Ernie Loera

The board meeting featured a presentation on the foundation's holiday support program for parenting students. An auditor from Eide Bailly, LLP presented the 2024-2025 Audit Report, which received an unmodified opinion, and the board moved to receive and file the report. The Treasurer's Report provided an update on operating expenditures and reconciled accounts, and an invoice for Mercer Investment was approved. The Board President reported on the success of the Winter Reception and discussed board development goals. The Superintendent/President provided updates on the academic calendar and upcoming legislative advocacy trips. The Foundation Director reported on scholarship application timelines. Reports from the Ad Hoc and Finance committees were also provided, with a motion to increase legal services funding postponed due to a lack of quorum.

This strategic plan for Citrus College serves as a roadmap to increase access, success, and belonging for all students. It is built upon seven key focus areas: equitable student access and enrollment, equitable student success and completion, holistic student support and well-being, an inclusive and thriving campus community, innovation and data-informed decision-making, community engagement and partnerships, and employee experience and belonging. The plan aims to empower students, foster upward social and economic mobility, and provide a dynamic and equitable community college experience, with a specific commitment to closing opportunity gaps and improving outcomes for all student populations.

The meeting includes a financial update for the 2025-26 fiscal year, the recommendation for the 2026-27 operating budget, and the approval of several outstanding invoices exceeding $10,000. Key administrative items include the reappointment of several board members, the nomination and election of a new slate of officers, and the update of authorized account signatories for various financial institutions. Additionally, the board will review the Foundation calendar for the upcoming academic year and appoint an independent auditing firm for the fiscal year ending in 2026, with an option for renewal through 2029. Reports from the Superintendent/President, the Foundation Director, and various committees are also scheduled.

The board meeting included a report from the newly appointed Director of the Citrus College Foundation, focusing on fundraising and strategic planning goals. The Ad Hoc Committee discussed necessary updates to the Master Agreement and addressed operational inconsistencies. The board approved an additional $15,000 for legal services to draft updated bylaws, articles, and the master agreement, subject to a friendly amendment requiring a written summary of findings and scope of work. Additionally, the board approved the authorization of new signatories for the foundation's checking accounts.

The committee reviewed revised administrative procedures and board policies concerning sexual harassment, equal employment opportunity, discrimination complaints, and harassment prohibition. Additional items included a proposed academic calendar for 2027-2028, immigration enforcement activities, campus safety, emergency response planning, and student discipline procedures. New business covered the Strategic Plan 2025-2026 progress report, the Information Technology Master Plan 2026-2031, and various administrative procedures and policies regarding hazing, speech regulations, delegation of authority, budget preparation, fiscal management, purchasing, financial audits, and property security.