Lynnette T. Blake

The board meeting covered a wide range of reports and action items. The Student Government Association discussed recent student advocacy initiatives, student funding, and ongoing efforts to address transportation barriers. The President's report highlighted the college's steady enrollment, updates on the Queen Anne's County Technical Center project, and faculty initiatives regarding artificial intelligence in the classroom. The Board approved several financial action items, including a budget transfer for water heater replacements, the FY 2027 Operating Budget, the Maintenance and Repair Fund project plan, and various tuition and fee schedules. Additionally, the Board approved the creation of a new Social Work program and the replacement of the Drafting and Design certificate with a new Technical Design and Build Pre-Professional certificate.

Key discussions included the Student Government Association report, highlighting student activities, focus on campus police communication, and transportation challenges. The President's Report noted that current enrollment stands at 7.4% headcount and 6.1% FTE, with 35% in Dual Enrollment, and reported state approval for the Queen Anne's project, the first state-built facility for non-credit programs. The Finance and Facilities Report included the unanimous approval to negotiate a contract with Grimm+Parker for design services for the Queen Anne's Technical Building, not to exceed $3,113,830, pending Department of Public Works approval. The Programs, Planning and Outreach section included the approval of the annual 2025 Performance Accountability Report. The review and approval of goals and objectives for the Board of Trustees and the President were moved to the November meeting.

The meeting included reports from the Student Government Association, the President, Faculty Assembly, and Staff Assembly. The SGA reported on revising their constitution and upcoming campus events. The President's report covered student success outcomes, workforce initiatives, enrollment statistics, and partnerships with local entities. The Board approved contracts for technical education systems, athletic team transportation, grounds equipment purchase, and a food service contract continuation. Additionally, they approved a Cybersecurity Training Policy and updates to the Board of Trustees Bylaws. The meeting also included a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The meeting included discussions on enrollment growth, summer programs, and national policy related to student aid. The board approved contracts for a maternal/fetal training simulation manikin, MD REN FY 2026 services, Microsoft 365 renewal, and first-floor Dorchester renovations. Additionally, the CC Student Code of Conduct and FY2026 meeting schedules were approved. The 2025 Cultural Diversity Report was also approved. The board discussed personnel matters in a closed session and approved changes to the Board of Trustees Bylaws and the slate of officers.

The meeting of the Eastern Shore Food Systems discussed the importance of food security and agriculture. The meeting acknowledged the support of the Town Creek Foundation and the participants who are helping people. Topics included having fewer hungry neighbors, more resilient farms and better agriculture system. The participants are wearing a name tag that doesn't have their silo on it, so they can develop a rich conversation about the future of food agriculture food security. The groundwork was laid for a food system strategic plan for the five county region served by the college. The issues of farm, farmer, and farmland viability, the environment, poverty and related diseases, resilience, monocropping, food security, transportation and logistics, and education were discussed.