Matthew Baute

The meeting began with the approval of the G.L.O.B.A.L Club as a new student organization. The Board then adjourned to closed session to discuss potential presidential candidates, preliminary notices of non-renewal, and the employment/evaluation process for a public employee. Upon reconvening, key items included the launch of a College AI Initiative, findings from a Civil Rights Compliance Review, and updates on partnership/outreach efforts. In the Consent Agenda, the December 18, 2025, agenda, financial reports, contracts, personnel changes including promotions and retirements were approved. Action items included the approval of the 2024-25 Financial Audit, which received an unmodified opinion, and the approval of two bids for equipment: a UW56 Bobcat Toolcat and a Vertical Tillage Implement, both awarded to Ritchie Implement. Staffing updates and enrollment/application reports were reviewed, showing a slight decrease in FTE enrollment. A recognition was noted for Cynde Larsen receiving the Wisconsin Hospital Association's Trustee of the Year award.

This special meeting, conducted remotely via Zoom, included a roll call and an adjournment to a closed session. The closed session was for the purpose of discussing matters related to the consideration of employment, promotion, compensation, or performance evaluation data of a public employee, as well as deliberations or negotiations concerning the purchasing of public properties, investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business where competitive or bargaining reasons required confidentiality. No action was taken during the closed session, and the meeting concluded after reconvening to open session with no further business.

The regular meeting included reports and forums, featuring an overview of the upcoming SWTC Celebration & Open House scheduled for September 27, 2025. The Board adjourned to a closed session to discuss employee compensation, a potential legal situation, and presidential candidates/evaluative criteria before reconvening. Key actions taken during the open session involved approving the Consent Agenda, which included financial reports and personnel changes such as new employment recommendations and a retirement. The Board also approved the Concept Review for a new Clinical Medical Assistant Technical Diploma (Program 30-509-5) and the Board Monitoring Report on Compliance, noting preparations for the 2026 accreditation evaluation visit. Updates were provided on staffing, enrollment FTE, and the Student Success Scoreboard. The Chairperson reported on the Presidential Search Update with AGB Search and planned attendance at upcoming WTCS and District Boards Association meetings. The Interim President reported on a planned November Joint Board Proposal meeting, feedback on a District Boards Association Survey, and various college happenings, including successful accreditation visits for Nursing and completion of the Veterans Affairs Compliance Survey.

The event encompassed a Board Professional Development session focused on Understanding Unconscious Bias, followed by a Mini-Retreat. The closed session portions of the retreat involved discussing potential presidential candidates and their evaluative criteria, as well as addressing a private conference regarding a preliminary and final notice of non-renewal for an employee. The open session agenda included action on closed session items, reports, public input, and consideration of several consent agenda items covering personnel, financial reports, and the UMOS Lease. Key actions requiring Board approval included the Board Governance Policy 2.7 concerning the President Complaint Process for Cabinet Members and the Board Monitoring Report on Safety and Security. Information items included enrollment and application reports, and reports from the Chairperson and Interim College President regarding governance policies and budget updates.

The meeting included a professional development session on Understanding Unconscious Bias, followed by an adjournment to a closed session retreat to discuss potential presidential candidates and evaluative criteria. The meeting reconvened, including a closed session for private conferences regarding non-renewal notices. Key open session items included the Consent Agenda covering financial reports, contract revenue, personnel items, and the United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) Lease. Other action items involved the approval of Board Governance Policy 2.7 regarding the President Complaint Process for Cabinet Members and the approval of the Board Monitoring Report on Safety and Security. Information items included updates on staffing, enrollment, applications, student success scoreboard, and reports from the Chairperson and Interim College President.