Jacob Lawson

The board meeting covered several key business items, including the approval of various RFPs for campus projects such as concrete replacement, kitchen equipment, gymnasium floor refinishing, and softball field resurfacing. Trustees approved updates to policies regarding DOT drug and alcohol testing, free speech, and emotional support animals, and authorized a health insurance renewal with Blue Cross Blue Shield. The board also made decisions regarding the disposition of surplus items, the writing off of delinquent account balances, and the closure of the Norton nursing site. Additionally, the meeting included administrative reports, a foundation update, an executive session for personnel matters, and a campus tour.

The board reviewed reports from various administrative departments, including updates on enrollment, facility construction, and athletics. The board ratified faculty negotiations, which included salary schedule adjustments and changes to teaching rates, and reviewed and approved updates to several institutional policies. Key business items included the approval of multiple Memoranda of Understanding to support the Physical Therapist Assistant program, the purchase of telecommunications training equipment, the disposition of surplus assets, and the formal acceptance of personnel resignations and a retirement. Executive sessions were conducted to discuss non-elected personnel matters.

The board meeting included a sociology program overview and updates from various administrators regarding student affairs, academic affairs, and athletics. Key business items involved approving a revised applicant travel reimbursement policy, renewing the Colby Commitment Scholarship, and authorizing the disposition of surplus assets including livestock, IT equipment, and veterinary tools. The board accepted a contract bid for a new ERP system and approved a memorandum of understanding with Newman University to create transfer pathways. Additionally, policy revisions were adopted, the May board meeting date was rescheduled, and both room/board rates and tuition/fee structures for the upcoming academic year were approved. Multiple executive sessions were held to discuss personnel matters with no formal actions taken.

The board retreat covered a variety of strategic and operational topics. Discussions included the matching of the Federal IRS Personal Mileage Reimbursement rate, the status of dormitory and kitchen projects, and an overview of the Colby Commitment Scholarship program. Trustees participated in mandatory FERPA and Title IX annual training. Future planning items addressed the adult education contract, debt schedules for callable bonds, and business and industry fund projections. The board also reviewed the college's financial structure, a memorandum of agreement with Newman University, prison enrollment statistics, and the summer course schedule. Additionally, the session included an update on the Higher Learning Commission timeline, a review of institutional goals with a focus on increasing program applicants, a historical overview of the mill levy, and a briefing on anticipated reductions in state and federal fiscal aid.

The board discussed and took action on several administrative and policy matters, including the disposition of surplus equipment and vehicles, and the approval of clinical agreements for the Physical Therapist Assistant program. The board also approved offering postsecondary courses at the Norton Correctional Facility East Unit and adopted a new performance expectations policy. Additionally, the board selected a vendor for a staff computer equipment procurement, approved a student drug testing policy for residence hall students, accepted various staff resignations, and terminated a contract following an executive session.