Christopher Burton

The Gateway Technical College District Board scheduled a regular meeting to be held in-person and virtually. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda, Chairperson's report covering monthly evaluation summaries and reviews of Executive Limitations Policy 3.2 and 3.4, and an update from the Presidential Search Ad Hoc Committee. The Board also received reports from Board Members regarding the WTCS-DBA, a written report from Trustee Bhatia, and Trustee input. The President's Report covered announcements, the dashboard report, and the budget plan update. The operational agenda included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which encompassed action on bids (specifically Bid No. 1756 for ECP Playground Repairs at Kenosha Campus), Finance items (Summary of Revenues and Expenditures, Cash and Investment Schedules), the Personnel Report, and Contracts for Instructional Delivery. Additionally, the Board received Policy Governance Monitoring Reports, including updates on Executive Limitations and Ends Statement #4, and considered a resolution for awarding General Obligation Promissory Notes and the Single Audit Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025.

The Committee of the Whole Meeting focused on receiving information and engaging in questions and answers relating to Student Life and E-Sports. The Regular Board Meeting agenda included citizen comments regarding bargaining workshops. Key discussions in the regular session involved the Board Evaluation Summary, approval of the wording for Governance Policy 2.1, Policy 2.2, and Statement #4 of the College Ends Policy 4.1. An update was provided on the Presidential Search process. Reports were given on the WTCS-District Board Association meeting and data center impacts. The Interim President provided college updates, including cooperative efforts and equipment installation progress, alongside a dashboard report. The board approved a resolution for the sale of General Obligation Promissory Notes for building remodeling and improvement projects via roll call vote. Following presentation by the audit firm, the Single Audit Report for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025, was approved by roll call vote. The consent agenda included approval for roofing repairs, financial summaries, personnel reports, and various instructional delivery contracts. The board also reviewed evidence of progress on Executive Limitations 3.1 and fulfillment of Ends Statement #4.

The State of the College 2026 report for Gateway Technical College outlines the strategic importance of its industry partnerships. These collaborations are designed to provide students with unique hands-on opportunities, access to advanced technology, and clear pathways to career entry, thereby strengthening the workforce in southeastern Wisconsin. Key partnerships include collaborations with Microsoft for curriculum development and AI skilling, Snap-on for industry standard certifications, and Golden Years for healthcare training and apprenticeships, all aimed at fostering economic opportunity and community development.

The regular meeting agenda included several key actions and discussions. The Operational Agenda featured action items such as adopting Resolution No. F-2025-2026D.2, which awards the sale of $1,500,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes for building remodeling and improvement projects, and receiving the Single Audit Report for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2025. The Consent Agenda covered approvals for bids (specifically Bid No. 1754 for the 2026 Roofing Repairs Project), financial summaries, personnel reports, and various instructional delivery contracts. Policy governance monitoring involved reviews of Executive Limitations (3.1 and 3.6) and discussions concerning College Ends Policy Statement #4. The Presidential Search Ad Hoc Committee provided an update, and the Board reviewed and discussed Governance Policies 2.1 and 2.2.

The documents cover both a Committee of the Whole Meeting and a Regular Board Meeting held on the same date. The Committee of the Whole Meeting focused on receiving information and updates regarding the Cosmetology and Human Services programs. During the Regular Board Meeting, the Board acknowledged the passing of Trustee R. Scott Pierce with a moment of silence. Key actions included approving the agenda and approving minutes from previous meetings held in November and December 2025. The Board reviewed and approved the wording of Statement #3 of the College Ends Policy 4.1. The Ad Hoc Committee-Presidential Search presented the final list of stakeholders for the Search Committee, which was subsequently approved. Discussions also covered Board Member Community Reports and the Interim President's reports on college updates and the dashboard metrics. A resolution authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series F-2025-2026D, totaling $1,500,000 for building remodeling and improvement projects was approved via roll call vote. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the summary of revenue and expenditures as of 11/30/2025, the cash and investment schedule, the personnel report for December, and several instructional delivery contracts. Finally, the Board approved parameters and timelines related to Executive Limitations 3.4 (Budgeting/Forecasting) and evidence of progress regarding Executive Limitations 3.6 (Asset Protection), and fulfilled its commitment regarding Ends Statement #2.