Justin J. Barnaby

The Board of Trustees convened for a special meeting, during which they entered into a closed session to discuss materials exempt from disclosure under state or federal statute, as permitted by the Michigan Open Meetings Act, before returning to open session and adjourning.

The Board addressed multiple administrative and operational items. Key actions included the approval of bank resolutions, revision of board bylaws regarding membership and authority, ratification of employee expenses, and approval of time reporting for the President and the Executive Assistant/Liaison to the Board. Additionally, several cooperative purchases were authorized for fire suppression cylinder replacements, data loss prevention tools, and elevator door replacements. The meeting also featured a special presentation on effective surveying and updates regarding board orientation and trustee responsibilities.

The agenda for the meeting included a Special Presentation from the Michigan Community College Association. Key action items for consent included approval regarding 2026-2027 Course Fees and Board of Trustees employee expenses and time reporting for December 2025 and January 2026, respectively. A Trustee-Generated Idea and Initiative focused on a needs analysis for recommendations stemming from a Book Stipend TGI, specifically examining expansions to the Library Textbook Lending Program, the College Food Pantry, and the Laptop Lending Program, with detailed cost breakdowns provided for various expansion phases. Monitoring reports covered Monthly Financial Statements (as of December 31, 2025), Monthly Police Department Report, and the Strategic Plan 2025-2027 Progress Report. Linkage Planning included reports from the Audit Committee (including the Single Audit Act Compliance Report) and the Policy Committee, as well as a Foundation Board Report.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the minutes from the September 15, 2025, Regular Board of Trustees meeting. Key discussions involved public comments concerning an employee's service, retirement, and the increase in health care costs. The Annual Comprehensive Audit Report was presented by Rehmann, noting the Single Audit of Federal Funds was not presented pending guidance from the U.S. Department of Education. Under Action Items, the Consent Agenda was approved after the removal of two Capital Project Requests. Subsequently, separate action was taken to approve the Capital Project Requests for the Arts and Sciences Building Fume Hood Replacements and the Health and Human Services Simulation Center, along with the transfer of 505 Capitol Avenue Capital Project Funds. Monthly monitoring reports were presented, and the Board approved a motion to support the ACCT Letter of Financial Support for participation in ACCT Committees. The Chair reported on the ACCT Leadership Congress, noting Trustee Proctor's election to the ACCT Board of Directors and Ms. Duncan receiving a national award. The Policy Committee provided an update on reviewing the Board's Bylaws and Governance Policies. Trustee Taylor introduced a proposal for a Campus Community and Safety Kiosk Initiative, which the Board decided to forward to the President for further investigation with a report due in 60 days. The session concluded with a Closed Session to consult with an attorney regarding pending litigation and to discuss information related to security and information systems.

The meeting included a land acknowledgment recognizing the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe Three Fires Confederacy. A special presentation featured two students reciting poems to recognize Black History Month, including an original piece by Damian Starks reflecting on cultural appropriation and systemic issues, and Chanel Matenuel Kelly reading "Freedom." The President's report highlighted excellent social media traction following the articulation agreement signing with Central Michigan University, coverage of flagship programs like Men About Progress Wise and Lucero, and referenced board actions regarding a food pantry and laptop lending program. The board celebrated a milestone for Men's Basketball Coach Mark Ingram, who achieved his 700th win. The President also announced that LCC will host the State of the City address on March 18, 2026, at the Dart Auditorium. Furthermore, the chair reported on the Trustees' effective advocacy at the recent ACCT National Legislative Summit (NLS). The chat feature was disabled due to insensitive remarks posted online.