Maryann DeCaire

Key discussions centered on Presidential Leadership Transition. During the Public Comment section, an instructor encouraged the Board to view current circumstances as an opportunity for administrative restructuring, suggesting the appointment of an external interim president. New Business involved the discussion and consideration of search firm selection for leadership transition. Following discussion, the Board decided an interim leadership approach was in the best interest of the institution and voted to contract with The Registry search firm for the interim search. Other business included announcements regarding upcoming events, such as the Nursing Open House and ribbon cutting ceremony, basketball games, and registration opening for the MCCA Summer Conference.

Key discussions included a strategic plan update highlighting year one successes in areas like enhancing student experience and expanding academic programming, with specific projects mentioned such as low-cost facility improvements. The Financial Aid Director provided statistics for 2024-2025, noting 62% of total aid came from federal sources, and discussed upcoming changes with the One Big Beautiful Bill. Vice President Bedard-Parker reported on faculty surveys regarding Learning Management Systems and plans for focusing on the Copper Country Center. Vice President Sabourin announced upcoming outreach events for 8th and 2nd graders and a Career Day planning meeting. The President updated the Board on a $1.2 million supplemental state funding request for facility projects (tech wing, conference center, elevator) and announced plans to bring updated tuition and fees for the next year for approval in March. The Board accepted the resignation of President Christopher Patritto, effective July 1, 2026, and authorized a search for a replacement. Financial reports for December 31, 2025, were reviewed and approved. The Board approved the second reading of Policy 114 (Board of Trustees Code of Conduct) and Policy 115 (Conflict of Interest Policy), and accepted the first reading of Policy 580 (Sponsorship Policy). The MESPA contract was accepted after returning from a closed session. Finally, the resolution designating regular meeting dates, time, and location for 2026 was approved.

The meeting included the introduction of a new Nursing Instructor and updates on future staffing. Key institutional reports covered the conclusion of finals, planning for the spring schedule, and faculty education regarding Moodle usage for student accessibility. The Student Services and Athletics update focused on examining DFW lists, managing Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals for financial aid, and providing current enrollment statistics. The Copper Country Center report highlighted local community involvement, upcoming technology upgrades funded by the Ruppe Foundation for a virtual mathematics delivery space, and ongoing collaboration with Hancock Schools on an early college model. New business involved the first reading of revisions to Policy 114 (Board of Trustees Code of Conduct) and Policy 115 (Conflict of Interest Policy). The second reading and approval occurred for Policy 118 (Succession Planning), Policy 119 (Advocacy Committee Charter), Policy 579 (Sale and Disposal of Surplus Property), and the suspension of Policy 505 (Use of 2010 Tax Levy Funds). Financial statements for November 30, 2025, were presented and approved. Other business included scheduling an open house for the newly renovated Nursing lab and discussing board training webinars focusing on guided pathways and increased communication with local K-12 boards and the ISD.

The Regular Meeting included institutional reports where Teacher Education Faculty Karen Ball was recognized for graduating from the MCCA Leadership Academy and earning second place in the MCAN Take Flight: Sixty by 30 Pitch Competition for proposing a redesigned approach to introductory college math courses focusing on persistence and problem-solving skills. Strategic Team A2 presented an overview of the Early College Collaborative, detailing plans to expand Houghton offerings across five pathways. Updates were provided by the Vice President of Academics on staff professional development, Counselor Day outreach, and faculty/class scheduling, as well as by the Director of Copper Country Center regarding Early College Collaborative next steps including credentialing and admissions models. The President reported on the recent HLC visit, upcoming legislative priorities concerning budgets and dual enrollment funding, and financial projections based on enrollment increases. New Business involved the first read and approval of several new or amended Board Policies: Policy 118 (Succession Planning), Policy 119 (Advocacy Committee Charter), Policy 579 (Sale and Disposition of Surplus Property), and the proposal to suspend Policy 505 (Use of 2010 Tax Levy Funds) to address the deficit. Revisions were also discussed for Policy 114 (Code of Conduct) and Policy 115 (Conflict of Interest). The Consent Agenda included the acceptance of the Final Audit for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and approval of Accounts Receivable Write-Offs. The Board held a Closed Session to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

The meeting included an introduction of the Women's and Men's Basketball Teams. The preliminary audit presentation by Rehmann Robson LLC was discussed, noting a clean, unmodified opinion. The Program Review for the Early Childhood Education Program was presented, focusing on preparing skilled early educators and current initiatives. A personnel update was given, including the hiring of a TRiO Coordinator. The college will not offer an intersession this year. The Copper Country Career Fair was a success. The HLC Focus Visit will take place next week. The board discussed financial reports and the consent agenda. There was also a discussion of removed item 6.2.4.1 regarding the Board of Trustees Handbook.