Becky Barger

This strategic plan update for Kansas City Kansas Community College outlines key initiatives across student success, program quality, community engagement, and employee engagement. It focuses on empowering students through enhanced services, career readiness, and transfer pathways; providing relevant and innovative educational programs aligned with workforce needs; strengthening community presence and partnerships; and fostering an inclusive and high-performing institutional culture through employee development, satisfaction, and effective recruitment and retention strategies.

Key discussion topics for this meeting included recognizing student/alumni successes, reviewing the KCKCC Strategic Plan Biannual Report, and highlighting the Academic Affairs Biannual Program focus on the High Voltage Line Technician program. The board also received the annual update on Applicant and Hires Data. New Business included addressing the resignation of Trustee Mark S. Gilstrap, approving a resolution for the Board Vacancy Notice, and considering the approval of several College Policies, specifically regarding Honorary Closings, Solicitations, Graduation Requirements, and Shared Leave. Financial items on the agenda encompassed the approval of Proposed FY2027 Special Course Fees, Tuition, General Fees, and Student Housing Fees, as well as approval for two Alcohol Resolutions related to exhibition receptions. Unfinished Business involved assignments for the 2026 KCKCC Board and College Committees.

The initial Special Meeting scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. was cancelled. A subsequent Regular Board of Trustees Meeting was held immediately following at 5:00 P.M. Key discussions included the welcome and introduction of new Board Members: Mr. Joseph Caiharr, Mr. Geoffrey Kump, and Mr. Alex Sanchez. Board elections for Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, along with assignments for Secretary, Treasurer, and various officer roles for the 2026 calendar year, were conducted. Student/Alumni successes featured a presentation by the KCKCC Music Department regarding the Jazz Education Network Annual Conference. The meeting also included a Biannual Update from the KCKCC Foundation and discussion of the 2026 Annual Calendar of Presentations. Major actions in New Business involved the signature of the KCKCC Board of Trustees Ethical Conduct Policy and Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Obligations of Trustees Policy, review of the KCKCC AY2026 Kansas Board of Regents Performance Agreement, the proposed KCKCC FY2026-2027 Annual Budget Calendar, and an Alcohol Resolution for a leadership gala. The December 16, 2025, meeting minutes, recommendations for payment, ratification items, and personnel items were approved via Consent Agenda. Reports were provided by committee chairs, the Student Senate, the President, Executive Vice President, and other Vice Presidents, detailing audits, HLC updates, enrollment growth, facility projects, and the approval of the FY2026 Master Contract between the Board and the Faculty Association.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting included several key items. Discussions and actions covered the introduction of new Board members, conducting Board elections for the 2026 Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, and assigning Board roles for the year, such as Secretary, Treasurer, and representatives for the Law Firm and Official College Newspaper. Student and alumni successes, specifically involving the KCKCC Music Department's participation in the Jazz Education Network Annual Conference, were highlighted. The meeting also included a KCKCC Foundation Biannual Update, review of the 2026 Annual Calendar of Presentations, and reminders for the upcoming Board of Trustees Retreat. New business items featured the required signature of the KCKCC Board of Trustees Ethical Conduct Policy and Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Obligations of Trustees Policy, along with discussions on the KCKCC AY2026 Kansas Board of Regents Performance Agreement, the Proposed KCKCC FY2026-2027 Annual Budget Calendar, and an Alcohol Resolution for an upcoming Gala.

The initial Special Meeting scheduled for November 18, 2025, was canceled. The subsequent regular Board of Trustees Meeting agenda covered multiple key areas. Recognitions included a student success highlight, a Police Chief's Commendation, and a presentation on the new Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation Lab for the Nursing Program. Communications addressed the delay of the 2025 Annual Audit and announced upcoming events. Board Committee Reports included updates on finance, policy, community engagement, and national trustee association activities. The meeting reviewed and approved recommendations for payment covering flood damage repairs, vehicle purchases, and construction projects. Reports from leadership covered enrollment growth, academic affairs updates (including AI tools integration and STEM scholarship program success), entrepreneurial ecosystem leadership, and the annual security and EADA reports. New Business involved the approval of several College Policies and the Special Course Fees for Excel in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses for high school students, as well as the approval of the 2026 Medical and Dental Benefits package.