Cochise County Community College District

The board meeting agenda includes standing reports from the Arizona Association of Community College Trustees, the Senate, the Student Government Association, and the College President. New business items involve staff appointments, transfers, and resignations, as well as curriculum and course fee changes. Additionally, the board will review adjustments to the previous fiscal year budget, approve personnel listings for the upcoming fiscal year, and discuss a building naming request. The session also covers the announcement of NISOD awards, a human resources annual report, a preliminary budget update, and a review of various board policies.

The Governing Board discussed standing reports including updates from the Arizona Association of Community College Trustees, the Senate, the Student Government Association, and the College President. The President provided a legislative update and detailed facility renovations and college initiatives. The Board reviewed and approved consent agenda items, including personnel changes and course fee updates. Board policies regarding the Family and Medical Leave Act and performance evaluations were approved. Additionally, the Board reviewed an annual investment report and administrative services information, and moved into executive session to conduct the President's annual evaluation, subsequently approving a contract extension for the President.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, noting the removal of one item to the March meeting and an update to another. The Governing Board recognized the Women's Soccer Team for their historic collective GPA achievement. Organizational matters included the election of the Board Chair (Mr. Hudgins) and Board Secretary (Ms. Money) for 2026, and the reappointment and appointment of representatives to various committees and associations, including the Investment Committee. A comprehensive presentation on Arizona's Open Meeting Law was provided, detailing core rules, judicial interpretations, executive sessions, public call procedures, and potential violations. Standing reports covered updates from the AACCT, the December 2025 Senate report, and the College President's report, which highlighted early legislative activity, facility updates across campuses (Douglas, Sierra Vista, Downtown Center), and the awarding of a $1.87M U.S. Department of Education grant for an "AI-Powered Success" initiative. New business involved the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included the appointment of four non-exempt staff members, and the unanimous approval to proclaim February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month. Furthermore, the Board authorized the College President to sign a modified utility easement agreement with the City of Douglas and approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Education for adult education and workforce development. Policies 632 (Family Medical Leave) and 644 (Performance Evaluation) were presented for a first reading.

The work session focused primarily on budget discussions centered around the Guiding Statements, Mission, and Vision. Key discussions included a review of Fiscal Year 2026 initiatives, encompassing ongoing expenses such as compensation adjustments (with detailed yearly increases since FY20-FY26), insurance, utilities, software, compliance, and third-party contracts. Strategic Initiatives for FY26 involved allocations for Equitable Technology Access, Student Wellness (mental health and basic needs), Data Management and Reporting, and Academic Programming/Curriculum. The board also reviewed FY27 Budget Development, focusing on anticipated initiatives like salary/wage adjustments, benefits outlook, and board priorities concerning health insurance increases and retirement. Potential revenue streams for FY27, including State Aid, Sales Tax Aid (Prop 301 and Prop 207), and Property Tax, were analyzed. Discussions on FY27 Tuition emphasized student affordability and incremental adjustments. FY27 Board Initiatives included childcare programming, growing the viticulture program, workforce development needs, strengthening the AG program, and exploring Earn to Learn programs. Strategic Priorities for FY27 were outlined across technology, student wellness, data management, and academic programs. Finally, preparations for the HLC site visit were discussed, advising the Board on their governance role during the review.

The agenda for this regular meeting includes general functions such as the Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Adoption of Agenda, and organizational matters for 2026, specifically the Election of Board Chair and Secretary, and appointment of representatives to committees. Key discussions involve a presentation on the Open Meeting Law and citizen in-person interim comments. Standing reports cover updates from the AACCT representative, the Senate, the College President (including Legislative, Facilities, and Initiatives updates), and review of the Monthly Financial Report and Academic Progress Report for December 2025. New business items slated for action include appointments of non-exempt staff, curriculum matters, a proclamation for Career and Technical Education Month, approval for a Water Line Easement at the Douglas Campus with the City of Douglas, and approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Education for adult education and workforce development. Information items include updates from the Cochise College Foundation, a Marketing report, and the first reading of policies regarding Family Medical Leave and Performance Evaluation.