Karen Barger

The board meeting covered several operational and administrative topics. Discussion included the Student Life report on admissions and recruitment initiatives, and an administrative update regarding financial expenditures, facilities maintenance, and elevator repairs. The president provided updates on onboarding, legislative events, and upcoming calendar items. The board approved revisions to several institutional policies, reviewed personnel matters in executive session, and authorized the renewal of athletic insurance. Further actions included approving new staff employment letters, a new faculty position, faculty contract transfers, the 2027 property tax levy certification, the 2026-2027 Master Agreement, and salary increases for staff and administration.

The agenda encompasses a variety of administrative and operational discussions, including faculty senate, student government, and various administrative reports such as budget expenditure comparisons, budget assumptions, insurance renewal, and facilities reports. New business items include policy reviews, a department review, approval of bills, faculty contract approval, new staff employment letters, and a new vehicle purchase. The meeting also provides an opportunity for public comment.

The Board engaged in multiple executive sessions to discuss personnel matters and employer-employee negotiations. Key reports included updates on Student Government activities, an overview of budget expenditures, facility progress on the Zetmeir Building, and institutional highlights regarding commencement ceremonies and legislative discussions on reduced credit hour degrees. New business actions involved the approval of a faculty contract for an Assistant Professor of English, employment letters for new staff positions, approval of the Claims Register, and the establishment of a new faculty position for Allied Health.

The meeting included reports on student government activities, budget expenditures, facility projects, and legislative funding. The Board approved a tuition increase for the upcoming academic year and accepted comprehensive program reviews for Chemistry, Exercise Science, Nursing, and Pre-Pharmacy. Additionally, the Board handled staff employment letters, administrative contracts, faculty retirements, the discontinuation of the Physical Therapist Assistant program, and the approval of the Claims Register. Several executive sessions were held to discuss personnel matters, employer-employee negotiations, and student privacy.

The Labette Community College Strategic Plan 2026-2027 outlines the institution's direction to enhance its standing and achieve excellence in all programs, services, and activities. The plan is structured around five core values: Student Learning, Education for a Globally Connected World, Continuous Improvement, Integrity and Transparency, and Sustainability of the Institution. Key priorities include providing quality learning opportunities, preparing students for a globally connected world, fostering continuous institutional improvement, ensuring ethical practices, and maintaining long-term institutional viability and financial accountability.