Kristine Anderson

Muskegon Community College is seeking community input on a proposal to restore its operating millage to the level originally approved by voters. This restoration aims to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, affordable education and facilitate investments in key upgrades, including aging infrastructure, classrooms, student spaces, and athletic facilities. The college intends to present this proposal on the August 2026 ballot, contingent upon community feedback.

The meeting included a review of the Strategic Plan Transfer Domain, led by President Selmon, focusing on objectives to increase student transfer rates to four-year institutions (targeting an increase from 31% to 36% by Summer 2030) and the completion of the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) (targeting an increase from 287 to 400 students by Summer 2029). The board also reviewed reverse transfer degree completion goals. In administrative reports, President Selmon discussed federal and state legislative priorities and announced his attendance at the 2026 National Legislative Summit. Updates were provided on MCC Nursing NCLEX pass rates (100% for PN, 97.3% for RN for Fall 2025) and winter enrollment headcount (+4.4%). The Board approved a sole source selection for the renewal of the Stevenson Center chiller from Trane Technologies for $67,673. Additionally, the Board approved an update to the policy regarding Public General Comments, limiting participation to five individuals for three minutes each.

Key discussions included the presentation of community survey results by Banach, Banach & Cassidy, Inc., which highlighted a strong Net Promoter Score (+44.13) but also identified concerns regarding aging facilities, food options, and transfer advising. Recommendations focused on facility modernization and strengthening the college's workforce narrative, with plans for a work session on millage restoration. A focus panel detailed the Workforce Focus Area strategy, including objectives to increase employer partnerships, add new academic programs, enhance career preparation services utilization, and define employment pathways for occupational programs. Financial reports indicated Fall and Winter enrollment trending over budget, and the Operating Fund is projecting a reduced deficit of $3.4M. The President reported on meetings with state senators regarding workforce and Pell Grants, updates on the OH-MI Pathways Initiatives, and ongoing focus on Artificial Intelligence integration. New business involved approving a 5-year contract with Clark Construction Company, approving the election services campaign phase for Millage Restoration, contracting with Cintas Corporation for Automated External Defibrillators, and waiving the requirement for a new Request for Proposals for independent audit services for upcoming fiscal years.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including a review of the Strategic Plan Transfer Domain, with objectives focused on increasing student transfers to four-year institutions and increasing the number of students completing the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) and reverse transfer degrees. Administrative reports covered legislative priorities, support for community groups, high NCLEX pass rates for Nursing programs, and an update on ongoing millage focus panels and survey results. Winter enrollment showed positive growth in headcount and contact hours. Business included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered minutes from the previous meeting, budget/finance reports, and personnel reports. A sole source approval was granted to Trane Technologies for a chiller renewal at the Stevenson Center. A policy update related to Open Meetings language was approved, limiting public general comments to five participants.

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence honoring the passing of instructor Daniel Meyers, followed by approval of the modified agenda. The Consent Agenda was approved, which included the financial reports for the first quarter ending September 30, 2025. The financial report projected a favorable operating fund due to expected revenue increases from enrollment and savings in salaries and fringes, leading to a projected fund balance of 22.9%. Key discussions included the outreach plan for Millage Restoration Pre-Election, with focus panels scheduled for January. The President reported on legislative advocacy efforts concerning Federal Workforce Pell Legislation and followed up on the passing of Daniel Meyers. Updates were provided on strategic planning timelines, external partnerships, and winter enrollment status. In Old Business, a decision was made to retain The Foundation Update under Business Non-Operational. New Business involved approving several Requests for Proposal (RFPs) for bookstore services, a food service provider, and construction management services. The Board also approved issuing a contract with Coursedog for scheduling modules and a sole-source selection for an exterior-rated oil-filled transformer. Policy governance included reviewing updates to the Cost of Governance policy and public comment procedures, with a decision on public comment time limits deferred to January.