Brenda Daniels

Key discussions included the approval of financial reports, such as the Consolidated Balance Sheet and Investment Report through September 30, 2025, and the Warrant List covering August 1, 2025, through September 31, 2025. The President provided updates from Tallahassee regarding appropriations for faculty/staff program growth and EMS/Fire Science gear, and ongoing legislative monitoring of nursing, funding flexibility, and Open Carry bills. Foundation updates covered repairs needed at the Hotel Jacaranda, including leak issues and security camera replacement, and progress on the University Center remodel concept for dorms. The board approved Jacob Cook as a new member starting January 2026. Alumni relations included a student spotlight, recap of Young Alumni events, confirmation of the next Hall of Fame honoree announcement, updates on securing new Panther Partners like Trussworks, and preparation for Giving Tuesday and end-of-year giving. The board accepted an in-kind donation of a vehicle for the automotive department valued at $2,000 and noted commitments from major 2026 Annual Sponsors, including AdventHealth and Mosaic.

The Executive Committee adopted the meeting agenda. Financial reports, including investment returns through August 31, 2025, and the Gift Summary Report for August 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025, were reviewed and approved. The President provided a Tallahassee update emphasizing workforce job placement statistics and appropriations sought by SFSC for faculty and staff funding. Foundation updates covered upcoming events like the Jacaranda Jubilee and Annual Christmas Luncheon, the planning for a fall 2027 golf tournament, and maintenance addressing leaks at the Hotel Jacaranda. An update on the HVAC project for the Hotel Jacaranda, funded by 2025 appropriations, was provided, with a motion passed to accept the TRANE contract recommendation and liquidate necessary funds. The potential remodel of the University Center was noted, with architects scheduled to meet on October 24. Alumni Relations covered the scholarship marketing campaign, Young Alumni events, the Fall 2025 Alumni Reunion, Panther Partner Lunches, the SFSC Gives Back program, and efforts related to the Giving Tuesday and End of Year Giving Campaigns. Annual sponsors received tokens of appreciation, and 2026 sponsor packets are in preparation. During director time, updates were confirmed regarding leasing activity for retail space at the Hotel Jacaranda, noting a new tenant starting November 1, 2025.

The meeting agenda for January 28, 2026, was presented for adoption. Key discussions included a presentation on the Florida Blue Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship, which will award $28,704.00 to students with matching funds. The Consent Agenda covered Personnel Actions, including appointments, transfers, resignations, and retirements; renewal of a professional services agreement with The Griffin Group for consulting and lobbying services; renewal and expansion of an affiliation agreement with HCA West Florida Division for clinical learning opportunities; approval of the Monthly Accounts Payable & Payroll Check Register for December; approval for property disposals for January 2026; and approval of the annual fixed assets inventory report for fiscal year 2025. Other action items involved the President's Annual Performance Review, the District Board of Trustees Annual Self-Evaluation Review, and setting the 2026 Board Goals.

The regular meeting included the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions covered a Health Science Programs Update, which included an enrollment increase in the surgical tech program. Consent agenda items approved personnel actions (retirements, resignations, adjunct faculty), and several agreements and contracts, including dual enrollment agreements with Independent Baptist Academy and Divine Academy, an affiliation agreement with Sun N' Lake Medical Group, and a Memorandum of Understanding with The School Board of DeSoto, Hardee, and Highlands County. Operational actions included the approval of monthly check registers. Under purchasing items, the Board approved the Carry Forward Balance Spending Plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year and a report on Textbook and Instructional Materials Affordability compliance, which showed an overall compliance rate of 98.5%. Financial reports were presented, and the Resource Development Report highlighted recent donations and several significant grant awards. The President's Report included an update on legislative funding, preparations for HLC Accreditation, safety updates following a violent extremism press conference, and the announcement that the Board Chair was nominated to serve on the ACCT Board of Directors, which the Board unanimously supported.

The Executive Committee adopted the agenda for the meeting. Financial reports, including Investment Returns through February 28 and the Gift Summary Report from February 1, 2025, through March 31, 2025, were reviewed and approved. The President congratulated staff on the Learning and Legacy Gala and announced the appointment of a new Executive Director. Foundation updates included discussions on required equipment for the Hotel Jacaranda kitchen and restaurant, ongoing maintenance issues at the Hotel Jacaranda such as repairing veranda doors, addressing a ramp closure due to damage, fixing a tenant shop leak, and assessing potential issues with another tenant's window frames. Furthermore, plans to list the Hotel Jacaranda on the market with Marcus and Millichap Realtor Group were confirmed. The committee approved an expenditure of up to $15,000 for repairs to a parking lot leased from the First Baptist Church of Avon Park. The financial outcome of the Learning and Legacy Gala was reported. Alumni relations included updates on a recent Alumni Association reunion and meetings with students regarding LinkedIn tips.