Jennifer Brooks

The board discussed and adopted terms of reference for membership in the Regional Colleges Council and approved a financial commitment for its operations. The meeting included a review of the draft 2026-2027 continuous agenda and the 2026-2029 Multi-Year Business Plan, which forecasts a deficit due to increased labour and staffing costs. Reports were presented by the Governance and Human Resources Committee, the Finance/Audit/Risk Committee, the President and CEO, and the VP Finance, covering topics such as financial statements, reserve funding, and upcoming events including graduation ceremonies and facility updates. Correspondence regarding student loan rates and provincial funding was also reviewed, and the board held in-camera sessions to discuss sensitive matters.

The board meeting included a review of the President & CEO evaluation survey and board effectiveness survey, with established timelines for survey completion and follow-up discussions. The board supported the formation of and participation in a Regional College Council. Key administrative discussions covered the draft 2026-2027 multi-year business plan, which includes initiatives for information technology modernization, standardizing alarm systems, and transitioning select academic programs to hybrid delivery models. Updates were provided on the Humboldt facility expansion, including recent engineering designs and an upcoming announcement. The board also received reports on financial statements, revenue and expenses, as well as various ministerial correspondence and upcoming academic event details.

The board meeting included updates on out-of-scope compensation, the approval of an updated President & CEO job description, and a review of professional development opportunities, including a DiSC workshop and the Johnson Shoyama Public Sector Governance Program. Reports from the CEO and VP Finance were presented, covering the CEO work plan, risk management, the college's accessibility plan, and enrollment in the CICan Connection Conference. Significant updates were provided regarding the successful land transfer for the new Humboldt facility and its pending public announcement. Financial reports, including a budget surplus in Under 22 funding, were discussed alongside general college operations and an in-camera session.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgements of Treaty 4 and 6 territories, followed by a review for conflicts of interest. Key agenda items included the approval of the regular meeting agenda, the approval of minutes from several previous meetings (October 21, November 10, November 13, and November 19, with amendments noted for the October 21 and November 19 minutes). Business arising was noted as none. In the Board section, reports covered the Chairperson's attendance at the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan Throne Speech and ministry engagement receptions. Board items included attendance at the SATCC Apprenticeship Celebration Dinner. Committee reports detailed the Governance & HR Committee's review of minutes, plans for a Professional Development Event featuring DiSC Assessments in January, and the approval of engagement letters for Board & CEO Evaluation Planning with Laura Soparlo Consulting. The Finance/Audit/Risk Committee reviewed 2025 Audit Assessment Results. The President and CEO report included the posting of a new Controller position, review of the Director's Report, the SK Post-Secondary Education Multi-Year Operating Funding MOU, plans for CICan's Connections Conference attendance, and the approval of the 2024-2025 Annual Report. Other items included the Accountability Reporting Plan and a Trades Facility Update. The VP Finance report covered revenue/expense statements and the status of vehicle purchases. The Board agreed to the Executive Assistant purchasing poinsettias. Discussions also covered the planned office closure dates and regional manufacturing and virtual health initiatives. The meeting included multiple in-camera sessions with and without executive leadership.

The meeting commenced with acknowledgment of Treaty 4 and 6 territories and inquiries regarding potential claims or conflicts of interest. Key agenda items included the review and approval of the meeting agenda. The Board awarded the tender for audit services to Virtus Group for a four-year term, beginning July 1, 2025. Recommendations were made for future audit selection processes, such as starting earlier and refining reference checks. An update on the Peavey Mart acquisition detailed ongoing preparation activities like security system installation and signage, with a formal announcement planned for the new year and exploration of additional fundraising. Following an in-camera session, the Chair provided an update on the upcoming Regional College Board Chair meeting concerning Out-of-Scope Renumeration. Administrative reminders included completing the DiSC Personality Assessment by January 9, 2026, notification regarding the Winter 2026 governance program offering, options for ordering business cards, and confirming attendance for the CICan Conference at the next Board meeting.