Candidate for
Board Member; Marin Community College District

A note from Diana:

In 2009, I was first elected to the College of Marin Board of Trustees as the top vote-getter. I appreciate all the support I received from so many Marin residents.

I have worked hard to deserve your vote of confidence. I am honored to have been Board President for two of my four years on the board, and to have provided leadership to craft win-win solutions to many of the issues COM has faced.

I am running for re-election because I want to continue to help make COM even better. COM has shown dramatic improvement, and our Community College is thriving.

We have accomplished a lot in the last four years:

• COM now has received unconditional accreditation.

• The number of associate degrees awarded has jumped by 40%, the number of certificates earned increased by 33%, and overall graduations grew by 34%.

• COM is financially sound. We have implemented a five year plan to fully pay the unfunded liability for retiree health benefits, as well a multi-year plan to eliminate a structural deficit caused by reductions in property taxes and State categorical funding.

• We worked extensively with community members to assure the design of the new academic center would meet the technology needs of today' students, while remaining true to the neighborhood needs and environment.

• We have a facilities master plan that addresses both ongoing and deferred maintenance needs.

• Long-term labor disputes have been resolved. We have more transfer courses on the IVC campus.

• Outstanding issues with the College of Marin Foundation (a separate organization from COM) will be resolved soon and scholarships are still being granted. COM established a new internal fundraising department that has raised $500,000 to date.

• It is vitally important that we continue to have affordable, high quality educational opportunities for students of all ages and all walks of life. I welcome your ideas and questions. I can be reached at mailto:conticonsulting@yahoo.com or phone 415-990- 8798.

Diana