Brandon Gay

The board discussed and took action on several administrative and policy matters, including the disposition of surplus equipment and vehicles, and the approval of clinical agreements for the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The board also approved offering postsecondary courses at the Norton Correctional Facility East Unit and adopted a new performance expectations policy. Additionally, the board selected a vendor for a staff computer equipment procurement, approved a student drug testing policy for residence hall students, accepted various staff resignations, and terminated a contract following an executive session.

The board discussed several operational and academic topics, including a student presentation and an overview of the criminal justice program. Administrative reports were provided across student affairs, academic affairs, business affairs, athletics, and executive leadership. The Foundation provided updates on scholarships and giving campaigns. Action items included the disposition of obsolete surplus items, the approval of a kitchen remodel contract for the Student Union, and the adoption of a formal policy regarding lease agreements. Additionally, the board reviewed and approved policies concerning staff recruitment advertising, campus mobile device usage, credit hour definitions, and prison education attendance. The board also approved the expansion of the welding program into an associate degree for correctional facilities and accepted a staff resignation. Finally, the board conducted executive sessions to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included a Program Overview by the Business Instructor, detailing transfer and non-transfer programs, faculty challenges, and a suggestion for enhancing the student meal plan. Administrator reports covered late fall session credit hours, balancing online and face-to-face course offerings, the review of bids for the ERP RFP, and updates on athletic seasons. The President reported on the start of the Colby Grade School After School Program and upcoming travel to Washington, D.C. Business items involved the selection of the Finance Committee slate for 2026, approval of the Board of Trustees Travel and Professional Development Policy, the election of 2026 officers, and the approval of the Gate Stop Policy, aligning with Kansas Department of Corrections standards. New policies concerning payment controls for international online and outreach students were approved, as well as a policy clarifying the college's stance on serving undocumented individuals. The board also accepted the resignation of a Financial Aid Counselor. Two executive sessions were held to discuss non-elected personnel.

The primary business of the meeting included the consideration and approval of bids for the Dorm and Maintenance Shed project, with the motion passing to accept the bid from Stephens Construction for a total cost of $7,861,728. The Board also accepted the updated audit report, which reflected no significant or material deficiencies. Furthermore, the academic calendar for Fall 2026 through Spring 2027 was approved. Policy updates regarding public comment procedures, including a 24-hour notice requirement for speaking, were approved. The trustees reviewed a request to write off small account balances totaling $6,727 and approved sending a separate group of delinquent student accounts totaling $78,753.77 to collections. Discussions were held regarding the election of officers for 2026 and the selection rotation for the Finance Committee, which was tabled. Administrator reports covered student affairs, academic affairs, business affairs, public relations, and athletics.

The primary purpose of this special meeting was to receive vendor presentations regarding the Dorm/Maintenance Shed Request for Proposals (RFP). Vendors, including QMC, Stephens Construction, Innovative Design in Architecture, and Special Engineering Solutions, delivered independent presentations and responded to Trustee questions. Following the presentations, the Trustees held a discussion, and the President indicated plans to prepare follow-up questions for an accurate comparison of proposal components. No formal action was taken regarding the RFP presentations.