MaryAnn Cicala

The board engaged in a community dialogue regarding school-to-college transition issues and collaborative efforts with local school districts. New staff members were introduced and reports were received from various employee associations. The board approved amendments to policies regarding policy development, master planning, and purchasing, including revisions to expenditure approval thresholds. A new policy on open communication and information was also adopted, while the proposed replacement for the internal employee association policy was postponed for further review.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key business items. Key discussions included authorizing the execution of resale deeds for properties seized due to non-payment of taxes, approving a contract for digital marketing services, and authorizing a contract for structured cabling services. The Board also reviewed an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Austin for internet services via the Greater Austin Area Telecommunications Network. Additionally, the Board ratified the retention of legal counsel for an amicus curiae brief regarding DACA, and authorized the President to negotiate and execute the sale of the Pinnacle Campus property.

The Board of Trustees held a special meeting with the legislative delegation to discuss key education issues for the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature. Topics included the legislative priorities of the Texas Association of Community Colleges, such as formula funding, workforce development, K-16 partnerships, and employee benefits. The Board also presented specific legislative priorities for Austin Community College, covering areas like tuition waivers, adult education funding, tuition flexibility, and health insurance for adjunct faculty. Additionally, the meeting included an enrollment update and discussions regarding the college's tax base, potential industry partnerships, and collaborative funding strategies for future legislative sessions.

The meeting included a report on the Association of Community College Trustees Annual Leadership Congress, covering college programs presented during the event. Discussion was held regarding expenditures in excess of $100,000 for recurring goods and services to ensure compliance with college policy. The board received a policy compliance report concerning organizational performance, which included results from an internal customer survey and an update on the status of audit management letter recommendations. Additionally, the selection of a vendor for the Classified and Professional-Technical Employees Classification and Compensation Study was reviewed, noting the evaluation committee's selection of Public Sector Personnel Consultants.

The Board of Trustees received various association reports, including updates from the Adjunct Faculty Association, Classified Employees Association, Full-Time Faculty Senate, Professional-Technical Employees Association, and Student Government Association. The College President provided an enrollment report, and the board heard a facilities update and financial report. The Board approved the external audit, market compensation adjustments for campus police, a contract for media technology upgrades at the Highland Business Center Board Room, and construction contracts for ventilation and canopy improvements at the Riverside Campus. Additionally, the board approved a land purchase for the Round Rock Campus and authorized related legal fees.