Larry Allen

The Board of Trustees meeting agenda covered several areas, including reports from various internal bodies such as the Student Senate, College Lobbyist, Shared Governance, Faculty Association, and several Trustees regarding external associations. Committee reports included recommendations from the Board Governance Committee for the FY26 Working Agenda, and from the Management and Finance Committee for the approval of the Active Learning Classroom Remodel project, specifically recommending the proposal from Bull Creek Construction for $414,629 plus contingency. The President's recommendations for action included approval of the Treasurer's Report for December 2025 and the Monthly Report to the Board. New business items included the ratification of cash disbursements totaling $7,946,872.23, approval of accepted grants including the Small Business Development Center award of $100,000, and approval of listed separations and retirements. The Board was also asked to authorize entering into various affiliation, articulation, cooperative, and other agreements.

The meeting featured a student spotlight presentation by Brecken Hoy, a business major and student-athlete, who shared reflections on family values, accountability, and the strength derived from supporting teammates. Following this, Holly Dressler provided a detailed report on Access Services, emphasizing the department's long-standing commitment to accessibility, current efforts to meet digital accessibility guidelines, and the range of accommodations provided, noting over 1,000 students are currently supported. The Student Senate President, Oliver Gonzales, reported on new senator elections, upcoming elections, initiatives to amplify student voices concerning campus safety issues like stairwell visibility, and fundraising efforts including a new Just Giving campaign. The college lobbyist, Dick Carter, provided an update on the legislative session, focusing on budget debates, the progress of property tax reform bills such as HB 2745, and various higher education bills including one regarding nursing instructor qualifications. The Director of the Academic Achievement Center, Kaitlin Krumsick, reported on shared governance efforts, stressing the importance of relationship building between faculty, staff, and administration for improved communication and problem-solving. The Faculty Association President, Irene Olivares, highlighted faculty advisors involved with numerous student organizations, detailing specific activities of clubs like the Autonomous Vehicle Design Team, GSA, and the Finance Club, and mentioned a scholarship initiative funded by faculty textbook royalties. Trustee Rattan reported that J Cert distributed sales tax revenue to three university entities. Trustee Mitchell reported on the Foundation, noting the selection of Greg Musil as Johnson Countian of the Year, providing an investment update showing a 13% market value increase, and announcing upcoming events. The Audit Committee Chair reported on activities, including the completion of an Information Technology General Controls review (ITGC), results of a cash handling review, enhancements to the ethics report line, and an update on open recommendations from the recent Foundation audit.

The board received updates from various groups including the Student Senate, the college lobbyist regarding legislative reports, Shared Governance, the Faculty Association, and reports on the Johnson County Education Research Triangle, the Kansas Association of Community Colleges, and the JCCC Foundation, which noted a 13% increase in market value. The board reviewed and accepted reports from several committees, including Audit, Board Governance, Employee Engagement & Development, Management and Finance, and Student Success. Key financial actions included the approval of a construction proposal from Bull Creek Construction and the acceptance of the Treasurer's Report. The President's report highlighted credit registration, grant successes, and legislative advocacy efforts. Additionally, the board approved the consent agenda, which encompassed affiliation agreements, cash disbursements, grants, and human resources items, and held an executive session regarding a personnel matter.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the swearing in of new board members, Chad Carroll and Geoff Holton. Board reports included updates from the College Lobbyist regarding legislative matters, a Shared Governance update highlighting positive employee participation, and a Faculty Association update recognizing faculty achievements and sabbatical recipients. The Johnson County Education Research Triangle and Kansas Association of Community Colleges provided updates. The JCCC Foundation reported on 2025 highlights, including substantial donations and new scholarship funds. Committee reports included the acceptance of the Employee Engagement & Development Committee and Management and Finance Committee working agendas. The Board unanimously approved the Facilities Naming Committee's proposal to rename four spaces. Proposals were also accepted for construction services. The Student Success Committee working agenda was also accepted. Action items included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for November 2025. The President's Monthly Report highlighted positive enrollment trends, progress on the HCRC reaffirmation process, and outlined goals for graduation rates and fundraising. The Consent Agenda included the approval of minutes from the December 18, 2025 meeting, various agreements, ratification of cash disbursements totaling $5,629,716.28, curriculum changes, and acceptance of employee separations. An executive session was held to consult with legal counsel regarding a pending personnel matter.

The board meeting featured a student spotlight highlighting individual student success at the college and a campus spotlight presentation on the Student Basic Needs Center, which provides food, equipment loans, and financial assistance to students. Additionally, the board received a report from the Student Senate president regarding recent elections, funding requests for student organizations, and campus safety initiatives. The meeting concluded with a legislative update covering ongoing bills in the state legislature, budget discussions, and policy changes relevant to the community college system.