Jay Araas

The board conducted a workshop to review the fiscal year 2027 budget, discussing employee pay increases, faculty adjustments, and auxiliary housing fund deficits. Reports were provided regarding the status of the Science building project, center funding, and scholarship initiatives. Key actions included the approval of the 2026-27 board meeting schedule, the appointment of two members to the Sheridan College Foundation Board, and the authorization of expenditures for the first half of July. Following an executive session, the board approved a two-year contract extension for the President.

The meeting included an update on foreseeable financial challenges due to residential tax revenue losses and revenue shifts from courses in Gillette. There was a presentation on the Strategic Plan to 2030, current enrollment status, and progress on campus facilities. Additionally, the Board discussed a proposal for the Sheridan College in Johnson County Center for Higher Education, focusing on a shared cost and risk model for design and construction, as well as potential asset ownership transfers to the Sheridan College Foundation.

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting to discuss and approve employee applications for the Early Retirement Incentive Program (ERIP), including specific retirement dates and exceptions for certain employees. Additionally, the Board moved into an executive session to address a personnel matter regarding the evaluation of the college district president.

This strategic plan outlines Sheridan College's forward-looking direction, reaffirming its role in higher education and addressing potential challenges such as declining enrollment by expanding recruitment efforts and enhancing holistic student support. The plan is structured around key pillars: Value Through Innovation, Fiscal Solvency and Sustainability, and Continuous Quality Improvement. Its primary goals include increasing enrollment, retention, and completion, ensuring comprehensive support for a diverse student body, strengthening workforce pathways, maintaining its status as a regional employer of choice, fostering a safe and welcoming environment, and sustaining a culture of continuous quality improvement.

The meeting included the approval of tenure for three faculty members, a presentation on a service learning trip to Peru, and a review of the strategic plan goal focused on student pathways. The Board received organizational reports from the Faculty Senate and Student Government Association. The President provided updates on accreditation, the science building construction project, and Perkins V funding. The Johnson County Advisory Board reported on regional library arts events and upcoming scholarship initiatives. The Board approved the 2028-29 academic and holiday calendar and a 1 mill tax levy following a public hearing. Additionally, the Board reviewed preliminary budget information, the Composite Financial Indicator for institutional health, and a SEEDA financial overview.