Brenda Carmichael

The engagement plan outlines President Caron Daugherty's commitments to students, faculty, staff, the community, and the Board of Trustees. It focuses on fostering an inclusive environment, promoting open communication, and supporting student success. The plan includes actions for exploring operations, connecting with partners, building relationships with faculty and students, and engaging with community leaders to understand the college's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Key goals for the first year include successful reaffirmation of HLC accreditation, faculty, staff and student engagement, community engagement, programming assessment, and workforce training needs analysis.

The board meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. Financial reports were reviewed and approved. Policy revisions were approved for college vehicles, policy review and updates, working alone policy, and communication devices. A request for proposal for FHTC fleet vehicles was approved, with the purchase of specific vehicles from John North Ford and Longbine Autoplaza. A bid for fencing was accepted. A request for proposal for PLC lab expansion was noted as on hold. Facility updates were presented, along with information on Foundation Board policies and an FHTC/Foundation MOU operating agreement. Personnel matters were discussed in executive session.

The board meeting included an introduction of a new part-time maintenance crew employee. A report on the Hospitality & Culinary Arts Program was presented. Key actions included approval of financial reports, new policies (Worker Compensation, Children on Campus, Academic Freedom, User Account Management), and a bid for a 2018 Freightliner power unit. Discussions also covered concurrent enrollment tuition and fees, the FY25 budget, and updates to several policies (Gifts, Grants, and External Funds; Staffing; Identity and Employment Status; Employment; Personal Illness Pool; Inclement Weather; First Aid). Requests for proposals for maintenance building construction and a digital scanner were also discussed. Finally, administrative reports were given covering advancement, economic partnerships, student services, marketing, and administrative services.

The meeting included acknowledgements of service for a departing board member and the clerk, and the introduction of a new Financial Aid Director. A new Classified Staff Salary Table was presented. The agenda covered financial reports, budget approvals (FY25 for FHTC & AEC), policy updates (regarding gifts, grants, external funds; personal illness pool; and inclement weather), and the approval of a bid for a digital scanner. Other topics included a master agreement ratification, a first reading of the classified staff salary table, a review of college credit cards, leave procedures, course enrollment capacity, a new precision agriculture program, updates to general education courses, and the election of board officers. Administrative reports were also given.

The board meeting included the adoption of the agenda, a consent agenda covering minutes from the February meeting, warrants, new staff appointments, financial statements, and a letter of engagement. Reports included the President's report and a program highlight on the online program. Old business involved second readings and approvals for the FY23 Tuition & Fees proposal, an outdoor event tent, and an RFP for a shade shelter. New business included discussion of a pro forma model and a first reading of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. An executive session was held to discuss confidential financial data. Administrative reports covered advancement, IT/HR/maintenance, the business office, instructional services, and student services.