We recently sat down with Trustees Adrienne Grey (District 6) and Mary-Lynne Bernald (District 5) from the West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees to discuss their story, AB 3158, and the many projects that motivate them.
Trustee Bernald has been a resident of Saratoga for 46 years and was involved in city politics prior to joining the WVM Board of Trustees. She was elected to the Saratoga City Council in 2014 and was mayor for a one-year term in 2018. As a council member and mayor, she collaborated with West Valley College. Her district engulfs most of Saratoga, Monte Sereno, and the western portions of Campbell and Los Gatos. When asked what motivated her to apply for the position of Trustee, she answered, “The students.” Specifically, “the programs we offer that support the students and the fact that they are so broad and tailored to success for the students.”
Trustee Grey has held the District 6 seat since 2008 and is now running her third campaign (she faced no contenders in 2016 and 2020). She co-chairs the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, which operates across the state. She serves District 6, which includes parts of West San Jose, a majority of Campbell, and Cambrian areas. She said, “I love the work that happens here… students’ lives have been changed” with many students coming to community college “[finding] not only are they college material but they can succeed,” with the help of school services and support.
When asked about their proudest achievements from their current term, both tell us AB 3158, the landmark bill — now law — that allows the West Valley-Mission Community College District to waive tuition fees for all students residing within the service area (for more information about AB 3158, please visit Amrita's article). Trustee Bernald explains, “All of that wraps around into one of the major things that trustees are supposed to be doing, which is overseeing the financial aspects of the college.”
They both mentioned the Senior Guided Pathways (SASCC), which offers classes and support for students aged fifty-plus. Trustee Bernald emphasizes the program is critical for “social interaction, expansion of education, expansion of career groups and opportunities.” West Valley is the first community college in the nation to offer such a program. Nine hundred seventy-eight students enrolled, with sixty percent taking courses for credit.
Both appreciate the basic needs services West Valley currently offers, such as the Roots pantry, free health services, and childcare for parenting students. They hope to expand these services as part of their future objectives. Trustee Bernald stated, “I would like to see [guided] pathways grow.” Trustee Grey shared her thoughts about expanding other services: “I still want to find ways to provide housing.” She explained that food programs like the cafeteria restoration (for more information, visit Matthew Fehr’s article) are another ongoing discussion that would “provide a more healthful and wide variety of food options at both campuses and fund them.” As Trustee Bernald concluded, “a lot of exciting stuff to look forward to.”
Lastly, the trustees were asked about their favorite aspect of their role. Trustee Bernald explained that when she spoke with past trustees, they said, “Working at a community college district was the best thing they had done.” Trustee Grey added, “I find this work so inspiring,” which helps the community and “contributes to the statewide need of an educated population.”
(This article originally appeared in Issue 1 of The Helm)