Karen D. Ebert

The board meetings included a study session and a regular business meeting. Discussions covered the Governor's 2026 supplemental operating and capital budget proposals, a monitoring report on Goal 2 regarding completion and transfer rates, trends in international student enrollment, and updates on baccalaureate programs, including new proposed degree programs. Additional agenda items featured a recognition of a board member's service, an update on the legislative session and relevant policy proposals, reports from the Association of College Trustees and the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, and reports from system unions. The board also reviewed the development of standardized financial health measures for community and technical colleges and discussed the executive director's report.

The meeting included a legislative session wrap-up concerning the operating and capital budgets, a discussion on the development of a financial sustainability framework for colleges, and an academy session regarding capital budget processes. Other business included the approval of a new baccalaureate program at Pierce College, adoption of the 2027-2029 capital budget proposal, and authorization for the implementation of supplemental business services to support college operations. The board also chartered a workgroup to report on system efficiency, access, and district structure as requested by the Legislature, and received updates from the Association of College Trustees, the Washington Association for Community and Technical Colleges, and system unions.

The meeting focused on student financial updates within the CTC link system, specifically regarding the integration of a new homeschool checkbox and the standardization of low-income fee waivers. A poll was conducted to gauge sentiment on fee waiver policies for Running Start students. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the cessation of physical college-bound certificates and the transition to email-based proof of enrollment. The session also included a planning overview for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year, encompassing dual credit webinars and practitioner connect meetings.

The board meeting included a study session and a regular business meeting covering various strategic plan monitoring reports, workforce education awards, and allocations. Key discussion topics included progress toward the strategic goal of providing flexible career-training options, legislative updates, the approval of several resolutions related to capital expenditure authorities, operating budget allocations, emergency reserve funds, and the election of board leadership. The board also reviewed reports from the ACT, WACTC, and system unions, and conducted an executive session to discuss public employee performance.

The board discussed the wrap-up of the 2026 legislative session, including updates on operating and capital budget priorities, and addressed the development of a standardized fiscal health framework for community and technical colleges. Additionally, the board reviewed baccalaureate program trends and proposals, approved local capital expenditure authorities for various college infrastructure projects including performing arts building replacements and energy retrofits, and recognized the service of departing board members.