Julie Ashlock

The agenda for the District Board meeting included an open session call to order with roll call and compliance check regarding the Open Meetings Law. Key discussions involved public comments, approval of consent agenda items covering January 2026 bills, financial report, and reports from Human Resources, Procurement, and Construction. Board action items focused on authorizing the sale and issuance of $1,500,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes (Series 2025-2026I and J), and adopting resolutions to approve the Single Audit Report. Reports included updates from the Chairperson (including District Boards Report and Foundation Liaison Report), the President (highlighting M³ Speed Networking, laptop/grant donation, inauguration of the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician program, and the MLK Jr. Celebration), the Treasurer, the District Student Senate, and the PBS General Manager. Board monitoring covered a review of the Board Self Evaluation Instrument and Advisory Councils, as well as a presentation on the Office of Community Impact. New business involved following up with a student who spoke during public comments.

The meeting included confirmation of compliance with the Open Meetings Law and public comments regarding Community Education. The board approved the Consent Agenda items, which covered bills for November and December 2025, the Financial Report for December 2025, and reports on Human Resources, Procurement, and Construction. Key board actions involved approving resolutions authorizing the sale and issuance of $1,500,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2025-2026H and 2025-2026I. Additionally, resolutions were approved for the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the Auditor's Communication, the FY2025-2026 Annual Budget Amendment, and the proposed Fire Medic Program. A policy retirement regarding Salary and Compensation for Non-represented Trades Personnel was discussed. Monthly reports covered commencement events, future meetings, the M³ Speed Networking event, a significant grant and laptop donation from the AT&T Foundation and Compudopt, the inauguration of the Biotechnology Laboratory Technician associate degree program, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration, and an update on the Office of Community Impact grand opening. The bi-monthly PBS General Manager's Report highlighted involvement with ATSC 3 implementation and local programming production. The session concluded with a discussion on the Office of Community Impact update and a closed session for the President's Semi-Annual Performance Evaluation.

The meeting commenced with confirmation of compliance with open meetings law and public comment procedures. Key discussion points included public commentary urging the board to address concerns regarding the termination of five employees of color (the 'four plus one') and the restructuring of multicultural services, alongside calls for reinstatement, restoration of lost wages, and an independent audit of human resources practices. The board addressed consent agenda items, including detailed discussion and approval of the establishment of the second Ellen and Joe Chakakota scholarship program, involving a potential $5 million commitment from MATC. Additionally, the board authorized the sale of $1.5 million general obligation promissory notes series 2025-2026 I, approved another series of notes (2025-2026 J), and approved the single audit report for the period ending June 30, 2025, which resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion. The Chairperson reported on attendance at the Association of Community College Trustees National Legislative Summit.

The 'Ascend Together 2030' strategic plan for Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) is designed to strengthen the institution, enhance student success, and deepen its role in the community. The plan focuses on three core priorities: fostering student success through transformative learning experiences and supportive resources; building community trust by expanding partnerships, strengthening career readiness, and cultivating economic mobility; and promoting a caring culture through employee engagement, professional growth, and well-being. This strategic direction aims to drive growth in the regional economy and contribute to community vitality.

The District Board meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and action. Board Action Items involved adopting resolutions authorizing the sale and issuance of $1,500,000 General Obligation Promissory Notes for building remodeling and improvement projects. Reports covered the Chairperson's update on the Presidential Search, the President's report on Governor Evers' AI Task Force meeting and recognition of various program graduates (IET, GED/HSED, Second Chance Pell), the Enrollment Report, the Milwaukee PBS update, and the District Student Senate report. Board Monitoring items included a review of the Board Self-Evaluation Instrument, an update on Community Education's growth and space concerns, and a postponed update regarding Zancil. New Business requested follow-up on student concerns about Westown Green. Attachments detailed December 2023 financial reports, January 2024 HR new hires and status changes, January 2024 separations, recommended sabbaticals for 2024-2025, and procurement approval for a CNC Vertical Machining Center.