Lazaro Barroso

The agenda for the meeting includes updates from the college president, a mission moment, and several reports covering strategic plan development, a compensation plan study, and the budget update for FY 2027. New business items involve the engagement of an external auditor for the 2026 fiscal year, authorization for the disposal of surplus equipment, and a facilities rental agreement update. The board will also review financial reports, employment contracts, and committee reports. An executive session is scheduled to discuss campus safety, legal matters, and presidential administrative responsibilities.

The meeting agenda encompasses a variety of institutional matters, including performance reports, strategic plan updates, and enrollment initiatives. New business items involve the potential cancellation of the Board of Trustee election, approval of a summer work week schedule, review of instructional materials costs, disposal of dental hygiene equipment, academic calendar amendments, and procurement of internet services. The board will also review financial and investment reports, receive committee updates, and conduct an executive session to discuss campus safety, legal compliance, and personnel-related administrative matters.

The meeting included a college president's update covering a new engineering academy partnership, community engagement initiatives such as a parade and school reading program, and the awarding of a student scholarship. A mission moment was dedicated to recognizing a retiring staff member for their long-term service to the college. Additionally, the Board reviewed the 2024-2025 annual performance report, which analyzed student success metrics, course modalities, TSI readiness, and student composition, noting that most students transfer to Texas A&M University institutions.

The Board meeting included updates from the College President regarding institutional partnerships, community engagement, professional development activities, student government initiatives, and recent national recognitions. The Board reviewed an annual tax abatement report and discussed potential maintenance tax notes for deferred facility projects. Additionally, the Board approved a procurement contract for an upgraded video conferencing and telephone system, authorized the disposal of college-owned cellular phones, adopted policy updates regarding employee grievance processes to align with the TASB manual, and approved the disposal of dormitory furniture for replacement. Financial reports for January 2026 were also presented and reviewed.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and public comments section. Key discussions in the President's Update included a Meet and Greet in Alice concerning the Open Education Resource (OER) framework and the Promise Program, a Community Thanksgiving Drive distributing 130 turkeys, and the presentation of the Cougar to Jaguar Rural Scholars Initiative to South Texas College (STC), leading to a tuition-free bachelor's degree pathway for 15 CBC students starting Fall 2026. Recognition was given for achievements including Chamber Ambassador of the Year and Educational Supporter of the Year awards, and the public launch of the Promise Program at the 60th Anniversary Gala, securing over $5,000 in pledges. A Mission Moment highlighted the in-house repair and refurbishment of the CBC parade float. A significant item involved the recognition and presentation of a plaque to Jeff Massengill for his six years of service, including his tenure as Board Chair during the Presidential Transition, followed by his departure from the meeting. Business matters included the approval of the Fourth Quarter Investment Report, certifying Board Training Compliance, approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Financial Statement Audit with an unmodified opinion, and the awarding of a contract for Emergency Potable Water Response and Infrastructure Support due to local water conservation emergencies. The Board also approved amendments to the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar to add a professional development day and approved the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar. Contracts were awarded for HVAC Upgrades and Re-Roofing for the Jaure & Latcham Buildings, the purchase of two CNC Plasma Cutting Machines funded by the Perkins Grant, and the purchase of Dental Hygiene Chairs using foundation donation funds. Policy updates to align with the recent TASB Update 50, including a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, were approved. The Board also approved the Monthly Financial Reports for November 2025 and subsequently approved personnel actions related to contracts and the appointment of Anna Marie Silvas to the Board of Trustees, Place 2, following an executive session.