In support of John Pimentel

As many articles in the SMDJ have indicated (e.g., "Too much drama at the college district," Sue Lempert, Sept 21, 2020) and investigative reporting in the PADP (e.g., "An arrangement to conceal — separation agreement prevents officials from explaining Galatolo’s removal," Emily Mibach, Sept 24, 2019) you can't judge a book by its cover.

Mark Simon, of the Journal, is enamored with the San Mateo County Community College District because he likes the nice buildings, the fact that it serves minorities (of which only 3% are Black), and he is an avid swimmer at SMAC.

It is important to remember that SMCCCD is primarily an educational institution. How well is it serving students? Research indicates that only 18% of an incoming class graduates in three years for a two-year degree; four-out-or-five students don't graduate on time. Thus, about 250 complete on time and 1150 are left behind to drop out, stop out or drag along. Is this acceptable to the community of San Mateo County which foots the bill for SMCCCD via property taxes?

The Board has had incumbents in place for years, some as long as a quarter century, which got the District to this place. The seat for which Mr. Pimentel is running replaces the Board President, who from my observations was one of the strongest supporters of former Chancellor Galatolo. In my mind, the fact that she is supporting Mr. Pimentel's challenger might be enough to influence a vote.

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Michael B. Reiner, PhD, is a higher education consultant and educational researcher. Previously, he was a professor of psychology and college administrator at City University of New York (CUNY), Miami Dade College, the Riverside Community College District, and the San Mateo County Community College District. mreiner32205@gmail.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-b-reiner-phd-14057551/