John Dixon

The primary focus of the meeting was the introduction and subsequent discussion/action on several appropriation and capital outlay resolutions for the upcoming fiscal year (FY'26). Key resolutions included fixing the amount necessary for the operation and expenses of Sussex County Community College at $3,920,000, exclusive of state, tuition, and other sources. Additionally, resolutions were introduced to determine the necessary capital outlay expenses for FY'26 Newton Campus Improvement Projects funded under the State's Chapter 12 Program, totaling $1,150,000, and to fix the amount necessary for the operation and expenses of the Public Safety Training Academy (PSTA) at $430,000.

Key discussions during the meeting included a tuition hearing concerning a proposed 4% per credit hour increase effective September 1, 2026, necessitated by uncertain state/county funding, rising utility costs, and a projected 32% increase in health benefit costs. The Board approved several policy updates regarding student death, homeschool admissions, and Student Government Association elections. The Consent Agenda also included the approval of personnel actions and an on-call HVAC services blanket purchase order for $45,000.00. The Board acknowledged receipt and reviewed the December 2025 Financial Statements, noting tuition was slightly under budget but benefit costs were increasing. Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved the FY 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget, which incorporates the proposed tuition increase. The meeting concluded with discussions on trustee activities, including updates on the Sussex County Film Commission, alumni engagement efforts, and the President's report. An Executive Session was held to discuss ongoing litigation.

The meeting included a Tuition Hearing regarding a proposed 4% per credit hour increase for the upcoming September 1, 2026, term. Key actions taken under the Consent Agenda involved the approval of personnel actions spanning December 5, 2025, through January 13, 2026, and the approval of several policy revisions, including Policy No. 500.3 (Death of a Student), Policy No. 500.4 (Homeschool Admissions), and Policy No. 502.1 (Student Government Association Elections). Additionally, approval was sought for an on-call HVAC services contract with Unitemp Mechanical Degrees, LLC, for an estimated $45,000.00. Under Finance actions, the Board was set to acknowledge receipt of the December 2025 Financial Statements and review the FY 2026-2027 Preliminary Budget, requiring authorization to schedule the Board of School Estimate Meeting to approve necessary appropriations. The meeting also featured a Student Spotlight presentation.

During the workshop, the key discussion topic involved a review of the College's Shared Governance Structure, which was presented by Dr. Homer. A copy of the presentation is maintained on file in the Office of the President.

The meeting commenced with a public statement confirming advance notice of the meeting. The floor was opened and closed for public comment, with no public input provided during those segments. The Board approved the minutes from the November 18, 2025, Regular Meeting and acknowledged receipt of minutes from various committees dated December 9, 2025. The Consent Agenda included the approval of personnel actions covering November 5 through December 4, 2025, and two changes to the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes for degree options in Technical Studies (Optics Manufacturing and Baking & Pastry). A Policy item, Policy No. 401.10 Cash and Investment Policy, was also approved. Financially, the Board acknowledged receipt and review of the November 2025 Financial Statements, which indicated revenues and expenses were generally in line with expectations and operating expenses were under budget year-to-date. The meeting included a presentation on the SCCC's 2025 Fall production of the play "Harvey" and a student spotlight on Benjamin "Ben" Smith and Ryan Van Nest. Discussions in Other Business included an update on the formation of the Sussex County Film Commission and ongoing partnership support for Project Self-Sufficiency. The Chair acknowledged the strong leadership team, staff, and students.