Brian Joseph Bakula

The Board of Trustees convened to address various agenda items, including the approval of trustee travel to Washington D.C. for the ACCT National Legislative Summit, the approval of a resolution for the Policy Revision Standing Committee, and the authorization of the Chancellor to approve contracts and bid awards. The board also approved the annual Non-Certificated Employees Retirement Plan Cost-of-Living Increase and a Joint Resolution between St. Louis Community College and the STLCC Lieutenant Union. Additionally, the board addressed consent agenda items related to bid awards, surplus property, contracts/agreements, external funds, facilities, finance, human resources, and workforce solutions group. The meeting also included a presentation on the FY 2024-2025 external audit report and a quarterly finance report.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. There was a recognition of student and staff accomplishments, followed by a check presentation from Ameren for energy-efficient equipment installation at the Forest Park campus. The board approved trustee attendance at the MCCA Annual Convention and the addition of one-time holidays in recognition of increased student enrollment. Consent agenda items were approved, covering academic and student affairs, bid awards, contracts/agreements, facilities, human resources, and workforce solutions group matters. The Chancellor provided updates on the Legislative Session Request, Transfer Initiative, Student Success Council and School Success Teams, and the Workforce Learning Connection. The Board Chair reflected on years of service and the success of Development Day, attributing it to the college's commitment to transparency. Enrollment numbers were up.

The meeting included a resolution of appreciation for Trustee Anne Marshall, certification of unofficial election results, and the election of the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. The agenda was adopted, and the February 20, 2025, Public Session Minutes were accepted. There was recognition of student and staff accomplishments, and Ameren presented a check to St. Louis Community College for installing energy-efficient equipment. The updated Strategic Plan was approved, and nominations were made to the Foundation Board of Directors. Revisions to Board Policy Sections C, D, E, F, and G were approved, along with Trustee travel and the 2026-27 Academic Calendar. Consent Agenda items related to Facilities, Finance, Human Resources, Workforce Solutions Group, and Ratifications were approved. The Chancellor provided a report, and Board members shared comments.

The meeting included recognitions of student and staff accomplishments, an informational presentation on the STLCC Mobile App, and the approval of a resolution honoring Dr. Irving Pressley McPhail. Board committee reports were given, and consent agenda items were approved, covering human resources, bid awards, contracts/agreements, workforce solutions, and external funds. Academic affairs contracts and agreements were also approved. The Chancellor's report included updates on facility renovations and a new two-year pledge for student assistance. The Board Chair shared feedback from a conference. Several employees expressed concerns regarding the return-to-office policy, citing safety concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of consideration for high-risk individuals. A workshop session discussed childcare, with the Trustees committing to recurring funds for a childcare center.

The meeting included recognitions and presentations, a policy revision standing committee resolution, board committee reports, and consent agenda items covering academic and student affairs, human resources, bid awards, contracts/agreements, workforce solutions group, external funds, and ratifications. A chancellor's report covered fundraising and a state budget update. The board also heard from citizens regarding other concerns, primarily focused on faculty compensation and working conditions. Discussions included a student affairs department restructuring update and a possible item.