Columbia Gorge Community College

The board approved a revised academic calendar for 2026-27 and authorized a contract renewal with Merchant McIntyre. Additionally, the board approved the suspension of an existing 12-credit Initial Early Childhood Education certificate and the introduction of a revised version. Other key topics included the approval of the Tuition and Fee Schedule for 2026-27, a review of bond-funded project progress, a presentation on community education programs, an update on quarterly audit findings, a review of general fund financial status, and reports from the College Foundation, the President, and the Oregon Community College Association.

The board meeting agenda includes discussion items related to Board of Education administrative rules and various degree approvals. Additionally, the meeting will feature reports on the Bond, the Small Business Development Center, mission fulfillment, financial status, OCCA updates, college operations, and the foundation. The board will also review reports from its subcommittees, including Policy & Engagement, Finance & Audit, and the President's Performance Review, followed by a report from the Chair.

The board addressed several administrative and academic matters, including the appointment of a new Budget Officer and the approval of the FY 2026-27 Budget Calendar. Several degree and certificate programs were suspended due to low enrollment, while a new Associate of Science Transfer in Psychology degree was approved to align with state transfer initiatives. The meeting also included updates on construction planning and bond projects, an instructional highlight of the Construction Technology program, analysis of enrollment trends, and a review of institutional learning outcomes. Financial and foundation reports were presented, alongside a presidential operational update covering legislative advocacy, student success initiatives, and athletic department developments.

The regular meeting included the approval of the agenda and the approval of the December 2025 minutes. Key business items involved the approval of the Board Self-Evaluation Survey Instrument, which is planned for electronic distribution. Additionally, the Board approved Sole Source Findings to procure additional components for the Silent Knight fire alarm system to ensure campus-wide compatibility due to updated fire code requirements. Report items covered the monthly Bond End of Month Report, the Annual Facilities Report detailing maintenance and infrastructure needs, and the Mission Fulfillment Report focusing on Advancing Equitable Student Learning, including enrollment trends and student success indicators. The Monthly Financial Report noted General Fund revenues and expenditures as of December 31, 2025, and discussed improvements to financial reporting clarity. Updates were also provided from the College Foundation, a Chinook Brief summarizing operational activities, and subcommittee reports from Policy & Equity and Finance & Audit.

The Board meeting included approval of the agenda and ratification of the August 2025 board meeting minutes. Key business items involved the approval of the proposed Bachelor of Applied Science in Education, which is the institution's first bachelor-level degree, anticipated to launch in Fall 2027 pending final approvals. The Board also approved the 2026-27 Academic Calendar. Report items covered the monthly bond update, highlighting design progress and cost concerns regarding HVAC upgrades, and an overview of the FY 2026-27 budget build process. The financial report included a review of General Fund revenues (noting a decrease largely due to delayed property tax adjustments) and expenditures as of November 30, 2025. The President provided an operational update detailing enrollment trends, community outreach, and the premature discontinuation of the Title III EASE grant activities at the end of 2025. The Board also received updates from the OCCA and discussed subcommittee activities. The session concluded with two executive sessions: one for labor negotiations, resulting in the ratification of the collective bargaining agreement for July 1, 2025-June 30, 2028, and another for the performance evaluation of the College President.