Ashlee Young

The board meeting agenda covered several key operational and strategic areas. This included receiving the President’s report on workplace survey results and school board recognition, a report from the Community Colleges for Iowa, and an institutional review of program vitality along with discussions regarding a STEM High School partnership. The consent agenda addressed personnel reports, financial reports, and curriculum updates. Key action items included updates to board policy, approval of concurrent enrollment contracts, an agreement for shared athletic facilities, setting tuition rates, and authorizing salary increases for both faculty and staff. The meeting also provided for potential executive sessions regarding litigation, negotiations, personnel, and real estate.

The board meeting agenda included academic program presentations for Culinary Arts, Electronics and Industrial Systems, and Surgical Technology. Additional topics featured a recognition of national championship athletic teams, operational reports from the President and the Community Colleges for Iowa representative, and a consent agenda covering personnel reports, bill payments, and curriculum updates. Action items addressed the public hearing and approval of the FY27 budget, the 2028-2029 academic calendar, and a faculty reduction in force. The meeting also included provisions for potential executive sessions regarding negotiations strategy, personnel, real estate, and litigation.

The Board administered the Oath of Office to a new member and received reports from the President regarding enrollment, the Athletic Director on student performance and departmental achievements, and the Vice President of Finance on personnel changes and financial status. A public hearing was held regarding the KIWR FY25 operations and audited financial report, discussing financial challenges and revenue strategies. Additionally, the Board approved engagement agreements with Ahlers & Cooney and Piper Sandler & Co for the sale of General Obligation Bonds not exceeding $55,000,000 and finalized the 2026 Board calendar.

The retreat focused extensively on institutional planning. Key discussions involved reviewing the accomplishments of presidential goals over the past five years, defining the future direction of Iowa Western in light of broader higher education trends, and ratifying the Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Strategic Plan. The Board requested more focused goals regarding non-credit offerings and discussed anticipated challenges over the next five years, including State General Aid and the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in operations and classrooms. Further actions included reviewing and ratifying the Campus Master Plan, receiving updates on the new Transportation and Logistics building and its capital campaign, and discussing future capital project timelines. The session also covered state legislation regarding Workforce Bachelor's Degrees and the future of Workforce Pell. Additionally, the Board reviewed its own governance focus for the next five years, including committee structure, policy review processes, president evaluation, board self-assessment, fiduciary responsibilities (creating a new process for monthly bill review), and professional development needs. Current reserve fund balances were discussed, and the Board requested payoff dates for current bonds.

The Board meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the November 17, 2025, Regular Meeting. Key organizational actions included administering the oath of office to newly elected Board Members (with one deferred), selecting Erin McKee as the Temporary Board President, and subsequently electing Connie Hornbeck as President and Dr. John Marshall as Vice President, followed by administering their oaths. Erin McKee was appointed Board Secretary and Eddie Holtz as Treasurer. Tom Riley was appointed as the Community Colleges for Iowa representative, with Randy Pash as alternate. Key discussion items included the presentation of the FY25 Audit Report by Denman & Company, which was subsequently accepted by the Board, and the President's Report covering the end of the fall semester, enrollment tracking, progress on the Transportation & Logistics Building, and proposed agenda items for the upcoming Board Retreat. Tom Riley reported on the Community Colleges for Iowa Board meeting. The Consent Agenda was approved, covering personnel changes and the financial report ending November 30, 2025, as well as curriculum changes. Action items included setting the date for the January Board Retreat and Regular Meeting (January 16), approving the KIWR Operations & Audit Report Public Hearing for the January meeting, and approving revisions to the 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 Academic Calendars. The approval of the 2026 Board Meeting Calendar was tabled for the January meeting.