Margaret Recto

The Board of Trustees discussed and approved various items, including the renewal of liability insurance for FY 2027 and a piggyback contract with Bell Techlogix for Microsoft software licensing. Significant focus was placed on the Innovation and Technology Center Catoctin Hall addition and renovation project, with the Board approving awards for both architectural/engineering services to Hanbury and Construction Manager at Risk services to Barton Malow. Additionally, the Board authorized a piggyback contract with Civic Initiatives for procurement transformation and approved the FY 2027-2029 Cultural Diversity Plan. Financial and operational reports were reviewed, including the unaudited financial report and updates on Board performance and policy reviews. The Board also conducted a closed session to discuss personnel, legal, and collective bargaining matters.

The Board meeting included reports on student pathways, community engagement, and workforce development initiatives, followed by a presentation on the college Honors Program. Trustees discussed ownership linkage engagements and their role in future policy development. The Board reviewed several policies for currency, including adjustments to governance guidelines and the role of the Board Chair. Compliance monitoring reports for planning and access to education were accepted. During a closed session, the Board discussed an amendment to the President's employment agreement, which was subsequently approved in open session.

The Board meeting focused on various procurement and governance items. The Board approved the renewal of group health and prescription drug insurance, dental and vision insurance plans, and life and disability insurance coverage. Additionally, a contract for the Visual and Performing Arts Center Feasibility Study was awarded to Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, and a piggyback contract for athletic uniforms was approved with BSN Sports, LLC. The Board also reviewed and discussed several policy governance documents, including self-monitoring survey results for Board Job Contributions and the Role of the Vice Chair, as well as reviewed policies regarding President Succession, Board Code of Conduct, and a revision to the Role of the Board Chair.

The board addressed several required approvals including the renewal of group health, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for FY 2027. Additionally, the board approved an architectural consulting award for a feasibility study and a piggyback contract for athletic apparel. Other topics included updates on ownership linkage and the budget development process, as well as a review of board performance policies and a revision to the board chair's role. A closed session was scheduled to consult with counsel on legal advice and collective bargaining strategies.

The Board discussed and approved several operational and financial items, including contract renewals for Navigate360, biotechnology lab equipment, and firewalls. The Board decided to oppose pending state legislation (SB 534/HB 839) through testimony to the Maryland General Assembly. Further approvals included the renewal of auditing services with SB & Company, the initiation of a joint RFP for auditing services beginning in FY 2027, the FY 2027 credit tuition and fees, the FY 2027 Auxiliary Enterprise Bookstore budget, and the FY 2027 proposed operating budget. Additionally, the Board reviewed and approved revisions to policies GP-5 (Board Linkage with Ownership) and GP-11 (Special Rules of Order).