Butte College

The Board addressed multiple key agenda items, including reports from the Academic and Classified Senates, Student Trustee, and college leadership regarding enrollment, financial planning, and operational updates. Key actions included the adoption of resolutions granting easements to Pacific Gas & Electric Company and California Water Company. The Board also took formal action on financial matters, specifically setting the nonresident tuition fee and student transportation fees for the upcoming academic year, as well as approving increases to student health services fees. Additionally, the Board authorized the reduction of classified employee services, approved the ACCJC Accreditation Midterm Report, and adopted new board policies. A closed session was held, resulting in the release of the vice president for student services.

The meeting agenda included several key areas for discussion and action. Financial matters involved the approval of the Quarterly Financial Status Report for the second quarter ending December 31, 2025, establishment of the nonresident tuition fee for 2026-2027, and increases to student transportation and health services fees for 2026-2027. The Board considered numerous consent items, including the ratification of contracts executed in February 2026, approval of new courses (ITEC 65, NSG 300, 301, 306, PAR 305, 306), approval of out-of-state student travel to Ashland, OR, and approvals for the use of alcohol at foundation and athletic fundraising events. In Human Resources, the Board ratified CSEA reclassifications and approved several personnel actions, including new employee employment and various assignments. The Board also held public hearings and adopted resolutions authorizing easements to Pacific Gas & Electric Company and California Water Company. During Closed Session, the Board voted to release the vice president for student services from their contract without cause.

Key discussions included a report on community college baccalaureate (CCB) degrees, noting voter support and Governor Newsom's previous vetoes. The Institutional Effectiveness Steering Committee (IESC) reported on potential revisions to the meeting calendar and approved several Administrative Procedures (APs) for consideration, including AP 7280 (Working Remotely), AP 3420 (Equal Employment Opportunity), and AP 3550 (Drug-Free Environment and Drug Prevention Program). The President's Council on Innovation (PCI) revised its bylaws and discussed Open Claw, an open source AI orchestrator. Unfinished business involved continuing examination of strategic plan action items and revisions to committee documentation. College Council approved boilerplate language for committee membership to be included in charters and discussed revisions to the Tech Planning Committee Charter. The Council voted to focus the Wellness Committee specifically on students and forwarded recommendations to that committee. Finally, the Council agreed to consider proposed revisions to the six strategic initiatives and four foundations from the President's Leadership Team before seeking wider college input.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and a moment of silence in honor of distinguished alum Representative Doug LaMalfa. Key discussions included a presentation from the Butte College Foundation, which reported on endowment growth and fundraising activities, including the Spring Gala. An overview of student success metrics was presented, highlighting strong graduation and CTE award rates compared to system averages, despite a recent decrease in the transfer rate. Updates were provided on the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, noting growth in FTES and rebuilding noncredit programming. The Strategic Plan for 2024-2027 was reviewed, with the next planning cycle set to conclude in Fall 2027. The budget update covered the state budget outlook, system funding increases, and the projected $5.5 million replacement cost for solar panels over five years; the Board also recommended adopting an increased student health fee. Further discussion involved proposed revisions to the Board Ethics/Responsibilities Policy (BP 2715) and the timeline for the Superintendent/President's evaluation.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included reports from faculty on sabbatical leaves: one detailing a visit to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and the subsequent development of related academic offerings, and another focusing on support structures and challenges for student-parents. The board approved a series of consent agenda items (4.1-4.14). Reports from the Academic Senate, Classified Senate, and Student Senate presidents were presented. The Superintendent/President reported on various institutional events, including the North State Economic Forecast Conference and legislative meetings, where a Rural Caucus was voted on to advocate for rural community colleges. Board members commented on the positive culture demonstrated during a recent retreat and discussions regarding student support. Under contracts, the board approved several items, including the general contracts report, a lease agreement for digital copier machines from Canon U.S.A., Inc., a purchase agreement for solar equipment from Trane U.S. Inc., and the adoption of resolutions to dedicate public utility easements to California Water Service Company and Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In finance, the 2024-2025 Independent Audit Report and Measure J reports were accepted. Discussions regarding the ACCJC Accreditation Midterm Report and proposed revisions to board policies were noted, with both items scheduled for approval at the subsequent February meeting. No reportable action was taken during the closed session.