Despite notice, Yuba College nursing director still on job

The director of Yuba College's nursing program has not been released from her administrative position, according to Douglas B. Houston, chancellor of the Yuba Community College District.

Houston said that a story in Saturday's Appeal-Democrat incorrectly reported that Sheila Scroggins had been let go as director of the nursing program.

He noted that under California's education code, governing boards are required to give notice before March 15 if they are considering releasing or not re-electing faculty or administrative staff. That doesn't necessarily mean that a decision to release will be made.

"It's just that if we haven't given notice by March 15, we're prohibited from releasing anyone," Houston said. "There are many instances where staff members receive this notice and nothing comes of it."

Scroggins has been notified of possible release, he said, but official action, if it were to happen, would be taken later in the year. Until then, she continues as director of nursing.

The board of trustees met behind closed doors in a special meeting Thursday, rather than waiting until their regular meeting this week because the code requires that notice is received by certified mail before the 15th. There would not have been time if they had waited.

Houston said he could not comment on the record about personnel issues, so could not publicly discuss any issues the board might have with Scroggins' work.

In the Saturday Appeal-Democrat story, trustee David Wheeler said the board's action was not a termination of Scroggins and that she might return as a faculty member.

"There are some issues with her administration of the program," Wheeler was quoted as saying in that story. He also made it clear that the program is not in any trouble.

Houston reiterated that official action wouldn't be taken for some time, yet. "I have no reason to believe that director Scroggins won't be able to address the issues in the nursing department."