By Daily Press staff
Facing one of its most challenging years in decades because of the budget crisis, the local community college needs another decision maker on its board of trustees.
The Santa Monica Community College District is seeking applications from qualified residents interested in being appointed to a vacant seat on the Board of Trustees until the next regularly scheduled board election in November 2004.
The seven-member Board of Trustees, elected by voters in the community college district, is the governing body for Santa Monica College, which serves about 25,000 students and provides vital educational services to communities in the region. The Santa Monica Community College District encompasses Santa Monica and Malibu.
The vacancy on the board is a result of Trustee Patrick Nichelson resigning, which becomes effective Sept. 30. An appointment to fill Nichelson’s unexpired term will be made at the board’s Nov. 3 meeting.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, a resident of the Santa Monica Community College District, a registered voter and must not be disqualified from holding civil office by the Constitution or any law of the state.
The board is seeking candidates who have the ability and time to fulfill the responsibilities of being a trustee, which includes: ■Attending all meetings and some college events, studying issues and agenda items, and participating in trustee education programs. ■Being knowledgeable about the communities served by the college and be willing to act on behalf of and for the benefit of those communities. ■Being committed to community colleges and their missions, as well as understanding educational, social and economic policy issues. ■Engaging in balancing the needs of a variety of diverse groups and being able to build consensus.
The board generally meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month, but frequently convenes at 5:30 p.m. if a closed session is required, and reserves the third Monday for special meetings and workshops, as needed.
For information and applications, contact the SMC office of the Board of Trustees at (310) 434-4241. Information is available at http://www.smc.edu/admin.html.
Applications must be submitted by Oct. 6 to the office of the Board of Trustees, Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, 90405.
The board will interview finalists on Nov. 3 and make the appointment the same day.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 18, 2003. Read the original PDF.