The Marin Community College District Board of Trustees race features three available seats with three incumbents running. There are two challengers. Not long ago the College had major problems on multiple fronts with declining enrollment, deteriorating facilities, and an accreditation warning. Fran White has been president of the College now for about five years, and during that time progress can be seen in a number of areas.
Voters passed the $250 million "Measure C" to upgrade facilities. While it took some time for planning, design and commitment of the funds, the Kentfield and Indian Valley campuses are starting to realize the benefits of the funds. The accreditation warning has been lifted, and a 20-year trend of enrollment declines has been reversed in the past couple of years with the latest numbers leading state average increases in enrollment growth (which are up because of the economy and limits at state universities).
The College has also decided that an important part of its identity will be connected to being seen as a center for sustainability both in curriculum and in green building practices adopted as a part of the modernization. However, recession-related budget issues of a different kind hover over the college. As one of three "basic aid" community colleges in a state desperate for funds, there is an ever-present risk that the state could cut funds to basic aid schools. The impact on COM's budget could be severe.
The three incumbents running in this race are Barbara Dolan, Wanden Treanor and Annan Paterson, who was appointed to fill a board vacancy in 2007. Dolan has served on the board for some 24 years, while Treanor has served since 1996. The two challengers are Mark Ginalski, who is an attorney and former Tiburon Council member as well as currently a County personnel and planning commissioner, and Diana Conti who heads a non-profit that serves people with developmental disabilities. Conti has served on numerous Marin non-profit boards and has 30 years of experience as a non-profit executive and fundraiser.
We think a mix of some experience with fresh energy and perspective is an ideal combination for this body. Annan Paterson, who has had a career as a school psychologist and high school guidance counselor, has served almost two years on the board since her appointment. We have admired her community involvement over many years, have endorsed her past city council bids and think she was an excellent choice for the appointment. As a Novato resident, she also fills a need for a north county perspective on the board and brings useful fresh energy. She has been active as a community liaison vis-a-vis the Indian Valley Campus and has promoted the "Bridge to College" program, reaching out to Novato high school students. She has much more to contribute. Treanor, an attorney, served through the college's troubled recent past, but was also involved in the recovery we have seen in recent years. She participated in hiring the college's current president, Fran White, and co-chaired the Measure C bond campaign. She is capable, dedicated and deserves another term.
While we appreciate Barbara Dolan's 24 years of service on the board, we don't believe incumbents deserve reelection simply because they are incumbents when there are excellent alternatives, as there are in this race. Both Ginalski and Conti are talented and well qualified. Voters are fortunate to have such a choice. We give the edge to Conti. Her extensive non-profit leadership and fundraising experience as well as deep Marin community experience would make her a great addition to the Board. Additionally she appears to have a deeper understanding of current needs at the College and expresses herself in a clear and compelling manner. She is exceptionally capable and would bring useful new ideas and energy to this board. The Sun endorses Treanor, Paterson and Conti.