Keith Barnes

The committee discussed several financial items, including purchase reports for athletics, instructional equipment, and maintenance services. The board reviewed a fund transfer request for Classroom Building II, a resolution for a bond issue notification act public hearing, the cash and investment report, and the fiscal year 2026 second quarter vital signs. Operations updates covered the Classroom Building II status, the Downtown West project, change orders for various campus facilities, and the personnel report. The teaching, learning, and communications session included an overview of enrollment metrics, workforce development program outcomes, and a faculty tenure update.

The Board of Trustees held a regular meeting covering various institutional actions and updates. Key topics included the recognition of newly tenured faculty, the approval of a claims register and various purchase reports, and the passage of a resolution calling for a bond issue notification act public hearing for working cash bonds. Additionally, the board approved a fund transfer for the Classroom Building II project. Updates provided included reports on executive activities, academic achievements, enrollment trends, campus police and construction progress, and legislative advocacy efforts by trustees and the student trustee.

The board meeting included a Bond Issue Notification Act (BINA) hearing regarding the proposal to sell funding bonds to increase the working cash fund. Other key items included a sabbatical report on LGBTQIA+ student identity and belonging in community colleges, a 2025 economic impact analysis presentation, approval of purchase reports, an update to the Board Policy Manual regarding Human Resources, and authorization to proceed with architectural design for Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality Centers. The meeting also addressed operational updates and reports, including a personnel report and FOIA report.

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda covered several key discussion areas, including a review of the 14th Day Enrollment and Student Profile, and a discussion on the Return on Investment for Academic Program Support. Finance discussions involved reviewing Purchase Reports (A and B) and the Cash and Investment Report. Operations topics included a first reading of a Board Policy Manual update for Article 3 (Human Resources), the RVC/RVC Foundation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and updates on the Brightly / Capital Predictor Software, Downtown West, Classroom II Building (CLII), and Change Orders. The meeting also addressed the February 2026 Personnel Report. The board planned to adjourn to closed session to discuss employee employment and compensation matters, as well as collective negotiating matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Audit Report by Sikich LLP, which resulted in an unmodified opinion. A fee adjustment request from DKA Architects for the Downtown West project, due to scope expansion, was taken under advisement. Academic calendar revisions for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 were reviewed, alongside a Memorandum of Understanding with Hononegah Community High School District #207 concerning facility use. Enrollment updates showed positive trends for the Winterim and Spring sessions compared to budget goals. The lobbyist update focused on advancing community college baccalaureate goals and advocacy for the Downtown West project. Financial discussions covered purchase reports for FY2026 amendments and purchases, the FY2025 audit confirmation, and a $9.9 million capital projects request for FY2027, including vehicle replacement and infrastructure upgrades. Fund transfers totaling $15 million from operating funds were requested. Operations discussions centered on a Foundation proposal to fund a new Manager of Fund Development position, updates on the Downtown West project highlighting schedule pressure, and a review of design options for the failing Classroom Building II. Change orders resulting in capital fund credits were reported, and a personnel report noted faculty appointments and departures.