Joann Chang

The Regular Meeting included the adoption of the January 14, 2026 agenda and the election of 2026-2027 Board Officers, with Dennis Booth nominated as Board Chair and Olivia Zepeda as Board Secretary. Action items included the acceptance of candidates for exempt positions: Jesus Zavala Gerardo (Agriculture Laboratory Foreman), Isaac Albright (Acquisition and Collections Management Librarian), and Rebecca Cordero Torres (Professor of English). The Board also approved the November 2025 Voucher, which highlighted robust financial health with an $8,241,221 operating cash balance as of November 30, 2025, noting enrollment increases. An informational review covered planned repairs to parking areas by Desert Talon Contracting Inc. Reports were presented by the Student Government Association President and the Faculty Senate Representative. The President's Report detailed the FY26 mid-year budget status, indicating financial stability despite rising operational costs, and noting a 10% increase in Fall enrollment. The Board later recessed into an Executive Session for legal advice and training regarding the Open Meeting Law before adjourning the regular meeting.

The key discussions during the meeting included the call to order, adoption of the current agenda, election of Board Officers for 2026, and a call to the audience. Action items involved consideration for the approval of the Human Resources Packet and vouchers for November 2025. Informational items covered purchases exceeding $50,000. Reports were presented by the Student Government Association, Faculty Senate Association, and the Student of the Month. The President provided a Budget Status Update for Fiscal Year 2026. The Board also entered an Executive Session to receive legal advice and training regarding the Open Meeting Law.

The public notice announces a Regular Meeting with an Executive Session for the Arizona Western College District Governing Board. The executive session agenda specifically involves receiving legal advice and training regarding the Open Meeting Law, pursuant to A.R.S. 38-431.03(A)(3). The notice also details procedures for public participation during an Open Call, including time limits for speakers, and outlines conditions under which the Board may vote to enter executive session for legal consultation or review of confidential records.

The meeting included college reports from the Student Government Association and Faculty Senate Association, as well as a presentation of the Student of the Month. Action items included consideration to approve the Human Resources Packet, a Sabbatical Request, new curriculum in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and Health Coach Certificates, and an Intergovernmental Agreement with Yuma Mesa Irrigation. The President's Reports featured a Grant Impact Update. The board also moved into an executive session to discuss personnel matters and then resumed the regular meeting to consider approving the President's Contract.

The Arizona Western College District Governing Board meeting included reports from the Student Government Association and Faculty Senate Association, highlighting student engagement events, academic innovations, faculty scholarship, and community engagement. The board approved candidates for exempt positions, new curriculum for the Entrepreneurial College, and Czarina Gallegos as the Chief Fiscal Officer. They also approved the voucher for October 2025 and reviewed purchases over $50,000. The President presented the 2025 Economic Impact Report, and an update was given on the College's marketing efforts and recent awards. The meeting recessed into an executive session before adjourning.