Belen Gonzales

The board conducted a regular meeting that included the swearing-in of a new student trustee, a superintendent's report covering commencement activities and personnel changes, and a presentation by students from the Upward Bound program. The board approved various consent items, such as the ratification of financial disbursements, legal services agreements, peer mentoring platforms, and infrastructure modernization projects. Action items included budget revisions, the adoption of revised admissions policies and the 2026-2027 academic calendar, amendments to student government constitution, architectural services proposals, and the five-year capital construction plan. Additionally, the board adopted the tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year and received updates on ongoing construction projects.

The board retreat included a presentation on institutional structure, roles and responsibilities, 2024-2025 college achievements, and an accreditation timeline. The session also covered strategic plan key performance indicators and alignment of foundation priorities with college goals. Additionally, the board formed a workgroup to review chapter 2000 board policies and conducted a tour of the One Main Street facility.

The board meeting included the recognition of employees for their service and a superintendent's report highlighting the college's Military Friendly designation and a new seven-year partnership with the Wallace Foundation to support the Bright Futures initiative. Action items included the ratification of budget revisions for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, approval of board member travel for professional development, and authorization of administrative contracts for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the board ratified various agreements and memorandums of understanding with external partners, such as Community Human Services, CommonSpirit Health, the USDA, Joby Aero, Inc., Driscroll's, Inc., and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. An information report on construction projects, including Measure T, was also presented.

The Governing Board meeting included discussions on personnel actions, labor negotiations, and litigation updates. The Superintendent reported on administrative changes and upcoming college events. The Board approved several agreements, including a lease for a primary care clinic on campus and various clinical education and training partnerships. Action items included the ratification of budget revisions, the declaration of obsolete equipment as surplus for disposal, and the approval of a contract amendment for enrollment management services. The Board also received reports on construction projects and member activities.

The Board meeting included a presentation on the Joby Aviation internship partnership, stakeholder and staff reports, and updates on the college's health administrator transition and art gallery reopening. Action items included the approval of various agreements for employee benefits, enterprise infrastructure support, and grant funding for a Certified Wellness Coach program. The Board also adopted several resolutions regarding child care services, education protection account spending, and GANN appropriations limits. Additionally, proposals were accepted for the design of a facilities yard at the Soledad Center and the installation of security cameras at the Main Campus. The Board also received an update on Measure T construction projects.