Kurt Augsburger

This document reports on the strategic investments made through Measure CC to enhance Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College. The key focus areas include modernizing classrooms, labs, and career training facilities, implementing sustainable infrastructure like solar power and energy-efficient buildings, and fostering community development. Strategic outcomes involve preparing students for high-demand careers, generating local job opportunities, supporting local businesses, and ensuring responsible use of taxpayer funds for long-term educational and economic benefit.

The February 12, 2026 meeting agenda included several key items presented for information and action. Information items covered the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee Annual Report, recognition for employees who received Caring Hands Applause Cards, and the Chancellor's Report, which included updates on SBCCD advocating at the State Capitol for the centennial year, receiving a $3.5 million state grant to expand career training, and launching a community priorities survey to inform long-term strategic planning. The Chancellor's Report also detailed updates on Strategic Plan Goal 2 regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Action Agenda featured the approval of minutes from prior meetings (Business Meeting on 01-22-26 and Retreat on 01-22-26), prioritizing Board Directives for the 2026-27 Budget, reviewing Independent Audits for the District and Measure CC/M Bond Programs, and approving a resolution to terminate the Joint Powers Agreement for the San Bernardino Emergency Training Center. The Consent Agenda covered routine items related to Human Resources, Business & Fiscal Services, and Facilities.

The meeting convened as a public meeting, noting that the Student Trustee participated via Zoom with an advisory vote only. Key agenda items included a presentation on improving student success through people, culture, and belonging, detailing DEIA efforts, revised hiring processes, and applicant data reflecting strong diversity metrics. Specific program spotlights included the multilingual program at Crafton Hills College, supported by zero-cost textbook funding, and the utilization of the EEO best practices grant to enhance equity-minded instruction and provide faculty with disaggregated student success data. The Board also recognized two employees for retirement after many years of service.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and confirmation that the meeting was conducted pursuant to the Ralph M. Brown Act, with some trustees participating via Zoom conference. Key discussions included the annual report from the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, which confirmed the district's compliance with bond requirements and noted that $78 million of the original $500 million bond issue remained. The Board Finance Committee reported on reaffirming its charge, reviewing the Pension Rate Stabilization Trust investment strategy (preference for a 5.8% expected return), and providing updates on bond measure projects, noting $27 million in contracts awarded to local businesses. The Board Legislative Committee reported on updates regarding HSI funding, a recent Sacramento advocacy visit which included celebrating the 100th anniversary of San Bernardino Valley College, and developments in state legislation affecting the district, including opportunities for work-based learning grants. The Board Policy Committee reported on the annual review of board policies and procedures (Chapters 1 and 2) and approved the inclusion of an annual board self-evaluation policy review. The Chancellor reported on launching the SBCC Institute for Excellence for professional development, the extension of the College Corps grant program providing students with service-based stipends, and recognized the Board of Trustees for their efforts in advocating for college affordability and expanding financial aid. The San Bernardino Regional Emergency Training Center Joint Powers Authority decided to begin the process of dissolution.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and confirmation that Student Trustee Espinosa participated via Zoom with an advisory vote. Key discussions included public comment segments featuring updates on the Redlands Historical Museum Association's progress toward opening and a welcoming of the Board to the facility, as well as remarks from the Director of Aki Smiley Public Library concerning the partnership with the museum. The board recognized two retiring employees: Kim Dubois Eastman, Professor of Psychiatric Technology, and Bruce Underwood, Professor of Business. Reports from various board committees were noted as having no items to report. The Chancellor's report highlighted the district's upcoming 100th anniversary, featuring a centennial video emphasizing the district's historical impact and future plans for expansion and community engagement. The Chancellor also acknowledged receiving the Educator of the Year award and Trustee Longville receiving a lifetime achievement award for his public service, including authoring the legislation that established the official state observance of Juneteenth. Action items included the approval of minutes from the December 12, 2025 meeting, first read of the 2026-2027 budget guiding principles, approval of guiding principles for a $15 million state grant to KVCR, approval of guiding principles for FCC auction proceeds, and the naming of an engine bay as the Captain Michael Orland engine bay.