Matthew Petersen

The board meeting included presentations on the Digital Arts Showcase and an update from the Wisconsin District Board Association. Action items involved the approval of financial bills, the nomination of a member to the District Board Association Executive Committee, and the adoption of resolutions concerning the sale of General Obligation Promissory Notes for capital budget needs, building remodeling, and site improvements. Additionally, the board approved the redemption of specific outstanding bonds and notes, authorized the FY27 capital and operational budgets for an upcoming public hearing, and approved a budget modification for backup system software licenses. The meeting also included reports on construction progress, operational plans, program vitality, and president updates, as well as approval of contracts for services and faculty retirement notices.

The board meeting covered several operational and administrative topics. Discussions included an update on services in Door and Kewaunee Counties and strategies for improving the utilization of the Sturgeon Bay campus facilities. The board approved the disbursement of bills and several consent agenda items, including service contracts, one faculty retirement, and one faculty resignation. Additionally, the president provided reports on collaborative training, student success priorities, and general institutional updates. The board also moved to issue preliminary notices for faculty contract non-renewal.

The board discussed and approved proposed fund and function modifications to the FY 2026 budget in accordance with Wisconsin State statutes. The approved modifications are to be summarized and published as a Class I legal notice and forwarded to the State Board.

The Board meeting focused on a budget modification request of $475,000 to cover a five-year subscription for firewall services. This adjustment was necessitated because the current vendor's renewal proposal exceeded the budget, leading to an evaluation of alternative firewall vendors to maintain network security and data protection at a more sustainable price point. The Board reviewed detailed fund statements reflecting these modifications in accordance with state statutes.

The board meeting included the approval of bills, modifications to the fiscal year 2026 budget, and the acceptance of the fiscal year 2025 single audit report. Key personnel actions, including a faculty new hire and a faculty retirement, were approved alongside various corporate training and economic development contracts. The agenda also covered a review of the second-quarter financial report, the borrowing schedule for the fiscal year, and deliberations on the board travel and professional development budget. Additionally, an update on the Workday implementation was provided, and the President delivered a report on advocacy, internal efforts, and organizational recognitions. An executive session was conducted to discuss public employee employment and compensation.