Katrina Lefrancois-Hanson

The Board discussed various institutional matters, including updates on the FY26 operating budget, the Head Start 5-year grant submission, and the Foundation Report. Key actions included the approval of Student Government budget revisions and the initiation of processes for tenure consideration and the elimination of the Business Information Technology - Advanced Office and Communications Certificate. The Board also reviewed and provided feedback on several policies and procedures, specifically those related to the Board Member Code of Ethics, Philosophy of Governance, Civility and Respect, and Equity, Inclusion, and Student Success.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several significant items, including the approval of tenure for eight faculty members and the renewal of first and second-year tenure probationary appointments for various faculty. The Board reviewed reports from student, classified staff, and faculty representatives, the Foundation, and the President. Additional business included consideration of a Head Start transfer of governance, endorsement of tuition rates for the upcoming fiscal year, and course fee changes. A study session regarding the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center and Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center was conducted. Following an executive session, the Board approved an amendment to the President's employment contract.

Key discussions during the meeting included the proposed transfer of governance for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs, requiring the Board of Trustees to serve as the Governing Body with delegated operational responsibilities to the President, as mandated by the State Auditor's Office. The Board was asked to endorse the 3.3% tuition rate increase for FY27, noting that the Services and Activities (S&A) Fee component would be addressed separately. Course fee changes were considered, including increases for Art/Pottery supplies and Music Private Lessons. The Associated Students of Edmonds College proposed their FY2026-27 fees, including a 3.2% increase to the S&A Fee. The Board also considered tenure status for eight faculty members, with final approval planned for the subsequent meeting. A study session provided an update on the Comprehensive Plan mid-year progress across all six goals, focusing on items such as the establishment of a Center for Professional Education, analysis of first-year student data, digital accessibility audits, and efforts to increase AI fluency.

The meeting agenda included various key items. Informational reports covered the Q2 Budget Update, noting salary increases due to enrollment and earlier spending patterns, and the Foundation Report, highlighting recent fundraising successes and upcoming events. The President's Report was also scheduled. New Business considerations involved the proposed transfer of governance for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs to the Board of Trustees, with subsequent delegation of operational duties to the President, the endorsement of the 2026-27 tuition and fee rates (which reflect a 3.3% resident operating fee increase), and consideration of specific course fee increases for Art/Pottery and MUSC/Private Lessons. Final action requested included the FY24 Audit Presentation and the formal Approval of the FY24 Financial Statements, which noted one finding regarding untimely bank reconciliations that has since been corrected. The meeting concluded with a Study Session dedicated to the Comprehensive Plan Mid-Year Update, which reviewed institutional performance indicators such as enrollment, course pass rates, and persistence rates, and an Executive Session.

The meeting agenda included reports and discussions on institutional performance metrics (KPIs/Lagging Metrics) and the Q1 Budget Update, which indicated a possible shortfall against projected revenues for the FY26 Operating Budget. The Board also considered and approved Resolution #25-11-1, updating the 2025-26 College Priorities by revising Strategy 4A under Goal 4 (Capacity & Operational Excellence) to focus on leveraging internal systems within ctcLink instead of implementing the previously considered ConexED software. Reports were provided by the Foundation, Student Government, Classified Staff, and Faculty Representatives, including discussions regarding high-demand faculty stipends and legislative advocacy efforts. A study session was held concerning the Financial Aid Office's operations, including increases in FAFSA applications and aid disbursement metrics. The meeting concluded with an Executive Session to discuss personnel and real estate matters.