John Barrett

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics, including the college's 60th-anniversary celebration, updates from the Student Trustee regarding the Student Advisory Council and Senate, and presentations on the Truck and Heavy Equipment Technology program and the Veterinary Technology Program. The board also reviewed and approved the Fourth Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Report. Additionally, there were sabbatical presentations on supporting adjunct faculty and incorporating inclusive materials into the curriculum.

Key discussion topics for this meeting include the Chairman's Report, President's Report, and Student Trustee Report. The consent agenda requires votes on several items, including the All Purpose College Trust Fund Report for January 2026 and the Human Resources Report for February 2026. Major recommendations for approval are the naming of the library in the Student Center Brockton campus as the Dr. Gerard F. Burke Library following a significant gift commitment. Other agenda items involve a request for a World Languages sabbatical placement, approval of the FY25 Single Audit Report, discussions on 'Rebuilding Our Community, Aligning Policy, Practice, and Resources for Lasting Impact,' enrollment and marketing strategies, and Customer Relationship Management systems. A required vote also pertains to the approval of the FY26 Second Quarter Financial Report.

Key discussions during the meeting included welcoming a new trustee and recognizing an alumni representative election. The Board acknowledged several individuals for their service, including posthumous recognition. A facility update highlighted the ongoing renovation of the old Liberal Arts building, which is proceeding on schedule for the fall semester. The Board unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. Significant action was taken to award President Emeritus status to Dr. Gerard Burke, citing accomplishments such as the merger of Massasoit & Blue Hill Technical Institute and the expansion of student services. Additionally, Professor Emeritus status was awarded posthumously to Robert Bowers for his contributions to Media Arts and scholarship fundraising, and to Roland Blanchette, who was instrumental in the creation of the College Emeritus Program and served as department chair.

The Massasoit Community College Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Spending Plan outlines a $59.7 million budget for the period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. This plan details revenue streams, expenditure classifications, and a proposed fee increase, demonstrating a direct alignment with the college's overarching Strategic Plan. Key allocations support five strategic goals: Equitable Enrollment & Student Support, Academic Renewal & Innovation, Reimagining College Identity, Equity Agenda & Community Impact, and Organizational & Employee Excellence, reflecting a concrete commitment to long-term strategic priorities.

The meeting included the Chairman's Report welcoming a newly appointed trustee. The President's Report covered support for students struggling with SNAP benefit uncertainty, the success of a recent open house, and the decision to pause the EMT program for the spring semester due to space and equipment concerns, while ensuring current students are unaffected. The Student Trustee reported on the Student Advisory Council's focus on the Hunger Free Campus Coalition and its efforts to secure funding, as well as the impact of the Bright Act. The Student Senate presentation highlighted initiatives supporting clubs, community building, food service advocacy, and future plans focusing on civic engagement. Financially, the Board approved the FY2025 Draft Financial Statements, which received an unmodified opinion. Furthermore, the Board approved a 36-month renewal and expansion of the TeamDynamix platform to support Facilities, Institutional Research, and the Business Office. The Strategic Plan Update detailed enrollment increases across various student categories and outlined ongoing work for academic program reviews, the adoption of the Lightcast analyst tool, and progress toward the 10-year NECHI report submission.