Leslie Erwin

The Board of Trustees meeting included several significant actions and reports. The Finance Committee reported a clean audit for fiscal year 2025 with an unmodified opinion. Discussions on Student Profile focused on enrollment data, growth in the College Credit Plus program, and student wellness survey results. The President's report covered support for military-affiliated students, including fundraising from a Military Appreciation Night event, academic updates like an art show and faculty development, and the successful Phase I launch of the website redesign. Human Resources reported on ongoing management training and the upcoming distribution of merit increases for eligible staff effective January 2026. Student Life highlighted various engagement activities and the assembly of Thanksgiving meal packets. The Board approved several resolutions: employment and revised assignments of personnel, granting tenure to eligible faculty members, approving performance-based merit adjustments for non-bargaining staff effective January 2026, adopting an amended plan for the American Civic Literacy Course, approving terms for the 2026-2027 College Credit Plus Program, approving candidates for graduation for Summer and Fall Semesters 2025, certifying appropriations requiring Board approval, awarding a contract not to exceed $1,000,000 for HVAC equipment purchase, and amending/adopting several policies related to anti-discrimination, reduction in force, faculty evaluation, tenure, and workload. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss collective bargaining strategy and property transactions.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting includes several key items. The meeting will commence with a roll call and adjustment of the proposed agenda, followed by the review of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held on December 2, 2025. Major discussion points involve the 2026-2027 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule, the Election of Officers (Chair and Vice Chair), and Board Education focused on Student Engagement. The President's Report will be delivered, followed by a Monitoring Report on Student Success. The President is also presenting several recommendations for Board approval, including Employment of Personnel, Chartering of Standing Committees and Appointments, Appointment of OACC Delegate and Alternate, Trustee Recognition, Recommendation for the Adoption of a Curricular Approval Process, Then and Now Certifications of Appropriations, and recommendations for policy amendments concerning Student Directory Information Disclosure and Health/Life Insurance. The meeting concludes with a Financial Report, Dates to Remember, Statements and Comments by Board Members, and consideration of an Executive Session.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on reviewing the April Fiscal Year 2025 Monthly Financial Report, noting key trends in revenue, expenses, and vacancy factor projections, which stood at 14 percent, with less turnover than anticipated. Discussions covered year-over-year comparisons for wages and fringes, noting that healthcare claims were up overall despite a recent decrease. The committee also reviewed the Balance Sheet and projections related to Senate Bill 6 Ratio. A significant portion of the meeting involved reviewing the Draft Proposed Budget for FY 2026, including projections for net gain in position, tuition rate increases based on a $5 per credit hour allowance, and enrollment status showing strong summer performance and headcount growth for the fall. Financial projections for State Support indicated a decrease due to changes in State's Super Rapids funds, while Workforce revenue was projected to increase. The committee subsequently moved to recommend the FY 2026 budget proposal to the full Board of Trustees for the June 3 regular meeting.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on reviewing financial reports and updating the meeting schedule. Key discussions included an analysis of the wages/benefits ratio compared to the total budget for FY24, showing Owens at 65% compared to other institutions. The preliminary June 2025 financial report indicated a positive net gain due to a one-time adjustment for healthcare accruals based on an actuary's estimate, which was lower than the College's original projection. Enrollment year-to-date showed total FTE enrollment up by 10 percent over budget projections, although net gain was short. Workforce revenue saw success in truck driving, continuing education, and CPR training, but corporate training lagged. The August 2025 financial review highlighted increased summer and fall FTE enrollment and revenue, alongside a projected salary and benefits loss of $2.02 million due to the unmet vacancy factor. Discussions also covered the State Share of Instruction revenue projection being down due to SSI formula changes, and the detection of numerous fraudulent student applications.

The meeting included reports and updates from various committees and college leadership. The Finance Committee presented the preliminary year-end financials, highlighting a net gain due to a one-time adjustment for healthcare accruals. There were discussions regarding curricular changes in light of Ohio's House Bill 96, updates on the Owens Faculty Association collective bargaining agreement, and updates on federal grants. The President reported on scholarships awarded, the Foundation Golf Classic, and new sensory rooms to support neurodivergent students. The board approved the Outreach and Collaboration monitoring report, employment of personnel, a request for capital improvements for fiscal years 2027-2032, and the fiscal year 2025 efficiency report. An executive session was held to discuss collective bargaining strategy.