Audra Barrett

The meeting commenced with public comments where citizens expressed concerns regarding the perceived focus on racial demographics in faculty hiring and retention plans (item 6C), advocating instead for hiring based strictly on experience, qualifications, and merit, citing concerns about potential litigation and legal compliance with equal opportunity employment laws. The board also held a legally required public hearing regarding the levy and collection of an annual ad valorem tax, which was confirmed to be at the same rate as the previous year and not in excess of the no new revenue tax rate. Following the public hearing, the board approved the tax levy resolution. Additionally, the minutes from the August 12, 2021 work session and the August 19, 2021 board of trustees meeting were approved. A new trustee delivered an announcement emphasizing their oath to uphold the Constitution and state laws, asserting that hiring based on race violates both federal law and existing TCC policy.

Key discussions during the meeting included a public comment regarding the Annual Compensation Plan. Board business involved the approval of the minutes from the November Work Session and Monthly Meetings, while Trustee Remarks covered various campus events, awards, community engagement, and acknowledgments of personal milestones. Individual action items included the approval of revisions to Board Policy EBA(LOCAL), the nomination of Ms. Becky Renfro to the TAD Board of Directors, the approval of the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report which indicated a clean audit, approval for the Pro-Rata allocation of the Tarrant Appraisal District 2026 Budget, and approval to increase supplemental TCCD funds to complete construction of the Northwest Campus childcare facility. Financial reports were presented, and the Chancellor provided updates on activities, the 12 Month Board Calendar, and highlighted the 60th Anniversary celebration and the launch of the 'Trailblazing Together 2030' strategic plan. The Board also entered a closed session to discuss legal matters, personnel, and real property issues.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several agenda items, including the consideration and approval of the contract for the South Campus Health and Physical Education Building Bleachers replacement, noting the new electronic, stackable bleachers will be ADA compliant. Discussions also covered the design contract for the district staff relocations project, which involves increasing the building from four to six floors to accommodate growth and reassignment of the chancellor's executive group space. Furthermore, the Board reviewed and approved contracts related to the HVAC Replacement Phase One for the Hermacy Johnson Hadley Northwest Campus Center of Excellence for Aviation, Transportation, and Logistics, with an amendment made to the initial contract amount. Approval was also sought for the Northwest Campus Redevelopment Design Contract Phase 2A, which focuses on constructing new buildings without impacting existing structures, while noting a discussion on facade refacing versus full demolition. Other items included the contract award for developing the Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan, maintenance contract renewals for IBM storage power and Cisco SmartNet Software support, and the approval of a contract award for indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) firms for IT consulting and staffing partnerships. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussion regarding the move towards project-based contracting versus permanent employment, focusing on workforce development, capacity building in Tarant County, and the broader economic impact on the community.

The special meeting centered around a board retreat with a critical discussion regarding the institution's mission. A presentation was delivered detailing the achievements and focus areas of the Corporate Solutions and Economic Development department, which has rebuilt its team and focuses on serving as a broker between the college and businesses to address workforce needs. Key topics included developing customized contract training for incumbent workforces, utilizing Carl Perkins grant data for program evaluation, and addressing the current national labor shortage context where job retention is easier than hiring. Specific initiatives discussed included the 'Coffee Talk' professional development series, launching 'Learning and Development Programs' centered on cognitive/behavioral assessments (DISC) and emerging leader training, a focus on customer service/contact center training via Benchmark Portal certification, and ongoing economic development liaison work engaging with local offices and site selectors. The presentation also covered the revenue-generating activities of the Center for Learning and Development, progress on the 'Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund' (EEVF) supporting local entrepreneurs, and the 'Workforce Lens podcast' which interviews local CEOs about workforce needs in North Texas.

The special meeting focused primarily on budget matters and updates related to the TCC Vision 2015 strategic plan. Key discussion points included a review of the proposed whistleblower policy and hotline, which was referred to the Audit Finance Committee for further review, with suggested amendments regarding reporting structure (Audit Committee vs. management) and confidentiality under the public information act. The Board received extensive updates on the progress of Vision 2015 goals, including student learning outcomes assessment, the combined academic and facilities master plan (which caused a schedule delay but is expected to move to yellow status soon), and student services improvements. Progress on Goal Two covered expanding college connection programs, alternative learning opportunities, financial assistance funding, and textbook cost reduction initiatives. Goal Three addressed the technology plan, which is currently dependent on the completion of the master plan.