Elena Siampos

The agenda includes several administrative and board-related reports, such as the oath of office for a student trustee and reports on conventions and college updates. Presentations will be given for retiring staff, and the President's report covers a scholarship donation, general college updates, and a budget presentation. The board will review financial statements, investments, and warrants. Personnel matters to be addressed include contract non-renewals, salary revisions, leave of absence, and resignations. New business items include multiple affiliation agreements for emergency medical services and nursing programs, the release and destruction of closed session minutes and recordings, the renewal of the treasurer's bond, and resolutions regarding the transfer of funds for capital projects and technology upgrades.

The board meeting will cover the ratification of previous action items from 2025 and 2026, including insurance carrier renewals, medical claims audits, and officer elections. Key discussion topics include a Sikich annual renewal and financial update, updates from PMA Financial Network and 5th/3rd Bank, proposed bylaws changes, and addressing deficit reduction and reserve shortage strategies. Additionally, the agenda includes a wellness discussion and various strategic benefit updates and marketing planning from HUB.

The Board of Trustees conducted a regular meeting featuring the recognition of the outgoing student trustee and the administration of the oath of office to the incoming student trustee. Key discussions included a report on ICCTA activities, a comprehensive college update featuring graduation festivities and new academic articulation agreements, and an enrollment report showing positive growth in headcount and credit hours. The Foundation presented a report highlighting scholarship disbursements and its potential role in a future referendum. Additionally, the Board addressed personnel reports, including retirements and appointments, and approved several business items, such as affiliation agreements, furniture purchases, and lab renovation bids. The Board also engaged in a significant discussion regarding the potential for a future referendum, evaluating ballot language, financial impact, and the necessity of further economic impact analysis.

The Board discussed potential legislation regarding community college baccalaureate degrees and the associated curriculum and approval processes. They explored methods for hiring a state lobbyist, deliberated on the college's Facilities Master Plan and a potential future referendum, and reviewed workforce demand data and occupational trends. Additionally, the Board engaged in discussions about developing an artificial intelligence strategic roadmap, fostering employee training for AI integration, setting board goals, and identifying strategies to improve institutional communication and community engagement.

The board discussed college updates, including retirement recognitions, student achievements in athletics and academic competitions, and a report on lobbyist services. Administrative reports covered workforce strategy, various college updates, and the proposed Fire Academy Certificate. Financial actions included the presentation of treasurer's reports, investment records, and the approval of expenditure warrants. The meeting addressed personnel items, including full-time and part-time appointments, resignations, and reclassifications. New business involved approving affiliation agreements with several healthcare and service providers, establishing a new Industrial and Electrical Technician certificate program, adopting revisions to board policies concerning the college's mission and board meetings, and passing a resolution to submit a building bond proposition to voters for a general election.