The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees recognized its community partners in equity and inclusion initiatives, adopted the 2018-19 tax rate, and examined future childcare plans at its regular meeting Monday, September 10, at the Highland Business Center.
Equity & Inclusion Partners
ACC presented certificates of appreciation to members of the college’s Equity and Inclusion Committee. The committee, formed in fall 2018, represent a cross-section of the college as well as the Central Texas community. Members recommend policies, practices, and tools to build capacity for equitable outcomes in enrollment, inclusion, retention, and completion at the college. The following individuals served on the committee:
- Raul Alvarez
- Teresa Ashley
- Terry Barksdale
- Marina Bhargava
- Laura Brady
- Brayden Brechler
- Chris Cervini
- Steve Christopher
- Sheila Craig
- Ellen de Castro
- Loretta Edelen
- Dr. Heather Elias
- Haydeana Gaviria
- Dr. Mark Gooden
- Dr. Mary Harris
- Skye Howell
- Dr. Rennison Lalgee
- Elaine Lofton
- Christopher Kennedy
- Dr. Guillermo ‘Willie’ Martinez
- Victor Obaseki, JD
- Dr. Giao Phan
- Frank Reid
- Jeremy Solomons
- Angela Ward
- Juan Zuniga
“Achieving equity at ACC is fundamental to our mission,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes, ACC president/CEO. “I’m proud of the work from this committee. It takes courageous hearts and minds to transform lives. We know that we only succeed as college when all students succeed.”
2018-19 Childcare Plans
Trustees approved the college’s 2018-18 action plan to expand childcare services at ACC to better support students. The following are included in the action plan:
- Partner with YMCA of Austin on a pilot Drop-in Childcare Program at ACC Highland Campus to be in operation by January 2019.
- Continue conversation with Greater Williamson County YMCA about potential San Gabriel Campus childcare services in Leander.
- Continue working with YMCA of Austin on a state-of-the-art preschool for the Highland area.
- Budget an additional $200,000 in institutional funds to expand childcare assistance programs.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” says James Finck, YMCA of Austin president/CEO. “The YMCA of Austin and ACC share in a mission to better serve our community. I look forward to growing our partnership and developing more in-depth programs in the future.”
The pilot program will serve ACC students. Students pay a flat $8 fee for up to two-hours of childcare service for children ages 2-12. The facility is expected to serve approximately 35 children at a time.
“This is monumental,” says Dr. Barbara Mink, ACC Board of Trustees chair. “Our students need help and we’re rising to the occasion.”
The college continues to explore additional short-term and long-term childcare options for students, faculty, and staff.
Adopt 2018-19 Tax Rate
Trustees adopted a $.1048 (10.48 cents) property tax rate for fiscal year 2018-19. The .0028 cent increase over last year is due largely to the issuance of the final voter-approved tax bonds. The tax rate will effectively be raised by 7.5 percent and will raise taxes for maintenance and operations on a $100,000 home by approximately $7.50. Despite the increase, ACC’s tax rate remains among the lowest of community colleges statewide. The maintenance and operations portion of the tax rate remains unchanged at $.09, a rate that hasn’t increased since 2006. Trustees previously approved an increase to the college’s tax exemption for seniors and homeowners with disabilities by $10,000, from $150,000 to $160,000, among the largest exemption among taxing entities in Central Texas. A standard $5,000 homestead exemption also is available. In-district tuition and fees remain unchanged while out-of-district tuition and fees dropped slightly. At $67 per credit, ACC tuition is the most affordable among area colleges and universities.
A full review of the meeting is available on the Board of Trustees website.
Tags: Board, Board of Trustees, childcare, equity and inclusion, tax rate, YMCA, YMCA of Austin
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