Maricela Villalobos

The board committees held a series of meetings including the Program/Policy Committee, Finance & Audit Committee, and Building Committee. Discussion topics for the Program/Policy Committee included modifications to board policies and revisions to the board procedures manual. The Finance & Audit Committee reviewed the April 2026 financial report and discussed the procurement of welding equipment, a computer room air conditioning unit replacement, a roof restoration project at the sports complex, and a new generator for the campus police. The Building Committee received an update regarding ongoing construction and deferred maintenance projects.

The board meeting agenda includes recognitions for retiring educators and honors for the Phi Theta Kappa chapter, along with acknowledgments of student and staff participation in the NASA Lunabotics Challenge and industry certifications in business management. The meeting will cover various committee reports, information items including dual credit presentations, enrollment reports, and foreign trade zone designations. The consent agenda features financial reports and approvals for equipment purchases, HVAC unit replacement, and a roof restoration project. Additionally, the board will discuss and potentially act on board policy modifications, procedural manual revisions, membership in the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and support for a member's participation in a leadership congress. An executive session is planned to discuss the diagnostic medical sonography and radiology programs, as well as a legal services agreement.

The board workshop focused on a closed session discussion regarding legal issues and potential negotiations with U.S. Customs and Border Protection concerning college-owned property located near planned border barrier construction. Following the executive session, the board authorized the College President, the Board President, a board member, and legal counsel to engage in negotiations with U.S. government representatives to establish mutually beneficial terms for an agreement, with a requirement to report developments and seek further authorization before finalizing any written contract.

The board meeting included the recognition of a student for an achievement in dance, reports from the Building and Finance & Audit committees, and updates on historical markers for Fort McIntosh, hiring practices, student success, enrollment and advising, the college Fun Fest, and foreign trade zone designations. Additionally, the board received notifications regarding employee compensation, reviewed the status of the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Data Analytics program, approved a resolution for an Operation Stonegarden grant, and authorized purchases for surveillance equipment upgrades. The board also conducted executive sessions to initiate their own self-evaluation and the evaluation of the college president.

The board meeting included recognitions of honors students and health sciences licensure rates, along with reports from the Student Government Association and various board committees. Key discussion topics included the renewal of dual-credit partnership agreements, an update on faculty council adoption of bylaws, a cooperative agreement with the City of Laredo Fire Department, and an update regarding the faculty council's compliance with Senate Bill 37. Financial and operational items addressed included the approval of various investment reports, equipment purchases for the instructional technology center, endowment matching funds, and building project change orders. The board also discussed grant applications, modifications to board policies and the procedures manual, and legal issues concerning the City of Laredo Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection notice of interest regarding campus property.