend and the District’s participation in the 42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on January 14. Trustee Monroe acknowledged all the faculty, classified staff and administrators who participated and represented Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges. Monroe met San Diego Attorney John Gomez, a Grossmont College alumnus, who praised Grossmont College as the best college he attended.  

Board Clerk Elena Adams also attended the All Peoples Celebration in honor of Dr. King and highlighted the theme of dignity. Adams acknowledged the upcoming legislative visits to Sacramento and Washington D.C. and looked forward to advocating on behalf of the District.  

Board Vice President Julie Schorr wished everyone a happy new year and a great start to the semester. Schorr attended the MLK parade and All Peoples Celebration and said it was an honor to attend both celebrations. Schorr read a quote out loud from Alliance San Diego: “We do not have to agree on everything to treat each other with humanity, but we do have to be intentional about how we engage with one another and that is how we claim our dignity.” Schorr said she wants to do her best to follow this message. Schorr also gave a shout-out to Cuyamaca College and its Kumeyaay Winter Solstice Celebration and the community engagement it created.  

Board President Debbie Justeson acknowledged the amazing events held in the month of December including the Grossmont College nursing pinning ceremony and the Child Develpoment Center open house. Justeson congratulated Cuyamaca College men’s soccer team for their second-place state championship win and acknowledged Cuyamaca’s registration labs for the spring semester. Justeson also acknowledged Grossmont College’s upcoming Financial Aid Fridays to help students apply for FAFSA and the California Dream Act.  

BOARD ACTIONS

At its January 16 meeting, the Governing Board:

• Heard from Student Trustee Courtney Etnyre on DEIA.
• Heard public comment from Manuel Mancillas-Gomez on a resolution by the Cuyamaca College Academic Senate on student services technology and its concerns with Ellucian Colleague's degree audit.
• Nominated Trustee Julie Schorr for the California Community College Trustees Board 2024 Election. 
• Heard a facilities construction status update for 2024 presented by Jim Bray, Gafcon program director. The update included Grossmont College’s Building 36, the college’s new building for math, science and veterans center.  
• Heard a summary of three audit reports on the District, Prop V and the Foundation for Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges by John Dominguez, CPA from CWDL.  
• Approved purchase orders, warrants, budget status changes, and out-of-state travel.  
• Approved classified and academic personnel actions.  
• Approved initial proposals for the District's upcoming negotiations with AFT Guild Local 1931.
• Approved the District’s initial proposals for upcoming reopener negotiations with CSEA and its Chapter 707.

8800 Grossmont College Drive

El Cajon, CA 92020 

(619) 644-7010