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Board declines to approve MOU with American InterContinental University after member concerns about institution's record
Summary
The board pulled a proposed MOU with American InterContinental University from the consent agenda for discussion; following concerns from board members about the institution's corporate history, the motion to approve failed.
Board members discussed and ultimately declined to approve a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would have put the district on a preferred list for certain degree programs offered by American InterContinental University (AIU).
A board member asked that the MOU be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. The member who moved to remove the item cited concerns about AIU's corporate history and student outcomes, and another board member raised related reservations. One board member stated: "I don't feel like this particular university nor its parent company have the same values that we have," and cited a referenced 2019 settlement involving the institution's parent company, as described in the discussion.
District staff explained the MOU would have given staff an option to sponsor employees seeking graduate degrees at a reduced district cost: the district would pay about $5,000 per sponsored employee while the university's impact grant would cover the remaining $15,000 of a roughly $20,000 program. Staff said no employees were currently enrolled and no district funds were committed unless the district chose to sponsor a specific employee.
After discussion, a board member moved to approve the MOU so the board could vote; another member seconded. The motion did not carry after several members voted no. The item remained removed from the consent agenda and no sponsorships were authorized.
