Kimberly Adams

The strategic planning retreat focused on reviewing several key areas. Discussions included an overview of the college-wide Holistic Support Model designed to enhance student persistence and completion, as well as the 2025-2026 annual recruitment plan. Updates were provided on the Promise @ San Jac scholarship program, including enrollment trends, and the transition plan for the Commercial Truck Driving Program to an external provider. The Board received updates on the implementation structure of BOLD 2030, employee demographic and retention data, and plans for the Ellucian Banner SaaS transition and phone systems modernization. Further topics included a review of the capital projects plan, future funding needs, and consideration of designating $3 million of unrestricted cash reserves for future capital projects. The retreat also addressed the framework for the Fiscal Year 2027 unrestricted budget and guidance on property tax exemptions for homesteads and seniors over age 65. The session concluded with a summary of follow-up items.

The meeting included special announcements and recognitions, such as recognition for San Jac Online, the 2025-2026 Excellence Award Recipients, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award for the Biomanufacturing Program. Student success data for Fall 2025 was presented. Informative reports covered monthly and quarterly financial statements, investment reports, and updates on the Capital Improvement Program for November and December 2025. Key actions included the approval of an amendment to the 2025-2026 Budget for Restricted Revenue and Expenses related to grants, the adoption of Policy III.3001.H (Fixed Assets), adoption of the Authorized Broker/Dealer List, and designation of Unrestricted Cash Reserves for future capital projects. The Board also authorized the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds and Combined Fee Revenue Refunding Bonds. Purchasing requests totaling $9,679,702 were approved, covering items such as college-wide copier lease/maintenance, service desk software, elevator maintenance, promotional items, a 3D metal printing unit, direct mail magazine services, medical equipment, and cloud ERP software licenses.

The agenda for the regularly scheduled Board meeting includes several key areas. Special recognitions and presentations cover the San Jac Online Recognition, the 2025-2026 Excellence Award Recipients, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award for the Biomanufacturing Program. Student success is highlighted through a presentation of Fall 2025 Student Success Data. Informative reports include the San Jacinto College Monthly Financial Statements (for November and December 2025), Monthly Investment Reports (for November and December 2025), the Quarterly Investment Report, and reports on the Capital Improvement Program (for November and December 2025). Action items involve the consideration of budget amendments for restricted revenue and expenses, approval of Policy III.3001.H (Fixed Assets), adoption of an Authorized Broker/Dealer List, designation of Unrestricted Cash Reserves for future capital projects, and authorization related to the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds and Combined Fee Revenue Refunding Bonds.

Key discussions and actions included consideration of delegation of authority for several capital projects, such as the skylight replacement at South Campus Science and Allied Health Building (S1) and plumbing repairs at North Campus Interactive Learning Center (N2) and South Campus Interactive Learning Center (S12). The committee also considered approval for funding to install a transfer trip relay system for the South Campus solar array integration and allocation of $500,000 in Capital Projects Funds for roof-drain repairs at N2 and S12. Safety metrics reported one property damage incident involving a buried electrical conduit causing a power loss at the Academic Building - North (S7), which was subsequently repaired. Several ongoing roof repair and coating projects across the Central Campus were updated. Significant energy efficiency progress was noted, with a 29 percent reduction in electricity usage and 65 percent reduction in natural gas usage over four years. Financial reports covered the 2015 Bond, Generation Park center, Bond Interest Earnings, and an extension update for SECO LoanSTAR funded projects. Under Operating Funds, updates included a forthcoming transition of housekeeping services from ABM to CCS and a chilled water failure at the North Campus affecting two buildings.

The Board of Trustees meeting was structured as a Strategic Planning Retreat. Key discussions included an overview of student support systems and outreach efforts, review of the Promise Program, and review of the plan for the Commercial Truck Driving Program. Further agenda items covered the roll-out update of BOLD 2030, review of employee demographic and retention data, and review of plans for Ellucian (Banner) and phone systems. The board also reviewed the Capital Projects Plan and future funding needs, financial and operating comparisons to peers, designation of unrestricted cash reserves for future capital projects, and plans for the Fiscal Year 2027 Unrestricted Budget and property tax exemptions. Finally, the board planned to discuss revisions to Board Bylaws and Ethical Conduct and Conflicts of Interest Policies and Procedures. The session included an adjournment to closed or executive session to consult with the Board's attorney regarding legal matters and to consider personnel matters.