Leah Coyle

The meeting included a roll call and a presidential candidate interview with Dr. Flowers.

The board approved the Fiscal Year 2026 General Fund Budget. The total revenue is $44,191,000, with property taxes contributing $22,648,000 and tuition and fees accounting for $12,130,000. Appropriations amount to $6,669,000, and other sources provide $2,744,000. Total expenses are $44,170,000, which includes $28,812,000 for labor costs, $4,831,000 for capital investment and debt payments, and $3,714,000 for building costs. Services account for $3,023,000, supplies and materials cost $2,445,000, and travel, training, and other expenses total $1,345,000. The net income is $21,000.

The meeting included welcoming new members of the Lake Michigan College community and an announcement of Lake Michigan College being ranked as the #1 community college in Michigan and #13 nationally by SmartAsset. There was an update on the upcoming millage proposal and the Niles campus sale, including a partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Berrien RESA to establish a vocational/technical center. The board also discussed and approved a resolution demonstrating eligibility for performance funding appropriation earmarked for local strategic value and approved the Sick Leave & Earned Sick Time policy. Updates were provided on the start of the Fall 2025 semester, the upcoming MCCA Student Success Summit, and the formal dedication of the softball field in honor of Liz and Lloyd Miller.

The Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees meeting included updates on the West Campus Project and Jenkins Theatre. The board discussed the October board meeting date, a proposed contract with Kinexus Group for apprenticeship programs, and a review of the Sick Leave & Earned Sick Time policy. Updates were provided on the Police Academy graduation, the Leadership Accelerator program, Fall Beckwith Hall residents moving in, Welcome Week activities, the Resource Fair, New Student Orientation, Upward Bound summer programming, and financial aid processing.

The meeting included updates on the West Campus renovations, approval of the Benton Harbor & South Haven Pavement Repair project, and the fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budgets. Appointments, committee assignments, new members, and term renewals of Foundation Board members were confirmed. The board authorized a contract with Go Riteway for college athletic transportation and approved the submission of a proposition at a municipal election. Additionally, they authorized a design contract for the Benton Harbor Residence Hall and accepted the ratings report from Standard & Poor's. The board also approved the Anti-Hazing policy and reviewed policies on employee discipline, job eliminations, and wage adjustments based on cost-of-living adjustments. Department reports covered academic affairs, community impact, and student affairs, including athletics, campus life, and student well-being.