Catherine Wilkinson Abbott

The Finance and Investment Committee meeting covered several key operational and financial matters. The confirmation of the agenda included a discussion about simplifying financial statement presentations, which was tabled for the next meeting. The committee approved the agenda and the minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting. The primary action items involved reviewing and approving the Second Quarter Financial Statements (October 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025), with several specific requests made for modifications to the financial reports, such as breaking down net income, summarizing activities, and updating formatting to include percentages and time periods. Additionally, the committee discussed minimum donation amounts for named temporary restricted funds and named endowed funds, ultimately recommending an increase to $50,000 for named funds and $150,000 for endowed funds. Discussion items included a review of all active foundation funds and endowments, and the criteria for the President's Circle, which was deferred. The committee also held a closed session to discuss Phillip Morris Stocks and a Public Employee Appointment, with no reportable items.

The meeting commenced with reminders about cell phone use and the Pledge of Allegiance. The board acknowledged procedures for taking action on items not on the posted agenda. Discussions involved pulling specific items from the consent and action agendas, including item number 10 under Fiscal Services item number 3, and Board Policy 2100. The board determined that the student trustee's absence would require a resolution in the following month's agenda to excuse them. Following a closed session, reports were given by representatives from CSCA, the COD Foundation, and the Academic Senate. The CSCA representative detailed leadership planning, delegate attendance at the annual conference, negotiations concluding with a 3% classified staff salary increase, and updates on Health and Welfare committee reviews of insurance renewals. The COD Foundation representative highlighted the addition of ten new talented individuals to the Foundation board and encouraged board members to arrange campus tours. The Academic Senate representative shared insights from a curriculum institute and emphasized the importance of making teaching and learning the primary focus for all college activities. Trustee Sanchez reported on various June events, including hosting the State Controller, recognizing an award-winning student artist, and community engagement regarding transportation and a robotics camp for middle school students. Scholarship information regarding LULAC and Denny's Hungry for Education programs was also shared.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included public comments procedures and employee appointments for January, such as budget analyst and interim deans. Two proclamations were read: one designating March 2026 as National Athletic Training Month and another designating March 2026 as Women's History Month, with notable commentary on the progress of women within the institution. The board then approved the minutes from the January 22, 2026 regular board meeting. Reports included a significant update from the College of the Desert Foundation regarding their highly successful 'Stepping Out' fundraiser, which raised over $843,000 to support the 'Pledge for All' initiative aiming for free tuition. The Associated Students of College of the Desert (ASCOT) presented updates on collaboration with trustees, plans for vacancy outreach, recent Valentine's Day appreciation events, and logistics for Club Rush and Commencement planning.

The meeting commenced with the confirmation and approval of the agenda. Public updates included proclamations for National Athletic Training Month and Women's History Month. Reports from affiliated groups covered the success of the Stepping Out for COD Gala, support for academy graduations by the Alumni Association, ongoing service recognition by the CSEA, and the CSEA's discussion of retiree issues and staff workload. The Superintendent/President provided updates on the Palm Springs Development Project site tours. The Board approved several items on the consent agenda and subsequently approved action items including the 2026-2027 regular Board meeting schedule, travel for the Women's Caucus Celebration, updates to Chapter 2 and 3 Board Policies, and the Accreditation Follow-Up Report. Personnel actions included appointments for several administrative roles and approval of tenure reviews for faculty members. Administrative services actions involved approving budget revisions, setting the 2026-2027 nonresident tuition and capital outlay student fees, and approving a resolution related to New Markets Tax Credit Financing for the Palm Springs Campus Project. Information items discussed the Capital Projects Report, upcoming Accreditation work, and the accreditation achievement of the California Indian Nations College. The meeting concluded with a closed session to discuss performance evaluations, litigation matters, and labor negotiations, followed by reconvening to open session and adjournment.

The meeting commenced with roll call and confirmation of the agenda. Public comments included remarks from the President/CEO of the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce regarding the success of a joint business expo and job fair, and the announcement of College of the Desert receiving an impact award. The board addressed employee appointments for December, recognizing new classified, confidential, and leadership staff members. Proclamations were presented for Black History Month (observing February) and Career and Technical Education Month (observing February). Board reports covered the activities of the Associated Students of College of the Desert (ASCOD), which included closing the year strongly, planning for the new semester with welcome tents and advocating in Washington D.C. and Sacramento (March in Sacramento), and preparing for a CTE collaboration. The Desert Community College Foundation reported significant success for their upcoming 'Stepping Out for COD' gala, noting that sponsorships surpassed $500,000 and the event was sold out, and also mentioned the student essay competition.