Amarillo College

The board participated in a Texas President and Trustees Collaborative virtual workshop focused on aligning board activities to improve student outcomes. Key discussion topics included utilizing data to drive decision-making, integrating student success initiatives into board agendas, and aligning college policies and budget procedures to support large-scale reforms. Breakout sessions allowed for the refinement of meeting agendas and a detailed exploration of institutional priorities, such as re-evaluating budgetary procedures, focusing on career and technical education programs, and strengthening wrap-around services for students.

The board meeting included reports from the Student Government Association, various institutional committees, and the college foundation regarding recent events and achievements. The Board held an election for the position of Vice-Chair and approved appointments for various Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) boards. The President provided updates on student enrollment, retention rates, new CTE programs, and collaborations with local industry partners. Furthermore, the board reviewed financial reports, approved tenure recommendations for faculty, and authorized purchases for educational equipment, including Perkins grant-funded training systems and a mobile CDL simulator. A strategic planning session was conducted to discuss future college goals, and legal matters were addressed in a closed executive session.

The meeting included a public comment session followed by the approval of the annual audit, with a note that the finance committee had previously reviewed both the annual and forensic audits. The board deliberated on potential actions resulting from financial matters and the recent forensic audit but took no formal action in open session. Additionally, the board held a closed session to consult with legal counsel regarding legal matters, after which the meeting was adjourned.

The Board meeting agenda covers a diverse range of operational and strategic topics. Key discussion items include campus updates, the President's report, and the formation of a nominating committee for upcoming board officers. The Board will review financial reports and consider approving several items, including budget amendments, a property tax assessment and collection services contract with Moore County, and a memorandum of understanding with the City of Amarillo and police departments. Policy manual updates, equipment purchases for the Dumas campus welding program and the prison education program, faculty promotion recommendations, and the awarding of a contract for television antenna installation are also on the agenda. Additionally, the Board will deliberate on the college President's compensation and undergo a closed meeting regarding employment duties.

The Board of Regents meeting included reports from the SGA and various committees, along with a President’s report. Presentations were given on the Presidential Scholars' trip to Portugal and Spain and the activities of the Grants Administration and Compliance Department. The Board reviewed a consent agenda containing faculty appointments, budget amendments, and several IT-related software renewals and hardware purchases. Further business included discussions on the potential online publication of the check register, a review of financial statements, and the consideration of awarding bids for food delivery services and a television transmitter. Additionally, the Board reviewed and proposed updates to the Board of Regents Online Policy Manual and conducted a closed meeting to discuss legal and security matters.