Chris Boxberger

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key topics included a review of the current year's budget and contingency funds, credit hour lab fees, and the status of federal grants and contracts, specifically nursing funds. The board discussed the impact of state legislative budget changes on various programs, including CTE funding. Furthermore, the meeting involved deliberation on the necessity of increasing tuition and credit hour fees to address rising operational costs, such as health insurance premiums, utilities, and software maintenance, while ensuring the financial stability of educational programs.

The meeting resumed in open session with a review of the finance dashboard, which included a presentation comparing current figures to budget projections. Discussion points included tuition increases for the spring semester, lower-than-budgeted credit fees, and the expected draw-down of Perkins funds. It was noted that expenses are tracking around 50% overall, with capital outlay expenditures discussed, including furniture installations and the use of Patterson funds. Clarification was provided regarding operational liabilities, specifically regarding outstanding student refund checks. The discussion then moved to the end report, covering market outreach and partnership achievements, including a $16,000 donation from Flint Hills Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat for the automotive tech program. The acceptance of a large piece of sausage-packing equipment from Smithfield, valued up to $725,000 new, was detailed, noting its potential use across several industrial maintenance modules and the associated need for 480-volt electrical connections. Further updates covered the 'Learn to Earn' initiative involving Flint Hills Tech College and the progress of the 'Everyday Entrepreneur' program, which is gaining national attention. Finally, an update on the Lumina project, aimed at marketing to rural adult learners across several states, was presented, detailing campaign strategies and initial performance metrics via College App and Strategy Forward consultation.

The meeting included an introduction segment where new welding instructors, Tom Bud and Tom Madden, were welcomed. The main agenda covered the approval of the consent agenda, which followed a review of previous minutes, financial information, and a corrected organizational update reflecting a CFO change. The primary focus involved a detailed presentation and discussion of the annual audit results by the managing partner of Tensson, including confirmation of a clean opinion on the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2025, and no material weaknesses in internal control over compliance identified in the single audit portion. Management also confirmed that there were no substantial doubts regarding the college's ability to continue as a going concern. Following the audit review, quarterly financial reports (October through December actuals) were discussed, noting that revenues were on track, interest income exceeded expectations, and capital outlay spending was low but expected to increase with pending project expenditures. Financial charts tracking cash on hand, reserves, and debt payments were also reviewed. The board formally approved the audit report as presented.

Discussions included a change to extend the executive session for board personnel. Key agenda items reviewed were partnerships and outreach activities, which included demonstrations using virtual reality technology for external partners, such as a music teacher interaction. Operations updates covered the ongoing furniture rotation project scheduled for completion over the Christmas break, parking lot space increases resulting in approximately 22 new slots, and collaboration with various programs on water systems using the water fund. Brick repair involving resealing penetrations and guttering was completed. Personnel matters included the upcoming departure of the CFO, who will remain for two months for transition and tax support, and the continuation of a comprehensive software implementation project focused on automation and efficiency. Governance discussions involved an update on a partnership pamphlet distributed to regional leadership, emphasizing institutional performance metrics such as national rankings, graduate retention in the state (87% to 93%), job placement (96%+), and low student debt. Potential funding opportunities for future development, including naming rights for a building and support for a health science facility, were reviewed with interested parties.

The meeting covered partnerships with national companies, including Eaton Corp and Square D, to supplement the electrical program. Discussions involved Ultra corporation for automation controls and potential expansion. The board also discussed the Excel training company, Smithfield, and Fort Riley for potential collaborations. Additionally, Flint Hills Tech was seeking help with their adult ed program. The board addressed a tax exemption issue dating back to 2004 and discussed furniture purchases, seeking approval for up to $75,000 from KI.