Coastal Bend College

The meeting commenced with an invocation and public comments section. Key discussions in the President's Update included a Meet and Greet in Alice concerning the Open Education Resource (OER) framework and the Promise Program, a Community Thanksgiving Drive distributing 130 turkeys, and the presentation of the Cougar to Jaguar Rural Scholars Initiative to South Texas College (STC), leading to a tuition-free bachelor's degree pathway for 15 CBC students starting Fall 2026. Recognition was given for achievements including Chamber Ambassador of the Year and Educational Supporter of the Year awards, and the public launch of the Promise Program at the 60th Anniversary Gala, securing over $5,000 in pledges. A Mission Moment highlighted the in-house repair and refurbishment of the CBC parade float. A significant item involved the recognition and presentation of a plaque to Jeff Massengill for his six years of service, including his tenure as Board Chair during the Presidential Transition, followed by his departure from the meeting. Business matters included the approval of the Fourth Quarter Investment Report, certifying Board Training Compliance, approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Financial Statement Audit with an unmodified opinion, and the awarding of a contract for Emergency Potable Water Response and Infrastructure Support due to local water conservation emergencies. The Board also approved amendments to the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar to add a professional development day and approved the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. Contracts were awarded for HVAC Upgrades and Re-Roofing for the Jaure & Latcham Buildings, the purchase of two CNC Plasma Cutting Machines funded by the Perkins Grant, and the purchase of Dental Hygiene Chairs using foundation donation funds. Policy updates to align with the recent TASB Update 50, including a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, were approved. The Board also approved the Monthly Financial Reports for November 2025 and subsequently approved personnel actions related to contracts and the appointment of Anna Marie Silvas to the Board of Trustees, Place 2, following an executive session.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the Oath of Office for Trustee Place 2, officially swearing in the new member. The College President provided an update highlighting the successful Fall 2025 Commencement, the focus of the recent professional development week on assessment and planning, and CBC's presentation on Artificial Intelligence to Santa Gertrudis ISD. Preliminary enrollment numbers showed a 1% increase, largely in traditional students, and the introduction of the new Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management was noted. A significant update involved a new partnership with Goodwill Industries to align college credentials with Goodwill's training programs serving underserved populations. The Mission Moment focused on rapid success in reducing the de-registration list through targeted outreach. Key business items included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which contained the yearly renewal of the MOU with Workforce Solutions Coastal Bend, and approval of the 2025 State Mandated Racial Profiling Report. New business involved ordering the Trustee Regular Election for May 2, 2026, and approving a 1-year contract extension for Bank Depository Services. A major discussion point was the Athletics and Community Engagement Redesign, which recommended sunsetting Women's Volleyball, Men's Basketball, and Women's Basketball to fund the starting of Women's Soccer, Mariachi as a competitive program, and a community recreation league, resulting in projected savings of $250,000. The Board also approved the Monthly Financial Reports for December 2025. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session covering campus security, consultation with legal counsel, and personnel matters, followed by the final approval of the Athletics and Community Engagement Redesign upon reconvening.

The agenda for the regular meeting included standard items such as invocation, member and visitor roll call, and public comments on both agenda and non-agenda items. Key discussion points included an update from the College President and a Mission Moment. The consent agenda covered approvals for the December 16, 2025, and January 20, 2026, meeting minutes. Reports addressed the Annual Report on Tax Abatement, a potential 2026 Tax Maintenance Note for deferred maintenance projects, and a report on the Revised Faculty Contract Template for Fiscal Year 2026--2027. New business involved actions on the purchase of tax sale property, procurement of video conferencing and telephone services, disposal of cellular phones, approval of proposed policy updates, and review/disposal of dorm furniture. Financial reports for January 2026 were scheduled for approval. Informational reports covered employment contracts and board committee reports. The session concluded with a planned Executive Session to discuss campus safety, private consultation with the Board's attorney, and matters related to personnel, including presidential responsibilities and deliberation on employment matters.

The meeting commenced after the invocation. Initial segments included public comments and board member announcements. One board member announced plans to bring a four-day photo workshop to Costin College in July, involving collaboration with Dr. Zach and the team at CBC, with preliminary interest from 19 students. Other board members provided positive feedback regarding a presentation honoring Black History Month. The presidential report highlighted extensive community engagement, including attendance at the Goodwill Seeds of Change Gala, where insights on employee recognition involving families were noted for future implementation at CBC. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed with Goodwill Industries of South Texas for workplace training conversion to continuing education credits at Coastal Bend College (CBC). The report also covered attendance at a media engagement event, a presentation to the Rosetta Club sharing the state of the college and initiatives like the Promise Program and the Career to Jaguars Rural Scholars Initiative, and feedback indicating community support for the 4.5-day work week. Additionally, a Professional Development Day was held focusing on assessment, academic affairs updates (including open education resources and faculty contracts), and proper procurement processes. The president also reported on a meeting with the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board commissioner regarding needs for rural community colleges, advocating for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree at Coastal College. Visibility efforts, such as new billboards, were noted. Finally, the college received recognition from Education Insider magazine as a top community college for 2026, attributing this success to the board's decisive actions and the staff's day-to-day work. The meeting's mission moment recognized Nora Morales for her exceptional dedication and hard work, particularly regarding the de-registration list. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the December 16, 2025, and January 20, 2026, board meetings.

This document commemorates Coastal Bend College's 60th anniversary by reflecting on its enduring mission and future aspirations. It highlights the college's commitment to making higher education accessible, fostering student success, and expanding its regional impact across South Texas. Key elements include empowering individuals, building careers, shaping leaders, and developing professionals in critical fields such as healthcare. The college's vision is centered on creating bold circumstances where every student belongs, every partnership thrives, and every future is built brighter together, with ongoing efforts to expand opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and prepare future generations for leadership.