Allen County Community College

The meeting agenda was approved. An education session was presented by the KCCA Executive Director concerning 2026 Board Goals, which include developing plans for deferred maintenance and long-term student housing, active participation in ongoing trainings, and supporting expansion in the Northern service area and additional programs. No discussion was needed for the EDA Grant follow-up.

The meeting included the swearing-in and administration of the Oath of Office to three new board members. Key actions involved the re-election of current board members for 2026 and appointments to various representative roles, including the Board Clerk. The board appointed the law firm Johnson Vaughn Law as the board attorney and designated the Iola Register as the official board newspaper. New employee introductions included instructors for Psychology, Agriculture, Allied Health, and the Health Professions Coordinator, along with a new Market Coordinator. Under administrative reports, the board received information on a recent student life event, procedures for handling J1 questions during a dark period, the core team involved in the Course Dog setup, and the receipt of the 2025 Best in Class Employer award by Gallagher. Board reports covered KACC events, Iola Industries updates, and a suggestion for the Finance Committee to schedule further explanation meetings. In new business, the board approved a presentation and authorization for a preliminary engineering report (not exceeding $20,000) for an EDA Grant to develop a new course building for CDL Training and Diesel Technology, and approved the college's required 20% match. The trustees supported moving forward with the Higher Learning Commission conference attendance and establishing a downtown office presence in Iola. The board agreed to utilize deferred funds for a new 400-room student housing facility instead of expanding existing halls, and noted that tuition/fee assessments would be presented in February. Old business included a review of the Employee Perception Survey results and the President's Evaluation questionnaire status. The session concluded with executive discussions regarding personnel matters, which resulted in the approval of one new hire and one retirement.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, including an added executive session. Key discussions included the introduction of a new Plant Operations Administrative Assistant, comments from Thrive regarding appreciation for college staff participation in an event, and a presentation on community conversation results highlighting transportation issues, lack of food service after late practices, and suggestions for community engagement. The 2024-2025 auditor report, which showed no weaknesses or significant deficiencies, was approved. Updates were provided on the Allen 2030 Task Force, focusing on facility upgrades, internet access, and student housing, and research findings regarding Generation Alpha student life trends were shared. The consent agenda, including November 2025 financials and pay bills, was approved. Administrative reports covered the CourseDog projection tool, the status of the 2025-2026 catalog awaiting State Approving Agency approval, and updates regarding international student restrictions. Board reports included updates on KACC meetings, the cancellation of the Iola Industries meeting, and the Finance Committee report. Following a short break, New Business included the approval of the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 academic calendars despite concerns over holiday policy alignment, scheduling a work session with the KCCA Executive Director, and plans for distributing the President's evaluation questionnaire. Approval was granted for a new short-term CDL program and a new Music Instructor position for the 2026-27 budget. Under Old Business, several Human Resources policies were approved, effective January 1, 2026, though the Conflict of Interest policy was tabled. The board approved proceeding with Architect One/Simpson Construction for the two-pipe system expediting process, not exceeding $500,000 from cash reserves for preconstruction. Multiple executive sessions were held to discuss employer-employee negotiations, personnel matters, and financial trade secrets. Open session actions included the approval of the Remote Work Policy for Faculty and Staff, the Low Enrollment Policy, approval of new hires starting January 8, 2026, approval of specific resignations, and the transfer of a Head Tack Coach to Director of Advancement.

The meeting included presentations on the accreditation cycle, workforce development, financial aid updates, and employee perception survey results. Discussions covered the employee ambassador program, housing for international students, KACC, Iola Industries, ACC Endowment, and Board Finance Committee reports. The board approved the president's evaluation tool, discussed board orientation, and reviewed policies related to human resources. Proposals were presented and approved for the softball field, cooling towers, gymnasium upgrades, and roof repair. The board also discussed a pipe failure and flooding issue. The board entered into multiple executive sessions to discuss legal consultation, personnel matters, and financial affairs. They approved the hiring of several new employees.

The meeting included presentations from the Student Government, which discussed their goals, planned events, and potential changes to the graduation date and time based on a graduation survey. An academic year report compared enrollment numbers and census data. The board discussed a partnership with SEK for a mental health scholarship, the upcoming HLC visit, and the KACRAO conference. The board also reviewed and accepted the Institutional Learning Outcomes. Enrollment numbers for the past two years were presented, showing a slight decrease, and housing capacity issues were discussed. A remote work policy for faculty was addressed, and faculty qualifications were reviewed. Updates were provided on deferred maintenance, and new residence hall options were discussed. The board entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters and then moved to hire a Maintenance Tech II and a Campus Security Officer, as well as accept the resignation of an Ag Instructor/Livestock Judging Coach.