Trustee Update: Special Board Meeting December 10,2025

On December 10, the Palomar College Governing Board held a Special Meeting to discuss the procedures for conducting a search for a new Superintendent/President. In closed session, the Board discussed the Interim Superintendent/President position. At present, per Board policy Dr. Tina Recalde is serving in an Acting capacity; because this role is limited to 30 days, I anticipate the  Board will make a formal appointment at the December 16 meeting.

During public comment, most speakers emphasized the importance of a transparent and inclusive search process. Several called on the Board to rebuild trust with the campus community, and one speaker noted concerns about how recent decisions might negatively affect the search.

The Board also reviewed proposals from two search consulting firms, ACCT and PPL Incorporated. No selection was made at this meeting. I recommended that the Board revisit the process used during the last presidential search to provide historical context as we determine our next steps.

The Board agreed to review this information at our December 16 meeting, with additional decisions on the search process expected to follow at our regular meeting in January.

Lastly the Board approved an unconditional commitment letter in response to a Cease and Desist letter we received claiming a Brown Act violation. The letter re-affirms the commitment of the Board to follow the public meeting requirements of the Brown Act.