Andrew Childress

The meeting includes an agenda to review and discuss the 2026/27 budget in accordance with Oregon Budget Law, provide an opportunity for public comment, and conduct a vote on the potential approval of the 2026/27 budget and associated property taxes for subsequent action by the Board of Education.

The board received a presentation from the Rogue Valley Transportation District regarding Ballot Measure 15-240 and decided that the college would remain neutral as a taxing entity. The meeting included approval of board policies regarding harassment prohibition and emergency operations, as well as the 2026/27 tuition rates, fees, and budget calendar. Additionally, the board approved a contract with Campus Works, Inc., accepted federal awards reports, and authorized new academic programs while suspending an existing certificate program. The board also discussed the naming of campus facilities, received updates on a transportation technology center project and the campus master plan, and held a roundtable discussion.

The Board of Education held a work session focused on the presentation of the Facilities Condition Assessment Report. The discussion covered the methodology for evaluating facility conditions, the Facilities Condition Index, and a strategic five-year plan for maintenance, capital equipment, and infrastructure projects, with specific attention to deferred maintenance and potential future bond measures. Additionally, the Board discussed updates to the regular meeting agenda regarding the RVTD presentation.

The board meeting, held as a work session, primarily focused on the college's compliance with cultural competency standards as mandated by state law. Key topics included the importance of cultural competency in institutional systems and policies, the methodology and preliminary findings of a student experience survey focused on campus culture and belonging, and an overview of cross-departmental efforts to foster an inclusive and connected campus environment. The presentation also touched upon the role of the Diversity Programming Board in facilitating community engagement and announced the upcoming common read program.

The board meeting includes awards and recognitions, college reports, and various committee and liaison reports. Key items for information and potential action include a monthly financial data report, a review of the upcoming meeting schedule, and multiple proposed revisions or removals of board policies regarding records retention, claims, campus safety, and drug-free environment standards. Additional agenda items focus on new academic programming, emeritus status conferral, presidential contract discussions, and updates on the Transportation Technology Center project and the Comprehensive Campus Master Plan.