Board Workforce Diversity Committee Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Attendees:

Board: Director Doug Siden (Chair)

Staff: Susan Gonzales, Sonja Stanchina, Elizabeth Hales, Elaine Feemster, Jerry Richardson

Human Resources Manager Susan Gonzales reviewed the annual diversity reports provided in advance to the Committee and explained that they are fiscal-year based from July 1 (2007) through June 30 (2008) to coincide with requisite federal reporting to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in odd years.  Overall, the District is continuing to do well in its progress and commitment to workforce diversification while maintaining a low employee turnover rate, and still hiring a significant percentage of regular-status employees from temporary and seasonal personnel.

Mr. Richardson suggested that there be more formal communication, perhaps via trainings about the benefits of diversity from the top down.  Ms. Gonzales commented that related trainings have in fact taken place over the last couple of years, but certainly HR can work to continue this important work.

Mr. Richardson also suggested an idea for existing District staff to be able to shadow a supervisor or manager for a day to help the employee determine what the supervisor or manager actually does in the course of a typical day.  This may cultivate more interest from women and minorities in upward mobility.  Ms. Gonzales will discuss with HR Training staff.

Ms. Feemster and Mr. Richardson asked several questions pertaining to the coordination of job fairs with District representation and asked for a separate meeting with HR and AFSCME within the next thirty days to discuss specifics.  Ms. Gonzales was in agreement to this request.

Director Siden agreed to recommend to the Board Executive Committee a continuation of the annual $500 assistance to the committee from the Board Contingency Fund to attend job fairs reaching more women and minorities, and was agreeable to consider a future request for an increase in that amount if after HR and AFSCME meet; it is determined to be insufficient for one year.  Director Siden commended HR staff and members of AFSCME for their preparation and quality work within this committee.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:25 p.m.  The next meeting of this committee will take place in October 2009. 

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