'I have stayed the course'

Dan Parises talks about the end of his 33-year career with Delta

When San Joaquin Delta College Trustee Dan Parises announced at a board meeting last week that he would end his 33-year career as a trustee by not seeking re-election, his announcement was met with several "thank yous" for his time. One even came from Joe Gonzales, a Delta teacher and president of the teachers' union, who at the same meeting read a vote of no confidence in the board.

Parises is the first to recognize that his time on the board has come with some difficulties. However, he said, he's also proud of the many accomplishments that San Joaquin Delta College has celebrated over the past third of a century.

Dan Parises

During his time on the board, Parises estimates that the college educated more than 40,000 graduates, and he hopes that students will continue pursue their dreams at the school.

Though he will not seek re-election, Parises said he will serve the remainder of his term, during which he hopes to help the board work together and arrive at a consensus about its future.

Parises corresponded with staff writer Amanda Dyer about Delta's highlights, lowlights and what's yet to come.

Q: How do you feel you've left your personal mark on the college?

A: My personal mark on the college comes from my years of experience. I have been a strong presence there for many years. My 33-year tenure has allowed me to acquire a great deal of knowledge and history of the college, and has allowed me to bring balance and stability to the decision-making process.

Q: This past couple of years must have been tough for you. How has it affected you?

A: I have stayed the course. I never once changed my vote.

Throughout my tenure, I have had the pleasure of working with many fine colleagues and peers. There were times we agreed to disagree, but always respectfully, and in the end, the majority vote determined a united direction.

The last few years, the dysfunctional dynamics on the board have created a divide and conquer situation, at the expense of achieving the goals of the college. There has been a general decline in the ethics, respect and conduct of some of the board members. This has affected our ability as a board to make progress.

Q: What about the future of the board? How can it heal?

A: There are obviously numerous dynamics, personalities and politics in play that contributed to the current state of affairs, including the press.

There are fundamental rules of order and respect that need to be honored. Sometimes you agree to disagree, but once the majority votes, you move forward as a team. The board will have to learn to work together again and put personal agendas aside.

Q: What advice would you have for the next trustee who fills your position?

A: Learn about the history of the college, listen to the voice of your constituents, keep an open mind and remember that a trustee's responsibility is to protect the taxpayers and ensure a quality education for our students.

Q: What about the San Joaquin County Grand Jury report? It seemed to be very critical. What are your thoughts on how the board was judged?

A: At this time, I cannot comment. The board of trustees is currently in the process of preparing a response to the grand jury's findings.

Q: What do you make of what happened at the Victor Road site?

A: I believe we need a site in Lodi.

We have to remember that property is more affordable today than it will be in the future, so planning ahead is critical to meeting the educational needs of our growing populations. The majority of the people in the district see the value of having a satellite campus in Lodi, and I support that. It is the responsibility of the board to have the foresight and the fortitude to plan for the future.

Q: What about your land deal with San Joaquin Valley Land Co? Do you think not telling the board was a simple mistake? Do you think it was blown out of proportion? (In January of 2006, Parises sold property to a developer that worked as a broker on the Lodi Victor Road site.)

A: Both the counsel for the board of trustees and the board itself were told. It was not a secret, and there was absolutely no conflict of interest.

Q: What ever happened to the Galt site? Do you feel Delta needs two north county campuses?

A: The intent was to purchase a site in the northern part of the district, actually in San Joaquin County, next to the city of Galt.

The district northern boundary is Highway 104 in Sacramento County, which is currently under residential development. This site is earmarked for future, looking out 20-plus years, in anticipation of continued growth in that area.

Q: Out of your 33 years on the board, what are you proudest of?

A: I always voted for a balanced budget and to keep our reserves at 5 percent or more. I have fulfilled my role to protect the taxpayers and ensure a quality education for our students.

Q: What will you do with your new-found free time?

A: I will be working hard on behalf of the voters until the end of my term, when my replacement takes the oath.

I look forward to spending more time with my wife, children, grandchildren and friends. We've already embarked on a family winemaking project and my wife and I look forward to some travel. Our focus is on family, good health and taking some time to smell the roses.