Charla D. Ellerker

The workshop focused on the upcoming 2026-2027 fiscal year budget, pending legislative approval of House Bill 5001E. Key discussions included the proposal to maintain current tuition rates for the fourteenth consecutive year and a review of lab fees, which have not been adjusted since 2019. Staff outlined items scheduled for future approval at the June Board meeting, including tuition and fee reaffirmation, an amended salary schedule, and the General Fund and Unexpended Plant Fund budgets. The board noted that decisions regarding potential salary increases remain on hold until the Governor signs the proposed state budget.

The Board reviewed and approved financial reports and a warrant list. Key discussions included a report on recent safety awareness workshops for employees, future management options for the Jacaranda Restaurant, and an overview of legislative funding requests. The Board also received updates regarding campus facility maintenance, the introduction of a new Board member, and the acceptance of a donation of a pallet winder trailer for the Linemen Program. Additionally, the Board reviewed successful community outreach efforts, including Giving Tuesday results, upcoming events such as the Million Dollar Hole in One Golf Shootout and the Boots and Bling Gala, and various alumni society activities and engagement strategies.

The board discussed and addressed several key agenda items, including the adoption of the meeting agenda, the adoption of a master and events calendar, and the introduction of new employees. The board also reviewed and approved various consent agenda items, such as personnel actions, dual enrollment agreements with several academies and school boards, and affiliation agreements with healthcare organizations. Furthermore, the board approved a monthly accounts payable and payroll check register, authorized the deletion of surplus property from inventory records, and reviewed curriculum proposals involving program revisions and course additions.

The board discussed several items including the adoption of the agenda, introduction of new employees, and various consent agenda items such as personnel actions, agreements and contracts, and monthly financial registers. The board reviewed and accepted reports concerning financial status, resource development, facilities inspections, and bad debt listings. Additionally, curriculum proposals were approved, including revisions to the nursing program and deletions of inactive programs and courses. The board also authorized special needs shelter agreements with DeSoto and Hardee Counties.

The meeting included a review of financial reports, specifically the Investment Report and Gift Summary. The committee discussed management options for the Jacaranda Restaurant and approved a professional services agreement with a lobbyist firm for the upcoming year. Updates were provided regarding the Learning and Legacy Gala, HVAC project scheduling, and maintenance for the Hotel Jacaranda. Additionally, the committee received reports on spring alumni outreach, newsletter preparation, sponsorship growth, and the financial outcome of the Annual Million Dollar Hole-in-One Golf Shootout.