Expresses serious concerns about lack of effective Administration communication and poor Board behavior
The Wills’ administration has on occasion admitted it is not good at communication. That failing was again evident from Governing Board Representative Deb McCasland’s written remarks, which are contained in the January 12 Governing board agenda. (You may view the agenda by clicking here.)
Under the Carver model of governance adopted by the Governing Board, Wills is obligated to keep the Governing Board members well informed. McCasland expressed obvious concern that Wills’ was not meeting that obligation. McCasland wrote that “information that affects the Board should be shared with all the Board members as it occurs, not just select individuals.” She wrote that “open communication is very important to provide trust and respect, Finding out about college administrative matters in the press and not first from the President is not effective communication.”
She continued that:
“notifications to the Board are not timely. Too often I found out about administrative changes through news releases in the newspapers, not from Dr. Wills.”
McCasland also raised questions about how the Governing Board was functioning. She stated that “We need to have more discussion on intended long-term impacts on the communities. We are lacking in our civic trusteeship obligation to all the owners of our district. Verde Valley owners have legitimate concerns that are not being addressed.”
Finally, she stated that:
“Board meetings are not an open exchange of opinions or comments. Often Board members insult other members, individuals and committees of the Board. (This policy) needs to be readdressed and defined.”