Blinn College

The document provides a transcript of technical sound check procedures conducted by staff to prepare equipment, including microphone and projector resolution testing, for an upcoming board meeting.

The board meeting included a report on the Waller campus groundbreaking and construction progress, along with updates on the Brennham campus central plant upgrades and the Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex. Additionally, the Board recognized three employees for their years of service and retirement: Richard Lammensky from plant operations, Curtis Smith from the housing department, and Brad Nice from the theater arts program.

The Board meeting included a presentation on the district's financial position, covering cash balances, revenue trends, and operational expenses. Graduation statistics for the previous term were presented, along with a preliminary enrollment report for the Winter Minimester and the Spring semester. Significant discussion was held regarding the issuance of the Combined Fee Revenue Bonds, Series 2026, including the results of the competitive bidding process, financing timeline, and bond rating. Additionally, the Board received a proposal for the implementation of new Artificial Intelligence degrees within the Division of Math, Business, Engineering, and Technology.

The meeting commenced with the board calling the meeting to order and an announcement regarding the authority to meet in executive session for specific legal, real property, personnel, security, and economic development matters. Following the invocation and pledges led by students, the agenda proceeded to reports. The Chancellor's report recognized two health and kinesiology majors interning with a Trustee and mentioned upcoming partnership discussions with Texas A&M Prairie View. A facilities update detailed progress on the Brenham campus central plant upgrades (on schedule for September completion) and the Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex (scheduled for May completion with a June grand opening ceremony). Permitting is underway for the Waller campus academic building, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for March 6th. The financial statement package for the period ending January 31, 2026, indicated healthy cash reserves, revenues expected to exceed budget, and expenses under budget, leading to a positive addition to the fund balance. The Fall 2025 graduation report highlighted a record number of attendees for the December graduation (149 students) and noted that two ceremonies will be held in May due to the high number of graduates (301 in May, continuing a trend). The report also clarified processes for regular, reverse transfer, and 'lost' graduates, confirming degrees are conferred even if students do not formally apply. Finally, the institutional enrollment report for Winter Mini/Spring 2026 was presented, noting a decrease in Winter Mini enrollment attributed to calendar misalignment with Texas A&M, though overall grades were impressive (3.36 average GPA for dual credit students). The discussion concluded with an overview of various parts of term for the Spring semester and ongoing communication efforts with students regarding course schedules.

The primary activity documented in this segment of the meeting involves the conclusion of the proceedings. The discussions returned to regular session shortly before the meeting was formally adjourned.