Brad W. Bennett

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key administrative and operational items. The board approved a personnel report, revisions to the Drafting and Design program, a new privacy policy, and a date for a board planning retreat. Discussion was held regarding the disposition of several properties, and the board adopted a base tuition and fee schedule for the upcoming fiscal year, along with new student housing and food rates. A decision was made to suspend the women's wrestling program. Furthermore, the board authorized several bids for a truck driving simulator, campus utility improvements, commercial driver's license trailers, and the West Campus Phase II construction project. The meeting concluded with various college reports and the approval of pending bills.

Key discussions included the approval of bills totaling $19,191.52 for February 2026 and the review and approval of updated January 2026 financials. Under New Business, the Board approved a motion to adjust the schedule for the Annual Meeting, setting the 2025 Annual Meeting for March and moving subsequent meetings to September to align with the fiscal year change, requiring by-law amendments. The Board also approved the bid from Ellucian for consultant services related to setting up the chart of accounts in Banner. Furthermore, the Board voted to select the Brown Sugar-Crusted Pork Loin meal option for the upcoming Annual Meeting and approved the Allowable Restricted Scholarship Spending for FY26-27, utilizing a 2% inflation rate based on the five-year average investment tool. Old Business regarding the Investment Policy Statement was tabled. Reports included a welcome to the new Development Officer, notice of a resignation, and updates on ongoing college projects such as the West Campus Phase 2 bids and Homecoming activities.

The regular meeting covered several key operational and financial items. The Board approved the bills for January 2026. Financials for December 2025 were reviewed and approved following a correction to the Helm Stock contribution, and a motion was passed to transfer Helm Funds to investments. New business included the approval of up to $1,000 for drink tickets for the Homecoming Alumni Social. The Board accepted two gift-in-kind donations: a 2006 pickup truck for the Diesel Program and a three-cylinder diesel engine. Additionally, the Foundation approved covering $3,250 of the cost to bring Dr. Zelaya to the HALO event. Discussions began regarding the Annual Meeting, where a fiscal-year report was preferred, and T-shirts were selected as a gift. Under Old Business, the Board approved using a five-year average for investment calculations, setting the minimum endowment fund at $10,000.

The meeting included visitor reports and trustee comments, such as an update from the Development Office and introductions from Adams Brown personnel. Key discussions in New Business centered on the Annual Organization of the Board of Trustees, which involved the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year, including the Chairperson, Vice Chair, Board Clerk, and Board Treasurer. The board also elected a Voting Delegate for the ACCT Congress and approved committee assignments. Further actions included accepting the audit for FY2025 and the Personnel Report. The board acknowledged the annual review of Board Policy Manual Series 200 and approved updates to policies 201 (Membership) and 203 (By-Laws), including updating the regular board meeting time to 6:30 p.m. Updates to Policy 801 (Degree Requirements) and the approval of new policy 530 (Policy on Security Cameras) were also confirmed. Furthermore, the board approved the reclassification of delinquent accounts, not to exceed $203,699.96. College reports highlighted the athletics GPA, upcoming events, partnership opportunities, and the low number of student loans taken out by SCCC students compared to other community colleges. The regular monthly bills pending were approved for payment. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss confidential personnel contractual and/or performance issues.

Discussions covered the upcoming Regional Science Fair, emphasizing the need to encourage high school student participation due to a recent drop in numbers and the absence of a State Fair this year. Lead instructors' responsibilities regarding adjunct coordination and ensuring commonality across course offerings were reviewed. Other topics included promoting research programs, planning for the STEM Club's first meeting on January 21st, and committee assignments for Distance Learning, Assessment, and KBOR math implementation. Operational updates concerned position changes, purchasing protocols (including credit card usage and PO requirements), advanced travel approval requirements, and mandatory spring course policies regarding student expectations, academic integrity, assignment grading timelines, and required Canvas shell structures. Requirements for ADA compliance, course evaluations, and reporting of course-level assessment outcomes were also discussed. The meeting concluded with social activity suggestions.