Centralia College

The meeting began with a study session presentation on the modernization of Centralia College's procurement function, detailing the shift from decentralized, manual processes to integrated digital workflows, which has resulted in increased efficiency and better financial oversight, including a 27% reduction in purchase orders following the expansion of the procurement card program. Discussions also covered a consolidation and modernization effort for campus printers. During the regular meeting, the board received updates on policy governance, including the development of initial Artificial Intelligence (AI)-related policies and the five-year review of board policies. Trustee reports included campus activities, participation in the ACT Fall Conference focusing on funding allocation models, and discussions regarding financial communication strategies between trustees and presidents. The President's Report noted the passing of a state board member and provided updates on legislative advocacy efforts, including discussions with a Senator's office regarding TRIO programs and funding concerns. Updates were also given on accreditation efforts, specifically the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities' planned standard revisions. The board also reviewed foundation fundraising goals for upcoming capital projects and heard reports from student services, instruction (including a 'Stuff the Bus' drive), faculty, and classified representatives.

The board meeting included a study session focusing on Procurement Services Streamlining and Efficiencies, specifically covering the P Card program and centralized printing. The regular agenda featured an Open Forum for public comment. The Consent Agenda included updates to Board Policy and Administrative Policy, as well as a second reading for several policies, including External Funding, Mailroom, Outside Employment, Petty Cash, Absence of Instructor, Accommodations for Students with Disabilities, Waitlist, Student Clubs & Organizations, Acceptable Use of AI, Remote Access for End Users, and Social Media. Discussion and Action Items covered New Business regarding ACT Awards and Old Business concerning Strategic Planning and Accreditation. The agenda concluded with provisions for an Executive Session and announcements for the next board meeting.

The agenda for the meeting included a study session dedicated to an update on the Computer Replacement Plan. The regular session covered introductions and presentations, notably featuring the Winter and Spring Sports Teams. Procedural items included Open Forum guidelines. The Consent Agenda involved the reading of previous minutes and policy governance, specifically updates to Administrative Policies and second readings for policies concerning Students' Guests in Class, Adding Classes, Admission, and Vaccinations. Other reports included updates from Trustees, the President, the SAALT President, Faculty, Classified Staff, Instruction, Human Resources, Student Services, and Finance & Administrative Services. Discussion and Action Items focused on New Business and Old Business, specifically updates on Strategic Planning and Accreditation.

The meeting commenced with a study session focused on Marketing and Communications, detailing team structure, priority audiences, brand identity emphasizing approachability, and budget allocation, noting the preview mailer consumes 61.5 percent of the budget. Discussions on digital performance compared Claris campaign results (8 percent re-engagement rate verified) favorably against the printed schedule. Board members received introductions to the fall play cast and representatives from the men's and women's soccer and women's volleyball teams. Under the consent agenda, the Regular Minutes of October 9, 2025, were approved. Policy governance included the approval of Policy 2.540 Key Authorization and the formation of an AI Work Group to address AI-related policies and student preparation. Trustee reports covered participation in the Main Street improvement town hall, the ACT Legislative Committee meeting, the Center of Excellence for Clean Energy meeting, and takeaways from the ACCT national conference, highlighting strong collaboration at Centralia College. The President's Report also addressed AI, the Scholar's Haven presentation at ACCT, expected budget reductions, and plans to revitalize the Transitional Services Building kitchen. Student Services highlighted culturally centered events, the Hunger Banquet, and the athletics budget allocation. Administrative Services reported the college is trending $1.6 million under budget and detailed the upcoming Intermediate Funding Pipeline for capital projects. The Foundation reported a strong financial year for the gala and being on track for an early audit sign-off. New Business announced the college was recognized as the "Best Place to Work in Lewis County." Old Business involved a comprehensive update on strategic planning initiatives focused on improving graduation rates, transitioning to annual course scheduling, implementing guided pathways, and extensive faculty training on accessibility and online instruction. Process improvements were also detailed, including quarterly honors awarding and implementing Parchment for transcript requests. The meeting included an executive session to consult with legal counsel and review employee performance.

The Board of Trustees meeting included a study session on trustee advocacy and relations, focusing on community connection, increasing visibility and leadership within WA-ACT, and succession planning. The board discussed policy updates, trustee reports, and the president's report, which covered topics such as federal funding, state allocation model revisions, and the transition to a new student success software platform. The meeting also included reports from SAALT, faculty, classified staff, and instruction, covering student activities, budget and technology transitions, and program updates. Human Resources and Equity provided updates on legislative changes affecting HR operations, while Student Services reported on Blazer Central initiatives and athletics. Administrative Services gave a financial update and facilities update. The Foundation discussed fundraising events and marketing initiatives. The board also reviewed the president's contract and discussed strategic planning and accreditation.