Brianna Stevens

The board retreat focused on strategic foresight as a tool to strengthen governance. Key discussions included distinguishing between governance and operations, incorporating future-oriented thinking into policies and board practices, and reviewing emerging forces such as climate change, shifting information ecosystems, and evolving learner expectations. The Board explored forward-looking inquiry techniques, discussed potential impacts on institutional sustainability and student needs, and identified future steps for continuing foresight practice and integrating these perspectives into future board work.

The board retreat focused on strengthening the Board's governance through strategic foresight. Discussions centered on using strategic foresight tools to navigate uncertainty, including the review of future forces such as AI acceleration, social fabric fraying, climate change, and evolving information ecosystems. The board explored how these forces impact educational delivery, institutional ethics, and long-term planning, emphasizing the role of the board in setting future-oriented policies while preserving operational discretion.

The Board of Trustees discussed and approved various items, including the renewal of liability insurance for FY 2027 and a piggyback contract with Bell Techlogix for Microsoft software licensing. Significant focus was placed on the Innovation and Technology Center Catoctin Hall addition and renovation project, with the Board approving awards for both architectural/engineering services to Hanbury and Construction Manager at Risk services to Barton Malow. Additionally, the Board authorized a piggyback contract with Civic Initiatives for procurement transformation and approved the FY 2027-2029 Cultural Diversity Plan. Financial and operational reports were reviewed, including the unaudited financial report and updates on Board performance and policy reviews. The Board also conducted a closed session to discuss personnel, legal, and collective bargaining matters.

The Board meeting included reports on student pathways, community engagement, and workforce development initiatives, followed by a presentation on the college Honors Program. Trustees discussed ownership linkage engagements and their role in future policy development. The Board reviewed several policies for currency, including adjustments to governance guidelines and the role of the Board Chair. Compliance monitoring reports for planning and access to education were accepted. During a closed session, the Board discussed an amendment to the President's employment agreement, which was subsequently approved in open session.

The Board meeting focused on various procurement and governance items. The Board approved the renewal of group health and prescription drug insurance, dental and vision insurance plans, and life and disability insurance coverage. Additionally, a contract for the Visual and Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study was awarded to Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, and a piggyback contract for athletic uniforms was approved with BSN Sports, LLC. The Board also reviewed and discussed several policy governance documents, including self-monitoring survey results for Board Job Contributions and the Role of the Vice Chair, as well as reviewed policies regarding President Succession, Board Code of Conduct, and a revision to the Role of the Board Chair.