Former Tucson City Councilman Steve Leal takes a different look at what is currently happening at Pima Community College and the agenda being presented to the governing board at tonight’s meeting to place Suzanne Miles in that position:
Very good story in the morning daily regarding the sweetheart deal that Pima Community College Chancellor Roy Flores and the Pima Community College Board of Governors gave Flores’ high school buddy, Mr. Crnokrak.
Interesting, the paper did a freedom of information request on a Thursday regarding the contract, and on Friday, Flores said he was resigning. Pure coincidence?
It’s also common knowledge that Suzanne Miles knew about Crnokrak’s sweetheart deal. She is Flores’ stunt double, hand picked. He wants to place her in his position on his way out. This way nothing changes.
As for the few positive comments regarding Crnokrak from some administrators, for instance, Pima College West Pres. Louis Albert, who stated what he learned from Crnokrak was impressive, and Pima College Dean Mary Beth Ginter who thought Crnokrak was sort of down to earth. Was she referring to the offensive e -mails that others were disgusted by?
The Chief Financial Officer David Bea looked the other way to please Flores and Miles with regard to circumventing the procedures to give Crnokrak over $300,000. Tucsonans paid higher tuition to grease cronyism.
It’s common to see this kind of pandering in a climate of fear and retaliation.
Flores and Miles have created that dysfunctional atmosphere. Its disturbing to know that over 50 skilled administrators have left Pima because of Flores and Miles actions. The people of Tucson deserve a national search that is not rigged.
There needs to be significant change regarding the Board of Governors and the administration at Pima College. They have hijacked the mission Tucsonans gave the college regarding the Open Enrollment policy. Apparently they have also become so brazen that they think Pima College is their play thing to do what they want and not be held accountable.
If Miles is made interim chancellor, good potential candidates will not apply, because they will see the position is wired for her. Then a small pool of average candidates applies. Miles is happy, Flores wins. Nothing changes.
Flores and Miles and some of the college board members see the community rallying to change the board to regain community control. They are trying to head the train off at the pass before the upcoming election and put Miles in place. This can not be allowed to happen. The board of governors needs to refuse to drink the Kool-Aid and rise to the occasion.
Some of the Board members know they were elected to do right by the people of Tucson, and not simply be the enablers to corruption and malfeasance.
Right now the board only knows what Flores and Miles want. If you want to share your thoughts with them use the contact info below. The board meets tonight at the District Office Community Board Room, 4905 E. Broadway at 7 p.m. On the agenda is a motion to appoint Miles as the new PCC chancellor.
From the agenda:
The Chancellor is requesting that the Governing Board approve his retirement effective December 31, 2012, in accordance with the terms set forth in his letter to the Governing Board dated February 2, 2012.11. Chancellor Appointment and Employment: Suzanne Miles ς It is recommended that Dr. Suzanne Miles be offered a contract of employment as Chancellor of Pima Community College to commence upon the first day that Dr. Roy Flores is no longer serving as Chancellor, which date is anticipated to be, and shall be no later than, January 1, 2013, and continuing through and including June 30, 2014.
This article appears in Feb 2-8, 2012.
The U of A provides a good model for PCC to emulate. It looks like the U of A has an excellent new President as a result of a recent national search and interview committee process. PCC deserves no less. Well said, Steve Leal, well put! This Board, somewhat asleep at the switch, can afford nothing less than a national search. And in my opinion it should start now and hire asap.
It is also curious that this same board meeting has the chancellor requesting 2-year contracts for his top administrators. I understand this is unusual.
I guess when the voters say they don’t think you represented them, don’t think you can represent them, and don’t like the way you express yourself… the thing to do is make ad-hoc accusations.
Steve Leal has proven himself. He’s done it so well the only public office he now holds is “nothing”. Why is he given a pulpit to continue to spew?
If he has no useful contributions to make other than gossip, I hear John Jay and Rich are hiring for their “Good Bad and Gossip” segment.
Useless.
M
When established procedures are circumvented to give money to anyone, it is time for regime change. Top to bottom. What are Miles credentials? Does she meet the educational standard for the position? Was she promised the position by Mr. Flores? I think it is time for cronyism to take a vacation. A national candidate would be the wise decision. Let’s see how wise our board is.
Dr. Miles’ credentials are more than excellent! She is the best candidate for Chancellor’s position. Stop believing lies about Dr. Miles! Meet her and learn about her work and then judge for yourself!
National search is okay, and that common policy appears to be more fair and more thorough, with more faculty (or committee) input. Still PCC will never be sure they’ve found the Best Person For The Job, no more than the UA search, or corporate searches. In the meantime, hope they can minimize the vacuum and manage a fairly efficient transition.
Miles’ credentials are just fine. Unfortunately, her history at PCC is what should exclude her from placement and being part of the search. She is corrupt, inept, and is not what this community needs with regard to educational leadership. I know this first hand. She is, in fact, a part of the good old boy/girl network we are nearly out of. Let this go, let a transparent national search begin. The taxpayers will be watching.