Mark Baisden

Panola College aims to be a transformative educational leader, committed to student success, excellence in instructional programs, student services, and community engagement. The institutional goals focus on providing excellence in teaching, student engagement, curriculum, and program development to meet diverse student and regional needs. Key priorities include offering robust support and resources for student achievement, building and strengthening community partnerships for educational and career advancement and workforce needs, and ensuring appropriate facilities and technology for an effective learning and work environment.

The board reviewed and approved monthly financial statements for February and March 2026, as well as the quarterly investment report. Key campus updates included spring graduation numbers, the ongoing implementation of the student information system, and a positive audit report from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. The board appointed members to the Budget Committee for the upcoming fiscal year, passed motions to cancel the trustee election due to unopposed candidates, and accepted the certification of those candidates. Additionally, the board adopted the tuition and fee rates for the 2026-2027 academic year, approved the 2026-2027 calendar of meetings, and addressed personnel items, including new hires, resignations, promotions, and the renewal of personnel contracts.

The meeting included the review and approval of monthly financial statements for January 2026. The Board addressed personnel matters, including promotions and resignations, during a closed session. Key operational approvals included a Guaranteed Maximum Price for a fiber optics replacement project and authorization for the President to enter into a contract with Jacobe Brothers for said project. The Board also reviewed and approved the college's Mission Statement, 5-Year Strategic Planning Goals, and Vision Statement. Furthermore, several new academic degree and certificate programs were approved, and an Endowment Spend Rate of 4% for the 2026-2027 period was adopted.

The Board meeting included the approval of monthly financial statements for November and December 2025, noting increases in cash balances compared to the previous year. The Quarterly Investment Report was approved, showing market values up from September 2025 with a 3.92% average yield. The Board accepted the 2024-2025 financial audit report, which resulted in an unmodified opinion, noting one minor finding related to secondary federal student loan disbursement notifications which has since been corrected. Administration's recommendation to hire Alexander, Langford, and Hiers for the 2025-2026 audit services was approved. The Board also accepted TASB Update 50 (LEGAL) policies as an information item and voted to accept the updated TASB (LOCAL) policies. Furthermore, the Trustees designated the North facing front lawn between Filly Drive and the digital signage as the common outdoor area for public forum per Senate Bill 2972. Finally, the Board accepted the resignation of the Director of Workforce & Continuing Education, effective March 31, 2026.

The Board of Trustees meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Trustee. Campus updates featured the awarding of a grant from Greater Texas Foundation to implement Element451 and an update on The Promise Program. The Board approved the October 2025 Monthly Financial Report and discussed and approved updates to the Employee and Student Handbooks. They also discussed and approved the official ballot and voting resolution for director positions on the Panola County Appraisal District's Board of Directors. The Board approved employment, promotion and retirement recommendations. The President's Monthly Report was presented in written form.