Ashleigh Crowe

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.

The committee received updates on recommendations from the previous board meeting, focusing on dual credit for underrepresented minorities. Discussions covered the enrollment trends, success data, and initiatives to increase minority participation in dual credit programs. The Kentucky Dual Credit Task Force and a technical assistance grant from the College and High School Alliance were highlighted as key efforts. Challenges such as the impact of flooding on eastern Kentucky communities and the need for better alignment of dual credit courses with students' degree pathways were also addressed. Presidents shared initiatives within their colleges, including a course to orient students to college and build support for dual credit.

The committee discussed the approval of minutes from the April 27th meeting and reviewed the itinerary and agenda for the June 15th and 16th board meeting. A staff member from JCTC requested to speak about a shooting incident and crisis emergency preparedness. The committee also discussed the presidential search, acting president's report, Huron project recommendations, online course quality assurance pilot, college's candidates for credentials, and recognized recent grads. Additionally, the meeting included updates on employment, emergency crisis planning, board of regents evaluation, audit committee meeting, financial report, and potential asset preservation construction projects. The committee also discussed the 23-24 tuition, salary schedule, compensation, and annual budget, and officer elections.

The committee discussed the pre-audit communication from the external auditors, formerly known as BKD and now known as Forvis. The discussion included areas of focus for the upcoming audit, such as the risk of management override of controls, improper revenue recognition, evaluation of alternative investments, the allowance for doubtful accounts, and uniform guidance. The committee also reviewed the KCTCS audit committee charter, including the committee's scope, purpose, and authority.