Isaac Abbs

The primary discussion centered on the purpose, structure, and effectiveness of the All College Council (ACC) within the current shared governance framework. Key topics included whether ACC serves a unique role or duplicates efforts of other bodies, leading to broad agreement on strengthening its purpose rather than dissolution. Discussions also focused on clarifying the distinction between governance and representative groups, the necessity of maintaining a strong student voice, addressing inconsistent attendance and accountability, and differentiating ACC's operational role from the strategic role of the College Leadership Council (CLC). A recommendation emerged to conduct a structured 'governance system mapping' exercise involving all groups to clarify roles and decision pathways. Next steps identified include coordinating governance alignment, reviewing the ACC charter, and planning a system mapping session in Spring 2026.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call, noting the anticipated virtual attendance of Vice Chair Bernal Morales. A Land Acknowledgement recognizing the traditional lands of the Tono Odum and Pasuyaki peoples was presented. During the call to the audience, a faculty representative presented survey results indicating a significant positive increase in faculty morale and perception of meaningful input into collegewide decisions, attributing this to shared governance efforts, while also requesting exploration into increasing the supplemental pay rate for faculty. Board members shared updates, including participation in the Arizona Chamber's legislative preview and a call for continued advocacy for college funding. The primary focus then shifted to Annual Meeting Action Items, resulting in the two-year reappointment of Board Member Rial as the Arizona Association of Community College Trustees representative and two-year appointments for Board Members Randall and Barza to the Finance and Audit Advisory Committee. The administrative reports included a summary of the Annual Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2025, which showed significant year-over-year increases in revenues (totaling $254 million) driven by tuition increases, enrollment growth, property tax revenue, and federal grants (including financial aid). Expenses also increased significantly, primarily due to budgeted personnel increases across instruction and other areas.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. A land acknowledgement recognizing the traditional lands of the Tonohou Onum and Pascoyaki peoples was presented. There were no sign-ups for the public comment period. A summary of current events by governing board members followed, with Vice Chair Bernal Morales reporting on attending the Governor's state report in Tucson, emphasizing priorities related to affordability, economic growth, and workforce development. Board members also heard a mission moment detailing the partnership between the Center for the Future of Arizona, the Aspen Institute, and Puma Community College for the Southern Arizona Workforce Leadership Academy. Two fellows from the academy, Wendy Shader Black and Vice Chair Carla Bernell Morales, shared their positive experiences regarding systems change, collaboration, and network expansion. The meeting then transitioned to Administration Reports.

The meeting addressed several items under the Consent Agenda. Key actions included the approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Adobe Consortium Arizona Community College for the period 2026-2029. Additionally, contracts were approved for CDW Logistics LLC regarding Adobe Software Solutions for the 2026-2029 term, and an amendment to the contract with Chasse Building Team for General Contractor Construction and Installation Services of Virtual Living Learning Lab Equipment.

The Governing Board addressed several items during the Consent Agenda, including the inactivation of a Nondestructive Testing, Penetrant Level II Certificate, and the approval of several Intergovernmental Agreements. These agreements covered educational services with the Whetstone Fire District (2026-2031) and a Data Sharing Agreement with the Nogales Unified School District (2025-2030). Annual contract renewals for On Call Grant Writing and Grant Evaluator Services with The Kester Group and partners were also approved, alongside a contract amendment for Cornerstone and a contract for the West Campus Fitness & Sports Services Center Building Roof Replacement. The board also reviewed the 2026 Governing Board Study Session Calendar. Under Action Items, the board discussed and approved a Higher Learning Commission Program Change Recommendation regarding the Bachelor of Arts, Education program, and approved the donation of real property to Pima Community College.