Lisa Blumenthal

The agenda includes the approval of new labor contracts for the Faculty Council and the Educational Support Professionals, adjustments to tuition and fee rates, and the approval of the administrative salary schedule for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussion items include bids for solar array fencing, fiber internet backbone connections, a power purchase agreement, and equipment procurement for a nursing computer lab. Additionally, the meeting will review financial reports, personnel changes, and gifts and grants activity.

The board meeting covered several key areas, including reports from the Foundation on student support initiatives and scholarship activities, and a student report on recent Phi Theta Kappa activities. The board approved a resolution of congratulations for an academic team member and discussed plans to support student memberships in honor societies. A faculty report highlighted a new criminal justice articulation agreement. The President’s report included a summary of state-level support for community colleges, recognition of staff for a new academic excellence display, and celebration of the college's esports team championship. Additionally, the board discussed mutual gains bargaining progress, adopted a new three-pillar funding framework for future college priorities, reviewed year-to-date financial performance, and acknowledged gifts and grants received by the Foundation.

The board discussed reports from the ACC Foundation and faculty members regarding professional development and academic initiatives. The President provided updates on college operations during a recent storm and announced the receipt of a Hunger-Free Campus Activities Grant to improve food access for students. The board authorized the purchase of a 12-passenger van and nursing simulation equipment. A financial report detailing year-to-year comparisons was reviewed, alongside updates on gifts and grants. Additionally, the board planned a future visioning session and discussed potential attendees for upcoming professional association meetings.

The meeting focused on identifying college funding priorities to share with the Alpena Community College Foundation for potential fundraising support. Key discussion topics included student wellbeing, innovation and technology needs, and infrastructure requirements. The board established three core pillars for future funding and set an estimated target of $5 million across these areas. Participants also discussed the necessity of aligning strategic priorities with student needs, the impact of rising costs on student support, and the process for developing rationales for the identified funding pillars for future board consideration.

The board will gather for a visioning session to discuss and establish funding priorities for the Alpena Community College Board of Trustees to be communicated to the Alpena Community College Foundation board.