The Glendale Community College Board of Trustees met for the first time this semester on Sept. 9 at Kreider Hall in the San Rafael building to discuss several issues, including the budget and the driving and texting problem, at the beginning of this school year.
Among the issues discussed, it was recommended that Thursday be marked as an official “Drive 4 Pledges Day” for students to take the pledge to not text and drive.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Summary of Statistical findings in 2011, distracted driving caused ten percent of all fatal crashes in 2011 in the United States.
It was found that 3,331 died due to car crashes. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving not only puts the driver but also any passengers and other drivers on the road at much greater risk for an accident.
GCC holds the health and safety of its teenagers and adults as a chief concern, and through ItCanWait.com, a website advocating refraining from texting while driving, more than 2 million people have committed to never text and drive.
Another item on the agenda concerned the budget. It was approved for the 2013-2014 year, and it included $150,000 being transferred from the unrestricted general fund to the restricted general fund for operating costs of the Child Development Center.
It was also suggested that the Board of Trustees approve the transfer of $1 million from the unrestricted general fund to the Self Insurance Fund for to the 2013-14 workers compensation insurance premiums. This would ensure that in the event of a workplace injury or any damage to persons done would be adequately compensated
Other topics included honoring promoted faculty members as well as welcoming new faculty members. Overall, it was reported that this academic year has started off well financially.
It was reported that the number of units enrolled is higher than in previous years, however actual student body headcount is down.
This meeting was dedicated to Blanche Donovan, who passed away this year. She is considered a pioneer in women’s athletics. She was with the Glendale Community College faculty since the 1950s and started many programs which are still in place today that promote women’s physical education.
