Jennifer M Curtis

The Council discussed the Strategic Plan, confirming revisions to the mission and strategic goals. A task force was established to draft revisions for the Participatory Governance Model handbook. The Academic Senate reported on computer system update scheduling, guidelines for student electronic use, and faculty hiring prioritization concerns. Informational items included a budget overview regarding Proposition 30, a staffing reorganization, a facility update for the Kern River Valley site, and an update on the growth and certification efforts of the welding program, which included an action item to investigate OSHA teacher-to-student ratios for labs.

The committee focused on the 2026 Needs Assessment, reviewing a draft survey and recommending improvements. These suggestions included consolidating artificial intelligence topics, incorporating school, campus, and KCCD culture into the assessment, emphasizing cross-collaboration between departments instead of departmental training, and adding information regarding departmental promotional opportunities. Additionally, future meeting dates for the Spring semester were established.

The council discussed various constituency reports, including academic issues related to Banner 9 implementation and bookstore contracts, classified senate community outreach and leadership training, and student government events. Operational committee updates were provided, with a focus on safety and security committee composition, marketing strategies, and consistent branding. The budget development committee presented the tentative budget for 2025-2026, which was supported for Board of Trustees submission. Additionally, the meeting covered updates on the participatory governance model, strategic planning, institution set standards, grant statuses for cyber security initiatives, and ongoing human resources staffing activities.

The committee discussed several facilities projects, including the main building remodeling, the completion of the Transfer Center, the status of the sports complex, and the damage and repair plans for the baseball field's batter's eye. Updates were provided on the Tehachapi Campus planning, the transition of the College Heights facility to city oversight, the completion of the LRC office, and upcoming room and building number changes for wayfinding consistency. Additionally, departments were encouraged to provide detailed justifications for resource requests.

The board meetings covered various operational and strategic topics, including student success initiatives, enrollment management, and the development of Annual Unit Plans. Discussions centered on managing FTES shortfalls, optimizing scheduling to improve productivity, and addressing program discontinuance processes. The committee reviewed curriculum updates, assessment plans, and the integration of online and on-ground course offerings. Additionally, there were updates regarding the Cerro Coso Community College campuses, including facilities planning, budget considerations, and staffing reorganization.