On December 9th, 2015 newly elected PACCD Trustees, Jim Osterling and Hoyt Hilsman, were sworn into office. PCCFA endorsed Hilsman. Osterling represents District 2 and Hilsman District 4. Jeannette Mann and Bill Thomson, respectively, held these seats prior to the election.

Faculty Association President Julie Kiotas said, “Now, with a new administration in position and fresh perspective on the Board, we hope to address governance issues highlighted in the Accreditation Report.”

The District 4 race, with the only incumbent running, was hotly contested. Hilsman was swept into office, beating his incumbent opponent by nearly a 2-1 margin (1,717 to 939). Notwithstanding Trustee Thomson’s contributions to the College, voters clearly associated him with the turmoil and poor decision making prevalent during the Rocha years. “The community held the Board accountable in this election,” said FA Director Mary-Erin Crook.

PCCFA engaged actively in this campaign, co-sponsoring a well-attended candidate forum in October where Hilsman voiced his strong support for a robust expression of diverse opinions. The FA engaged in steady and sustained efforts beyond merely endorsing Hilsman. PCCFA Board members and general members made vigorous effortsin support of Hilsman’s campaign including fundraising, community outreach, phone banking, and writing letters of support published in the local press. One active member said, “This campaign was an eye-opener. We can impact this process.”

In addition to the FA endorsement, Hilsman was endorsed by PCC Retirees, ACT, Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek, several members of Pasadena City Council, as well as former Chair of the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee Anthony Portantino, and Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden.

Kiotas welcomes the new Board members and “looks forward to working with the new Board to rebuild collegial relations between faculty, staff, and administration so that we can continue to further student success.”