Saitta says get rid of administrative bloat
Francis Saitta, PhD is a candidate for the PCC (Pima Community College) Board of Governors.
1. Why did I initially decide to run?
I decided to run as a Candidate for the 5th District Seat on the PCC BOG because I felt, as an Educator, Pima Community College had “lost its’ way” as a Community College; that the Administration/Faculty had converted PCC into a “Prep School” for University entrance. This is but one function of Pima Community College.
Pima Community College serves the Educational needs of the Citizens of Pima County in their many and diverse forms.. Any Student wishing to attend PCC must take an Assessment Examination. On the basis of this Examination, a program of study is developed for the Student with strict adherence to Course Prerequisites. To do otherwise is a recipe for failure.
Students are admitted to the College, on the basis of the Assessment Examination, as matriculating Students qualifying for Financial Aid/Work-Study Programs. No Citizen of Pima County, wishing to attend PCC, so as to improve their lives through Education, should be denied admission to the College for financial reasons!!
2. What do I have to the institution (enrollment/ employment in the college, etc.)?
I am an Adjunct Instructor in Math/Biology. I will resign my position if elected to the Board of Governors from the 5th District.
3. What are the goals would I work towards if elected (or re-elected)?
I have stated the following to the Registered Voters in the 5th District:
a) Let’s cure the Administrative “BLOAT” at PCC and use the Money for Student Financial Aid, Scholarships, Work-Study Programs, and Classroom/Laboratory/Academic Support Infrastructure improvements. The PCC Community, generally, is riding the Pima County Gravy Train.
There are 52 Administrators making, collectively, almost 6 million dollars; on average over $100 thousand each. I will attempt to initiate an Administrative/Financial restructuring at the College. The two-tiered Full-Faculty Salary Structure ( 9 month and 12 month appointments ) needs to be reviewed as well.
Administrative/Faculty Salary Schedules will be determined by the Board of Governors with input from both the Administration and Faculty. They will NOT be negotiated by Lawyers! Promotion/Retention will be based on merit.
b) Let’s ensure that Students are being Taught properly by Requiring ONE College-Wide Final Examination in each Course.
This College-wide Final Examination will be constructed by the Faculty (for example: all Math Departments within the College for each Course offered that Semester) and administered to Students enrolled in Courses throughout the College; tradition and online courses. This will help to ensure an adherence to course content and an effective learning environment.
c) Let’s Make a Four (4) Year Degree Affordable for Everyone! Let’s begin the Process of Offering Four Year Programs at Pima Community College.
We can look at the academic strengths of the College, and begin the process of offering four year baccalaureate programs in those areas. The College must remain under Community control via a Board of Governors. That may require either a Legislative or Constitutional Initiative.
I do not have a campaign website. I have solicited no money. I have no PAC. I have taken the Direct Democracy approach regarding this Electoral Process; riding around the 5th District on my bicycle introducing myself as a Candidate for the 5th District Seat on the PCC Board of Governors.
I maintain an online publication called: The Online Science Digest http://www.sciencedigest.org