John Schramel is no longer a member of the Feather River College board of trustees. The board reluctantly approved his resignation at its Feb. 21 meeting. Board members praised Schramel for his five years of dedicated service to the college.

  Schramel wrote in his letter of resignation that his health was the major factor in his decision. He said he achieved the milestone he had set for himself of selecting a superintendent/president and now it was time for him to step down.

  A new trustee representing District IV, the Indian Valley area, is being sought. Interested parties should contact Cindy Hall for more information at 283-0202, ext. 233.

Trutna’s contract approved

  The board approved the employment contract for Dr. Kevin Trutna to serve as superintendent/president from March 18, 2013, to June 30, 2016.

  Trutna’s beginning annual salary is $162,500 with annual 2 percent step increases (dependent on performance evaluations), an expense account of $600 a month and a 50 percent district match to a 403b up to $2,000 annually.

Classified Employee of the Year

  Administrative assistant to the superintendent/president Cynthia Hall was nominated as Classified Employee of the Year.

  Hall will now be entered in the California community college classified employee of the year awards program. The statewide competition honors outstanding employees for their commitment to the mission of community colleges, professionalism, community involvement and leadership.

  Hall was lauded as a role model for staff. Her tremendous work on the accreditation process was also recognized and appreciated by staff.

Accreditation report

  Derek Lerch, dean of instruction/CIO interim, presented the final draft of the institutional follow-up report in support of reaffirmation of accreditation.

  The board approved the report and it will now be submitted to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges for review. Lerch expects to hear back from ACCJC in July.

Black History Month

  February is Black History Month, and chief student services officer Karen Pierson said there have been many events on campus in honor of the month-long celebration.

  A variety of people and organizations have contributed to make Black History Month celebrations successful. Art exhibits, speakers, concerts and more have showcased the wealth of contributions of black people throughout history.

  Wrapping up the month’s events Feb. 28, Carletha Stewart, an FRC graduate who was recently released from 33 years of incarceration, will tell her story and answer questions at noon in the Gallery.

Broken water main

  Pierson reported that some students had no drinking water in their dorms for nearly two weeks. She said the maintenance staff scrambled to accommodate students after a water main broke, disrupting regular water service to about half the student residents. Approximately 80 students were without water for a couple days before limited flow was restored.

  Students were cautioned not to drink the water unless they boiled it. Drinking water was provided free of charge to students, who still had low-pressure running water for other purposes. The problem has been fixed, Pierson reported.

Day in the Mountains

  The college’s annual new student registration is scheduled for April 29. The event lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  High school students from around the county, as well as new and returning students from the community and elsewhere, are invited to spend the day on campus.

  They will receive campus tours, hear presentations by faculty and advisors and enjoy a barbecue lunch replete with entertainment in addition to registering for their classes.

Commencement

  Graduation will take place Friday, May 24. Beginning this year, guests are invited to a pre-ceremony reception at 3:30 p.m. featuring healthy snacks.

  The college will set up a photo booth for families to take pictures of their graduates.

  The next board meeting is scheduled for March 21 at 3 p.m. in the library conference room.