Abbi Loree Ruppert

The committee discussed substantial changes to board policies and procedures following the passage of House Bill 619, including updates to board bylaws regarding membership, officer continuity, and committee structures. Discussions also covered the Board of Regents' policies on policy management, the separation of responsibilities between the board and the president, and proposed election procedures for faculty and staff representatives, including concerns about geographic representation and voting eligibility. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates to compensation procedures for college chancellors, specifically regarding the definition of institutional size based on enrollment data.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and roll call for the Kentucky Community and Technical College Board of Regents Audit Committee. Key discussions focused on updates regarding several audit items previously addressed. The forensic audit status reported that account 100001 and matters concerning affiliated foundations and executive compensation are now marked as completed, though documentation processes remain ongoing for certain items. The FURPA compliance policy is under development and awaiting leadership team approval before system-wide communication. Regarding financials, recommendations from KPMG have been completed, with a focus shifted towards creating long-lasting policies rather than procedural documents, particularly concerning employee travel guidelines. Procurement process improvements, including new policies and training, have been implemented following recommendations related to higher education innovation. Personnel and unit investigation matters, including the OPED Trust Medicare Advantage plan RFP resulting in cost reductions and a compensation platform review, were also marked as completed. The status of voluntary separation agreements was updated, noting that while a template exists, rigid policy enforcement was intentionally avoided to allow for case-by-case management. Finally, updates were provided on the Fire Commission audit, confirming that a corrective action plan was submitted to and accepted by the Auditor of Public Accounts. The committee also deferred the report on carry forward and fund balance internally, as KPMG did not handle that portion.

The meeting commenced with a roll call confirming a quorum. Key discussions involved the approval of previous meeting minutes from August 21, 2025, and November 12, 2025. The committee reviewed revisions to advancement policies (Policy 7.4 regarding foundation independence and best practices, and Policy 7.6 concerning accepting donations, which now incorporates Policy 7.5 on naming faculty positions). Policy 710, the naming policy for donors, is being converted from an administrative policy to a board policy. The board evaluation process and survey questions for the upcoming year were reviewed. A significant agenda item concerned updating the student election procedure due to anticipated legislative changes (HB 619) that would reduce the number of student regents from two to one, with provisions for two alternate regents. Other agenda items included updates on quarterly financials, audit committee meetings, the forensic audit corrective action plan, discussion of required reserves, tuition, budget information, and approvals for capital projects at Jefferson Community and Technical College and the Fire Commission. Action items also covered ratification of personnel actions, proposed 2027 board meeting dates, the strategic plan, the election of student regent policy, philanthropy updates, and ratification of college credential candidates. The meeting concluded with state and federal updates, open comment, and adjournment.

The Policy and Planning Committee meeting was called to order, though a quorum was not immediately present, preventing the approval of previous minutes. The agenda review included items such as the Chair's report, President's report, and updates on organizational success metrics. Key discussion points included a quarterly financial report, reports from the Audit Committee and Internal Audit, action items regarding the internal audit RFP process and external audit results/extension. There were also updates on the forensic audit corrective action plan, a semiannual capital report, and an action item related to a capital construction project at South Central Kentucky Community and Technical College. The committee planned to address fund balance, personnel actions ratification, Board of Regents meeting date/location changes, updates on strategic planning and philanthropy, and workforce/economic development. Discussions also covered increased learner success, including certificate/program approvals and enrollment reports, culminating in the ratification of credential candidates. The agenda also allocated time for state and federal updates, an open comment period, and an executive session concerning proposed or pending litigation.

The KCTCS Board of Regents meeting included discussions on the new strategic plan and the successful completion of the external audit. The team is focused on ensuring students gain the skills and training needed to strengthen Kentucky's workforce. There was a welcome to new regents and recognition of teammates working during institutional close. The Aspen Institute recognized eight of the sixteen colleges as top 200 community colleges. Enrollment is up 6.2% from last year. The three-year graduation rate has surpassed 50%. A new KCTCS license plate will be available next year. A fundraiser to support food pantries across KCTCS is scheduled for February 10th. The Abbound Credit Union announced a technical career scholarship. There is a focus on program sharing and transfer signing agreements with Morhead State University and Thomas Moore University. The first of three phases of new technology with Anthology Reach has been launched. The KCTCS4 Kentucky initiative is being taken on the road. A curriculum has been developed to help county clerks train pole workers. The first credential for meat cutting in the nation is in the process of being developed. The Kentucky Fire Commission attended a graduation ceremony where 38 recruits walked across the stage after 13 weeks of training. A workforce pel workgroup has been appointed to review programs that will fall within the eligibility of workforce pel.