Jill Bertsch

This document provides an overview of Northeast Community College's apprenticeship program, which connects students with local employers through industry-driven, earn-while-you-learn career pathways. Key program areas include IT, accounting, early childhood development, and industrial maintenance, with expansion plans for diesel technology, advanced manufacturing, and welding. The program aims to provide students with free tuition, credentials, and income, while helping employers address labor shortages, diversify their workforce, and retain skilled talent within Northeast Nebraska.

The regular meeting convened and included the Pledge of Allegiance and an affirmation of adherence to the Open Meetings Act. Key discussions involved the approval of the meeting agenda and prior minutes via consent agenda. The President's Report included a presentation on the Financial Conditions and Activities monitoring report (EL-05), which confirmed the college operates within financial guidelines. The President also provided updates on Aspen Prize interviews, statewide higher education convenings, hosting the Governor for the Highway 275 project update, attendance at USC sessions on dual enrollment, joining the Board of Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, commencement of construction for the Norfolk Area Childcare Collaborative, ongoing Strategic Plan updates, and the status of the Engagement Survey. The Board entered a closed session to discuss collective bargaining. Compensation agreements for Professional-Managerial (PM) Staff, Classified Staff Association (CSA), and the Faculty Association were reviewed and approved for the specified contract years. Under new program consideration, the Board approved four new skill awards/certificates: SACA Industry 4.0 Foundations Skill Award, Principles of Industrial Manufacturing Skill Award, Professional Truck Driving Skill Award, and the Small Business-Entrepreneurship Certificate. Reports were provided on the Foundation Board of Directors meeting, which included changes in Foundation leadership and approval of funding allocations; the ACCT National Legislative Summit; the NCCA Board of Directors meeting regarding legislation and budget projections; and the Spring Enrollment Report, showing an increase in headcount and credit hours compared to the previous year. The Board also reviewed the Monthly Financial Report and Paid Bills Report for January 2026, noting increased receivables and a purchase of a school bus for training. Committee reports included updates from the Governance Committee regarding policy review and the Ownership Linkage Committee summarizing 2025 activities and stakeholder engagement alignment.

The regular meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an Open Meetings Act notification. The Consent Agenda was approved, which included adopting the current agenda and approving revisions to policies EL-02 (Access to Education) and GP-16 (Handling Alleged Policy Violations). A Closed Session was held to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining. The President's Report covered monitoring details for Land Development and Construction, employee recognition, preliminary spring enrollment figures showing increases, updates on Strategic Plan development, and legislative items at both the state and federal levels. The 2025 Annual Report highlighted student enrollment, employment/education rates for graduates, and financial aid statistics. The Administrative Services Report included consideration of the December 2025 Monthly Financial Report and Paid Bills Report, discussion regarding a contract renewal with the City of Norfolk concerning NPPD electrical infrastructure rates, and approval for the Cox Activities Center renovation project, which includes upgrades and a new climate-controlled data room. Committee reports included the Governance Committee reviewing the Board Code of Conduct, confirming Conflict of Interest Statements, and appointing committee chairpersons and representatives for various boards for 2026.

The meeting included the presentation of a monitoring report highlighting graduate employment statistics, employer satisfaction rates, budget adherence, student enrollment in defined fields of study, graduation rates, articulation agreements with other institutions, dual credit growth, workforce development opportunities, and the affordability of attending Northeast Community College. Opportunities for improvement were identified, including gathering more data on transfer students and increasing enrollment for upskilling and reskilling. The board also received updates on grant submissions, the Aspen Prize application, food drive efforts, musical reviews, career day events, and workforce liaison positions. Additionally, there were discussions on state and federal legislative updates, rural healthcare funding, and recent activities and events attended by Dr. Barrett. The Urban Farm project and the Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement (C2A3) were also discussed. The board considered the monthly financial report and paid bills report, and approved the payment of NCCA Annual Dues. The Governance Committee report included a review of EL-06 and GP-10, and the election of Board of Governors officers for 2026.

The meeting included a CTE update from the Nebraska Department of Education, focusing on student participation, funding, and the importance of program quality. An overview of the West Point Extended Campus highlighted the Pathways 2 Tomorrow initiative and the success of health science and welding programs. The board reviewed the EL-06 Asset Protection monitoring report and discussed the President's monthly update, including conferences attended and recognition received. The financial statement report, monthly financial report, and paid bills report were presented and considered. A new Agriculture Communications AAS program was proposed and approved. The Foundation Board of Directors' report covered increased assets and workforce development initiatives. The NCCA report addressed the upcoming legislative sessions and the Community College Legislative Day. The Governance Committee discussed policy deletions and revisions, and board officers for 2026 were considered. A closed session was held to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining.