Gloria A. Ortiz

The Board of Trustees met to discuss and approve fiscal year 2027 budgetary changes. The discussion included adjustments to personnel positions, supplies, travel budgets, and operational procedures to better align with institutional priorities. Key agenda items included addressing a longstanding deficit in auxiliary enterprises, correcting beginning fund balance errors, and including previously omitted funding for a nursing expansion grant. The Board also reviewed the status of student housing projects and discussed improvements to the budgeting process and timeline for future years.

The Board discussed personnel and student recognition, including new hires, ongoing vacancies, and recognitions for recent graduates and retiring staff. Key topics included the status of budget and deficit management, plans for the CDL program, and the progress of student enrollment for summer and fall. The Board also reviewed a successful grant acquisition for Luna Strong and received updates from shared governance groups, including the Faculty and Staff Senates, regarding recent meetings and ongoing campus projects like the Springer greenhouse and the Rough Rider mentorship summer program.

The Board of Trustees discussed concerns regarding the stewardship of taxpayer funds in relation to the use of a community college vehicle for personal circumstances. Additionally, the meeting featured recognitions for new employees, student achievements, and the success of the graduation ceremony. Updates were provided on staff separations, open vacancies including the position for the Vice President for Finance and Administration, and the status of various campus projects and events, such as the softball team's season and the health fair.

The board meeting focused on several key items including the planning and coordination of a special recognition event for elected officials to acknowledge their contributions to institutional funding. The board also discussed the fiscal year 2027 operating budget, specifically reviewing requests for new full-time faculty in welding, business, and education, as well as the hiring of a new administrative assistant for the president's office. Additionally, there were discussions regarding budget justifications for food during official board functions and administrative staffing needs.

The discussion during the meeting centered on technical and logistics issues related to workstation setups, laptop positioning, and potential obstructions in the training area. Participants reviewed space constraints and technical equipment configurations.