VCCCD Trustee Piechowski issues apology
Following the public comment section filled with criticism towards members of the Ventura County Community College District board at the Dec. 16 meeting, Trustee Joe Piechowski shared a public apology regarding his request for employee emails and his statements in a chat group calling for the termination of a district employee.
A joint statement was created at the November board meeting by the Moorpark College Academic Senate, Oxnard College Academic Senate and Ventura College Academic Senate, accounting for their knowledge of Piechowski’s public records request for copies of at least 12 employees’ emails. The statement revealed that Piechowski “asked the district staff to research employees’ emails to find any emails that contain certain political keywords he alone chose,” including “VCDems,” “CADem” and “CAGOP.”
The joint statement listed the board policy violations that were caused by Piechowski’s actions, specifically that the decisions made by Piechowski are the role of the entire board, not an individual trustee. Administrative Procedure 2715 states that “staff reports or requests for information requiring research will come from the Board and not INDIVIDUAL Trustees,” according to the statement. The statement also stated that Piechowski’s actions were a violation of Board Policy 2434, which states that “the board delegates full responsibility and authority to (the Chancellor) to implement and administer Board policies without board interference…”.
During his apology, Piechowski highlighted the principles that he is bound to follow as a board trustee, such as his inability to instruct or direct the chancellor or staff regarding matters including hiring, evaluation, discipline and termination. “Despite my best efforts to be fair and bipartisan, I understand how my actions could cause concern and fear of retaliation among district employees,” Piechowski said.
In closing of his apology, Piechowski outlined the personal changes and commitments he is planning to make in the future of his trustee leadership. “I will continue participating in governance training to strengthen my understanding of trustee responsibilities. Training, such as those offered by the California Community College League of California, have been invaluable and I look forward to continuing this learning,” Piechowski said.
