Lawrence Barrett

The agenda for the regular meeting detailed several items for Board of Trustees action. Key discussions included the Mission Statement and Strategic Plan review, focusing on Priorities 1, 2, and 3, and aspirational goals from the President. The consent agenda items covered Personnel Matters, Routine Contracts and Agreements, Surplus Property approval, and approval/termination of various courses. Business Services items included requests for Budget Amendment Number Seven (7) for both the Restricted Current Fund (Fund 2) and the Capital Outlay Plan (Fund 7) for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The President's Report covered recognition for the Bellwether Award, the largest gift in institutional history from the Lakeshore Hospital Authority, status of bids for the Tiny House project, and legislative funding requests.

The meeting covered several reports and actions, including citizen comments regarding the elimination of an arts and crafts course and concerns about the Lakeshore Hospital Authority memorandum of understanding and resolution, which were alleged to contain untruths regarding its enabling legislation. The Student Government Association reported on various recent student engagement events, such as a welcome back event, s'mores bar, coffee mug decorating, and a softball fun day. The Academic Affairs report detailed a new partnership with the University of Florida's Gator Tracks program to benefit students pursuing agricultural degrees, updates on the FGC BrainBowl qualifying for the state tournament, and an upcoming educator summit in the summer focused on professional development. The Health Sciences report highlighted a 100% first-time pass rate for physical therapy licensing exams for the 2024-2025 year and the approval of the massage therapy program by the Florida Department of Health. The Workforce report noted a donation offer from the Department of Agriculture for trailers for the CDL program. The Student Services report showed slight increases in spring enrollment headcount and credit hours compared to the previous spring, and mentioned ongoing financial aid awareness events and Open House planning. Business Services requested approval for two budget amendments: Budget Amendment Number Six for the restricted current fund and Budget Amendment Number Six for the capital outlay plan for unexpended plant fund seven. The President's report mentioned the upcoming financial audit exit conference with no findings, and highlighted the college's nomination for the Bellweather award for bridging the gap in dual enrollment, noting significant increases in high school graduation rates for participating students. The President also confirmed receiving the $2.5 million check from the Lakeshore Hospital Authority, which will be matched by the state, dedicated to nursing education for Columbia County residents. Progress on the tiny houses project was also discussed, stating that bids were received but contract negotiation is delayed pending completion of utility infrastructure.

The meeting included a citizen audience segment where a speaker raised concerns regarding the legality of a recent $2.5 million donation commitment made by college staff to the Florida Foundation, potentially linked to the Lakesaw Hospital Authority, questioning the binding nature of associated student scholarships. Academic affairs reported on the success of the teacher prep program's Scholastic Book Fair, preparations for the holiday term, and the college achieving top 10 finalist status for the Bellweather Award for its program 'Bridging the Gap, Turning Dual Enrollment into Full Enrollment.' Nursing reported an 88.9% first-time pass rate on the INLEX, and the massage therapy program was awaiting final approval. Workforce updates included progress on the welding remodel. Resources reported on a student receiving the Frederick C. Booth Scholarship and a significant donation of a 2015 Kenworth pumper truck from Columbia County Fire Rescue for the fire program. Enrollment and marketing reported a 21% increase in student count for the upcoming spring registration compared to the previous year, along with positive feedback on the Halloween-themed registration rush week. Business services requested and received approval for a contract for electrical services for welding equipment and approvals for two budget amendments (numbers three and four) for the restricted current fund for the 2526 fiscal year.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an address to the audience. The board approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting. Academic affairs included a report on the success of the HAL team at the FCSPA conference, resulting in multiple first-place awards, and the election of Dr. Troy Appling as Vice President of the Florida College System Publications Association. Updates were provided on the holiday term's success, nursing pinning ceremonies (19 LPN, 67 RN, 26 BSN students), and workforce performance, noting a 96% first-time pass rate for 42 graduating firefighter program students. The college anticipates a busy spring semester with increased enrollment numbers (2.2% headcount increase, 2.6% credit hour increase). Several infrastructure projects were discussed: the welding lab renovation is ahead of schedule, the STEM 2 building has a roof, HVAC renovation in the Howard Center is underway, and new video scoreboards are being installed in the Howard Center. Other capital projects include the tiny home project with RFPs submitted, progress on the downtown campus building (awaiting state approval for massage therapy), and upcoming work on the X-ray technician area. The legislative session agenda includes funding requests for the Howard Center (ADA bathroom renovations) and the downtown Lakeshore Rolph building. Business services reported on budget amendment number five for restricted current fund two, recognizing revised award authorizations and new grants, and budget amendment five for fund 7 reflecting revised expenditures. The President's report highlighted foundation naming opportunities, specifically Room 115 and the atrium in the Wilson S. Rivers Library Media Center. The college is also preparing for 'Instant Decision Days' at local high schools, promoting the 2026 scholarship application, and hosting a Valentine's night event featuring Billy Joel and Elton John tributes. Discussions are commencing with Belmont Academy regarding charter school development.

The board meeting agenda included several action items for approval, such as Personnel Matters, Routine Contracts and Agreements, Surplus Property, Approval of Course Changes, Approval of New Courses, Approval of Program Changes, Approval of Course Termination, Approval of Foundation Donation, Approval of Revised Policy 6Hx12:09-40 regarding Transfer Credit Evaluation, and Approval of the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. Business Services presented Budget Amendment Number Six (6) for the Restricted Current Fund (Fund 2) and Capital Outlay Plan for the Unexpended Plant Fund for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The President's Report covered updates on various projects including the Welding Lab, STEM II completion, HVAC system replacement, Tiny Homes project RFP review, Downtown Campus building progress, and the development of the X-Ray Technician program. The President also reminded the Board of two legislative requests and noted the college's selection to compete in the Bellwether College Consortium.