Linda B. Scherr

The meeting agenda includes the acceptance of Council financial statements from February through May 2026 and a report on temporary investments. Key business items involve the approval of the FY2027 Council budget, amendments to bylaws and policies, and the authorization of updated FY2026 and FY2027 Chapter 12 allocations. Strategy discussions focus on the FY2027 state budget, legislative updates, and the development of a Council communications strategy.

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges' Opportunity Agenda, updated in Fall 2025, serves as a strategic roadmap to achieve a Future Ready New Jersey by 2026. This plan is built around four core pillars: enabling high school students to access pathways for postsecondary and career success, enhancing student achievement and completion in higher education and training, constructing adaptable and transparent pathways for evolving economic demands, and empowering adults to acquire credentials for career advancement and labor market success. It aims to advance economic and educational opportunities and overall impact.

The meeting commenced with introductions and announcements, including a review of the ACCT Congress and the upcoming National Legislative Summit. Key actions included the election of officers for the 2025-2026 term. The Council adopted Organizational Resolutions but postponed the appointment of Legal Counsel pending review of RFP proposals, with a recommendation scheduled for February 23, 2026. Financial statements for September and October 2025 were accepted, and the status of temporary investments was reported. Strategic discussions centered on the State Policy Agenda, including engagement with the Governor-Elect's transition team, updates on the Future Ready States Coalition and Lame Duck Strategy, and the expected timeline for the Statewide Economic Impact Study. The Council also discussed the FY2027 State Budget Request, emphasizing addressing health insurance increases and agreeing to develop a bold funding base ask.

The business portion of the meeting included actions on the approval of minutes from previous Executive Committee and Council meetings, acceptance of Financial Statements for November 2025, December 2025, and January 2026, a report on temporary investments, the appointment of Legal Counsel, acceptance of the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2025, and proposed modifications to the Funding Distribution Model for State Operating Aid for New Jersey's Community Colleges. Strategy discussions covered the economic impact study results, state policy updates including the Gubernatorial Transition reports and the FY2027 State Budget Request, Council Priorities, the Future Ready New Jersey Coalition update, next steps for the Five Opportunity Agenda Laws, and consideration of the employment contract for the Council President.

The meeting included several action items and strategic discussions. Actions taken included the acceptance of the Council's financial statements for November 2023 through February 2024 and the acceptance of the FY2023 NJCCC Audit. The Council also adopted resolutions to reduce employee contribution to benefits to 20% of insurance premiums and to eliminate the waiver insurance incentive, with current recipients being phased out over three years. Strategically, the Council reviewed the Governor's Proposed FY2025 State Budget, noting specific decreases in operating aid and increases in fringe benefits, and established a priority to seek restoration of the $20 million in Operating Aid. A budget strategy involving media outreach and mobilizing stakeholders for public hearings was also reviewed. Additionally, revisions to the Auditing and Accounting Standards were approved.