Austin Community College District

The board convened for a public session to address the first public hearing regarding the proposed 2017 (FY2018) tax rate for the Austin Community College District. During the session, the proposed tax rate of $0.1008 was presented by the Executive Vice President of Finance and Administration. No members of the public registered to provide commentary on the agenda item, and the meeting concluded shortly thereafter.

The Board of Trustees conducted a meeting that included recognitions of student scholarship recipients and Leadership Academy members. A presentation was provided regarding the African American Youth Harvest Foundation. The Chancellor reported on various college initiatives, including the General Assembly, the Quality Enhancement Plan, rankings of the nursing program, new 3Cs culture training resources, and preparations for the new ERP system. The Board authorized the execution of resale deeds, approved contracts for Building Envelope Engineering Services, and awarded a contract for the Highland Campus renovation projects. Additionally, the Board conducted an evaluation of the Chancellor and approved a one-year contract extension.

The Board of Trustees held a retreat spanning two days, covering several key agenda items. Discussions included an update on academic redesign initiatives such as the ACC Futures Institute, academic transfer programs, and student support services. The Board reviewed legislative outcomes from the 84th legislative session, including priorities for 2017, and explored professional development plans for trustees, including training requirements and sponsorship processes. Further discussion topics included future workshop planning, trustee roles and responsibilities training, and an executive session dedicated to the formal evaluation of the College President and goal setting for 2016.

The board discussed engaging the Central Texas community through advisory bodies and campus committees, including the role of community dialogue and feedback mechanisms. Additionally, there was a review of the TASB policy conversion process, focusing on the distinction between legal and local policies, the timeline for future adoption and amendment, and the overall strategy for ongoing policy maintenance.

The Board of Trustees held a meeting to discuss various agenda items, including an update on district-wide real estate issues in Executive Session. Citizen communication included reports from various college associations, such as the Adjunct Faculty Association, Classified Employees Association, Full-Time Faculty Association, and Student Government Association, covering topics like public service loan forgiveness, campus initiatives, and upcoming events. The Board also reviewed financial reports, received a briefing on nonprofit studies, and heard reports from board officers. Key actions included approving the restatement of the Money Purchase Plan for adjunct and part-time employees, selecting contractors for construction projects at Elgin and Hays campuses, approving board policies, and authorizing bond refunding resolutions. An item regarding construction of faculty offices at the Highland Campus was tabled.