Kraig Bellows

The meeting was primarily focused on the presentation and discussion regarding the update of the Finance Policy Manual. Key points included the need to comply with New Mexico state laws and the transition from the Jenzibar system to Workday, which necessitates updating policies that referenced the older system. Concerns were raised regarding the specificity and thoroughness of the proposed new manual compared to the older procedural manual, particularly concerning audit compliance. The presenters assured the Board that the new policy manual, once approved, would serve as the official document, and procedures developed under it would be posted online. The Board members sought clarification on retaining the older manual for historical reference relating to Jenzibar records, but the goal was to move forward with the new policies aligned with current operational systems.

The meeting commenced with establishing a quorum and reviewing the agenda and minutes from the previous January 13th meeting, with several trustee attendance confirmations and corrections noted for the minutes regarding the presence of specific trustees at various sessions. Key discussion points included delays in receiving a foundation report, updates on the LCC Skills and Solutions Expo planning, corrections to the list of trustees attending a legislative round table, and concerns raised regarding the quilting class analysis update. Public comment included testimony expressing strong support for Dr. Carol Linder's leadership, emphasizing her value to the institution, and urging the board to reconsider the decision not to continue her contract due to institutional risks associated with leadership disruption. A section was dedicated to new personnel announcements, including the hiring of community education instructors, campus safety aides, administrative assistants, nursing program specialists, and noting the resignation of Dr. Thompson. The discussion also covered various staff and student recognitions.

The primary focus of this session was the swearing-in ceremony for newly elected members of the Board of Trustees, which included remarks from the new trustees regarding their goals, educational backgrounds, and commitment to the institution's future. Key discussion points included the positive impact of restored HLC accreditation, student enrollment increases, near doubling of graduation rates, filling vacant positions, and successful navigation of recent crises such as COVID-19, fires, and floods. The board also addressed procedural items, including the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting held on December 9, 2025. A trustee declared a potential conflict of interest regarding the CDL program to ensure transparency.

The meeting began with the call to order, establishment of quorum, and reading of the meeting notice, adhering to the Luna Community College Open Meetings Act resolution. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to public comment, where attendees expressed firm opposition to the potential contract termination of Dr. Linder. Concerns raised included the potential negative impact on community trust, institutional stability, and accreditation status with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Speakers emphasized Dr. Linder's stabilizing influence, support for departments and students (especially veterans), and positive impact on critical areas like filling vacant leadership positions and addressing the housing crisis. The board also received an update on emergency housing funding, noting the recent approval of funds by the state board of finance.

The Board of Trustees meeting included several key discussions and approvals. Agenda items covered the approval of the agenda for the November 11th regular meeting and the approval of minutes for both the November 11th regular meeting and the November 19th special session. A significant portion of the meeting involved moving into and exiting an executive session to discuss pending litigation. Following the executive session, the board addressed new personnel and employee recognition, welcoming several new employees in roles such as substitute teacher, veterans liaison, director of government and community relations, accountant, and administrative assistant. Shared governance reports detailed faculty senate work on planning service meetings and developing an AI policy, staff senate activities including turkey giveaways, and student senate efforts supporting the Luminadius event. The board also reviewed and discussed changes to Board of Trustees Policy 1520 concerning the student learning assessment plan, which was developed to address concerns raised by HLC regarding co-curricular assessment and programmatic review, and the plan includes updated templates and onboarding process integration for new faculty.