My position on the issues

By Judy A. Strattan

Open and Collegial Governance

The lack of harmony that currently exists is disturbing to all persons working within the college community and to many persons living within the college district. It is crucial that we establish and maintain a cooperative environment with open communication and trust throughout the college. This issue must be addressed immediately.

The board of trustees, president and leadership of the campus constituencies should immediately begin dialogue focused on resolving the negativity and adversarial positions. To allow the current environment on campus to continue is a disservice to students, employees and district communities. Time, talents and energies of all who work at MiraCosta must be refocused on collaborative processes by which to ensure quality instruction and services and away from mistrust, dissatisfaction and fear.

There is no shortage of ability on the part of all of those deeply concerned to reestablish the climate of trust and cooperation. Attention needs to be directed back to teamwork and the willingness to cooperate in support of the institutional mission of quality instruction and service to students.

Student Success

MiraCosta must maintain, enhance and create new academic and vocational offerings to address the educational needs of an increasingly diversified student population and the needs of current and future employers.

Agreements with colleges and universities that guarantee MiraCosta College students transfer and to continue higher education studies will always need attention and resources. Career education and training must be directed to prepare students to compete in a global economy. Partnerships with business and industry will become even more important in order that employers will keep the college apprised of their needs, share facilities and provide funds for grants and scholarships.

As members of the college community, we are all being held responsible for assisting those students who enter under-prepared to succeed. Basic skills instruction will continue to need additional attention to meet the mission of serving the population in the district service areas. We must continue to work with area high schools that are struggling to meet the same needs. Partnerships that decrease duplication of efforts will help more students.

Fiscal Responsibility

We must be certain that MiraCosta College is viewed as a fiscally responsible institution. The college must ensure taxpayers that their dollars are well invested. The public must be aware of how resources are being allocated to all sites within the district. Future bond measures proposed by the college will receive more active support if people are comfortable with the fiscal state of the college.