Debora Bergen

The meeting commenced with introductions of guests leading the pledge of allegiance, followed by a performance from the Early Learning Center children. Key discussions included reports from the Chair and President/CEO. The Chair noted that advocacy efforts secured additional funding to potentially avoid a tuition increase and mentioned the upcoming review of the draft audit report. The President/CEO provided an update on fall enrollment statistics, noting stable headcount but increases in credits, FTE, and growth in new and Dual Enrollment students. Updates were also provided on the Winter Session and Spring Semester projections. An update on Dual Enrollment highlighted increased participation and expanded access through state grant funding. The COO reported on environmental health and safety initiatives, including the expansion of the Health and Safety Working Group and ongoing remediation projects. The Finance Committee reported on the state budget and preparation for filing year-end financials and the single audit. The Governance Committee planned for a board resource database and new trustee orientation. The Student Success Committee planned follow-up regarding success rates in entry-level courses. A significant action item was the approval of the revised BCCC Bylaws following discussion regarding due process procedures. Additionally, the Board approved the ten-year, cost-neutral agreement to migrate the Student Information System to Ellucian Colleague SaaS. The Consent Agenda, which included approvals for policy rescission, program fees, and various system/replacement projects, was also adopted.

The Board convened following an Executive Session regarding the Audit and a prior Retreat held on January 13, 2026, where no actions were taken. The primary agenda item was the Consideration of Acceptance and Authorization to File the FY2025 Audit. Reporting indicated that the College's net position improved by $5.7 million. The audit resulted in an unmodified, clean opinion, although a material weakness related to controls, specifically concerning the accuracy of certain journal entries and a late federal COVID funds report, was noted. The Board approved the FY2025 audit and authorized its filing with PDE and other entities by a vote of 14 to 0. Additionally, the College President noted the upcoming 5th Annual MLK Leadership Awards Ceremony.

The meeting agenda included action items for revising current existing BCCC Board Bylaws and allowing the Administration to proceed with the contract for the Ellucian Colleague SaaS Student Information System. Consent agenda items covered the recission of Policy 1.23 Non-Resident Tuition, approval of program fees for FY27, renewal of the Qminder Queue Management System for $24,750, and renewal of the Element 451 CRM for $69,200. Further consent items included approval for APA Music + Pictures Video Services for Commencement and Nursing Pinning Ceremonies ($35,994/3 year contract), Carrier Annex Aire Compressor Replacement ($24,713), Dane & Son Construction for Founders Hall Roof Drainage & Grade Restoration Improvement ($39,950), and Parchment Certificates/Credentials Overage ($47,127) to be covered by non-credit course fees.

The meeting commenced with an introduction of several basketball student-athletes, who expressed gratitude for their opportunities at the college before the pledge of allegiance. The board later welcomed Mark Goldberg as the new Executive Director of Security and Safety, detailing his extensive professional background in law enforcement and public safety. Key discussion points included reviewing themes from a recent board retreat focusing on duty of loyalty and the role of committees, receiving updates on facility safety, including air handling systems assessments and remediation projects. Enrollment figures for Fall 2025 exceeded targets, showing increases in new students and dual enrollment, with dual enrollment comprising 10.2% of the Spring 2026 population. Workforce program updates highlighted surpassing 600 graduates from industrial skills pre-apprenticeship programs, featuring a 94% graduation rate and 90% job placement rate, and the launch of new cohorts for healthcare and Amazon Web Services infrastructure training. The board also recognized numerous community and student engagement events, such as the Martin Luther King Awards and America 250 programs, and ongoing student involvement in community activities through discounted tickets to local venues.

The meeting commenced after an Executive Session to discuss litigation and personnel issues. Key discussions included a report from the Chair on the President's review, engagement with an environmental health and safety firm, and plans for a future board retreat. The President and CEO introduced new personnel, including the Dean of STEM and the Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management, and reported that credit, FTEs, and new student enrollment numbers were up year-over-year. Updates covered recent activities such as facility improvements, agreement signings with Stockton University and Wrexham University, and the launch of a Municipal Police Academy and an Amazon Web Services training program. The Environmental Health & Safety update detailed initiatives following an assessment report, including the launch of a new facilities system and radon testing. The Finance Committee reported on proactive management due to the state budget delay. The Governance Committee reviewed committee charters and ethics policies. The new Student Success Committee discussed aligning metrics to better reflect community college performance. Finally, the Board ratified several urgent approvals made by the Executive Committee over the summer and approved items on the Consent Agenda, including a website redesign and contract extensions.