Electra Arzola

The meeting featured a student spotlight presentation by Brecken Hoy, a business major and student-athlete, who shared reflections on family values, accountability, and the strength derived from supporting teammates. Following this, Holly Dressler provided a detailed report on Access Services, emphasizing the department's long-standing commitment to accessibility, current efforts to meet digital accessibility guidelines, and the range of accommodations provided, noting over 1,000 students are currently supported. The Student Senate President, Oliver Gonzales, reported on new senator elections, upcoming elections, initiatives to amplify student voices concerning campus safety issues like stairwell visibility, and fundraising efforts including a new Just Giving campaign. The college lobbyist, Dick Carter, provided an update on the legislative session, focusing on budget debates, the progress of property tax reform bills such as HB 2745, and various higher education bills including one regarding nursing instructor qualifications. The Director of the Academic Achievement Center, Kaitlin Krumsick, reported on shared governance efforts, stressing the importance of relationship building between faculty, staff, and administration for improved communication and problem-solving. The Faculty Association President, Irene Olivares, highlighted faculty advisors involved with numerous student organizations, detailing specific activities of clubs like the Autonomous Vehicle Design Team, GSA, and the Finance Club, and mentioned a scholarship initiative funded by faculty textbook royalties. Trustee Rattan reported that J Cert distributed sales tax revenue to three university entities. Trustee Mitchell reported on the Foundation, noting the selection of Greg Musil as Johnson Countian of the Year, providing an investment update showing a 13% market value increase, and announcing upcoming events. The Audit Committee Chair reported on activities, including the completion of an Information Technology General Controls review (ITGC), results of a cash handling review, enhancements to the ethics report line, and an update on open recommendations from the recent Foundation audit.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the swearing in of new board members, Chad Carroll and Geoff Holton. Board reports included updates from the College Lobbyist regarding legislative matters, a Shared Governance update highlighting positive employee participation, and a Faculty Association update recognizing faculty achievements and sabbatical recipients. The Johnson County Education Research Triangle and Kansas Association of Community Colleges provided updates. The JCCC Foundation reported on 2025 highlights, including substantial donations and new scholarship funds. Committee reports included the acceptance of the Employee Engagement & Development Committee and Management and Finance Committee working agendas. The Board unanimously approved the Facilities Naming Committee's proposal to rename four spaces. Proposals were also accepted for construction services. The Student Success Committee working agenda was also accepted. Action items included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for November 2025. The President's Monthly Report highlighted positive enrollment trends, progress on the HCRC reaffirmation process, and outlined goals for graduation rates and fundraising. The Consent Agenda included the approval of minutes from the December 18, 2025 meeting, various agreements, ratification of cash disbursements totaling $5,629,716.28, curriculum changes, and acceptance of employee separations. An executive session was held to consult with legal counsel regarding a pending personnel matter.

The Board of Trustees meeting agenda covered several areas, including reports from various internal bodies such as the Student Senate, College Lobbyist, Shared Governance, Faculty Association, and several Trustees regarding external associations. Committee reports included recommendations from the Board Governance Committee for the FY26 Working Agenda, and from the Management and Finance Committee for the approval of the Active Learning Classroom Remodel project, specifically recommending the proposal from Bull Creek Construction for $414,629 plus contingency. The President's recommendations for action included approval of the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and the Monthly Report to the Board. New business items included the ratification of cash disbursements totaling $7,946,872.23, approval of accepted grants including the Small Business Development Center award of $100,000, and approval of listed separations and retirements. The Board was also asked to authorize entering into various affiliation, articulation, cooperative, and other agreements.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Key segments included student spotlights featuring Breen Hoy, a business major and all-American soccer player, who spoke about character, values, and community, and a campus spotlight presentation by Holly Dressler on Access Services. Ms. Dressler detailed the department's commitment to accessibility, including accommodations such as alternate formats, testing adjustments, assisted technology, sign language interpretation, and individualized plans for students with disabilities. The discussion emphasized the importance of removing barriers and fostering an inclusive environment, noting that over one thousand students utilized accommodations in the previous semester. Trustees engaged with both presenters, commending their dedication and insights.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and a roll call confirming the presence of six trustees in person and one remotely. Key agenda items included an awards and recognition segment featuring a student spotlight on Joshua Kawasi, who shared his journey from professional counseling and mortgages to computer engineering, highlighting the support received from Professor Melissa Menning and the Academic Achievement Center, and his development of confidence through working in the student lounge. The board then moved to board reports, noting that the Student Senate report was unavailable as neither the primary representative nor the substitute was present. The college lobbyist provided a detailed report regarding the upcoming legislative session, focusing on the impact of midterm elections, budget outlook (projecting a decline in balance for FY27), and major policy discussions anticipated for 2026, such as property tax valuation reform. The lobbyist also referenced legislative actions from the prior session, including budget processes, vetoed tax cut legislation (SB 269), and the absence of Medicaid expansion or an omnibus bill.