Lacie Ballinger

The meeting included a public comment session regarding student fees and a report on trustee activities. The Board accepted the 2025 Racial Profiling Report and authorized an interlocal agreement with the Fort Worth Convention Center for upcoming commencement ceremonies. Additionally, the Board designated authorized representatives for local government investment pool accounts, approved student fees for the 2027 academic year, and adopted revisions to local policies based on the Texas Association of School Boards manual update. The meeting concluded with a presentation of financial and investment reports, a report from the Chancellor regarding campus accolades and upcoming activities, and a closed session for consultation on legal and personnel matters.

The board discussed the curriculum and educational planning process, proposed the discontinuation and managed closure of ten Career and Technical Education programs, and reviewed proposed student fees for the 2027 academic year. Other key topics included selection of a commencement venue, the designation of authorized representatives for the District's local government investment pool accounts, the review of the 2025 racial profiling report, and the adoption of policy revisions from the Texas Association of School Boards manual. Additionally, the Chancellor provided updates regarding proposed dates for upcoming board retreats.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key business items, including the approval of the internal audit annual report and a renewal agreement for the TouchNet Payment Suite. The Board ratified an amendment to a construction contract and authorized a new agreement for construction management services for the Northeast Campus science building and renovations. Furthermore, the Board adopted budget considerations for the upcoming fiscal year and approved a resolution designating investment officers. The meeting also included presentations on the monthly financial report, quarterly bond program updates, and various institutional reports from the Chancellor.

The Board of Trustees Work Session included a Chancellor's overview featuring guest speakers from the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the South Campus. Key individual action items addressed included the approval of agreements for commencement ceremonies with Texas Christian University, a renewal agreement with Ellucian Company LLC for a payment suite, and an MOU with the Tarrant Area Food Bank to address student food insecurities. Additionally, the Board discussed amendments to construction contracts for the Northeast Campus, reviewed budget considerations for the upcoming fiscal year, and approved the designation of investment officers. An audit report for the prior fiscal year was presented, and the Board held a closed session regarding legal, personnel, and real property matters.

The meeting commenced with public comments where citizens expressed concerns regarding the perceived focus on racial demographics in faculty hiring and retention plans (item 6C), advocating instead for hiring based strictly on experience, qualifications, and merit, citing concerns about potential litigation and legal compliance with equal opportunity employment laws. The board also held a legally required public hearing regarding the levy and collection of an annual ad valorem tax, which was confirmed to be at the same rate as the previous year and not in excess of the no new revenue tax rate. Following the public hearing, the board approved the tax levy resolution. Additionally, the minutes from the August 12, 2021 work session and the August 19, 2021 board of trustees meeting were approved. A new trustee delivered an announcement emphasizing their oath to uphold the Constitution and state laws, asserting that hiring based on race violates both federal law and existing TCC policy.