Andrew Childress

The retreat focused on a review of board team agreements established three years prior, with discussions centered on how board members should handle external complaints and communications. The board and college leadership discussed a standardized process for responding to complaints received by board members, agreeing that such communications should be forwarded to the board chair and the board assistant to ensure proper institutional protocol is followed, avoid conflicting responses, and manage expectations for complainants. They also discussed the necessity of maintaining due process and the distinction between substantive concerns and casual complaints.

The committee held a session to select a new Budget Committee Chair, resulting in the appointment of Kevin Talbert for the 2025/26 term. The meeting also included a presentation by the Chief Financial Officer regarding the 2026/27 proposed budget, which covered the budget document structure, development, and funding allocations. Committee members were provided with instructions to submit inquiries regarding the proposed budget in writing.

The board meeting included reports from college departments such as the Finance and Audit Committee, student and faculty associations, and the President regarding bond oversight, ERP consortium updates, and management handbook revisions. Agenda items involved first readings of several board policies and procedures related to nondiscrimination, speech, ethics, and participatory governance. The board reviewed and considered the approval of a contract for master planning services, discussed commencement activities, summer meeting schedules, and potential campus building naming procedures. Additionally, the meeting included reports from the Foundation and senior management, the approval of the President's contract, discussion of student services grant amendments, and an executive session for personnel, labor, and legal matters.

The board scheduled an executive session to discuss the employment of public officers, employees, and agents in accordance with state statutes. No formal action was slated to be taken during this session.

The board scheduled an executive session to consult with legal counsel in accordance with Oregon Revised Statute 192.660 (2)(h). No formal action was slated to be taken during this session.