Mercedes Bermejo

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several agenda items, including student and employee recognition programs and the presentation of the 2025-26 Leadership Academy participants. Key business items included the review and approval of human resources recommendations, a monthly enrollment update, and approval of grant submissions and funding acceptances. Additionally, the Board reviewed curriculum changes recommended by the Curriculum Committee and authorized international travel for the Seminole Community Chorus. Policy matters included revisions to the Faculty Senate Bylaws and the adoption of Policy 2.130 regarding compensation administration for non-bargaining unit employees, alongside updates on network infrastructure services.

The strategic plan, titled "Impact 2030," outlines Seminole State College's vision for the future, focusing on continuous improvement and student success. It details goals across three main pillars: for students, aiming to be the best choice through high-quality learning, individualized support, and career preparation; for employees, cultivating a collaborative and innovative environment by investing in their development and promoting engagement; and for the region, driving progress through strategic partnerships and community engagement to meet workforce demands and enhance community life.

The meeting included a closed Executive Session followed by the Regular Board Meeting. Key agenda items included student and employee spotlights, and introductions for the 2025-2026 Leadership Academy. The Categorical Consent Agenda covered topics such as Human Resources recommendations, enrollment updates, grant submissions and acceptances, monthly contract activity, and financial reports including the 2025-26 Budget Amendment for Fund 1, #5. The Board also reviewed the acceptance of an in-kind donation from DACG, Inc. for Softball Complex Improvements. The President's Report covered college news such as the passing of Dr. Constance Hudspeth, a birthday acknowledgment for Trustee Lockhart, the establishment of the renewed Council of Trustees, and updates on student initiatives like job shadowing, Spring to Success registration, Decision Day, and the MLK Celebration Oratorical Contest. Legislative updates detailed advocacy efforts in Tallahassee, including budget asks and efforts to gain flexibility in the LINE program. The meeting included recognition of faculty earning continuing contract status and a dedication ceremony for the Courtney Miller Field.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda included several key items for discussion and action. Under Consent Agenda items, the Board was scheduled to review minutes from the November 17, 2025, meeting, address Human Resources recommendations and addenda, review updates on Programs & Services including enrollment, grants, curriculum changes, and international travel to London. Financial Reports covering November 2025 summaries and 2025-2026 budget amendments for multiple funds were also scheduled for review. The meeting included a Foundation Update and addressed Other Business, which involved the cancellation of the scheduled December 15, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting. Subsequent agenda items detailed approval for personnel actions, review of the Monthly Enrollment Report for Spring 2026 preliminary data, recommendations for submitting and accepting various grants, and approval of the contract with CareerSource Central Florida for the 2026 EXPLORE and ENGAGE Summer Camps. Administrative actions involved approving the Seminole State College Strategic Plan: Impact 2030 and the proposed Mission, Purpose, and Values, as well as approving the Key Performance Indicators Results for Flight Plan 2025. Facilities actions included approving the Master Plan Closeout, approving the Fire Alarm System Replacement in Building D, approving the RFQ ranking for Building G Demolition, and approving the easement to FPL for utility access. The Foundation Update highlighted significant funding commitments for the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) Matching Program, the Building D Renovation (to be named The George and Gretchen Smith Center for Workforce Trades), the upcoming Dream Gala, support for music scholarships, and the JAX Thanksgiving Buffet supporting students.

The District Board of Trustees held a regular meeting where several key topics were discussed. These included student and employee spotlights, an enrollment update, grant submissions and approvals, curriculum changes, and financial reports. The board also considered actions related to facilities, human resources, and policies. The meeting addressed the college's strategic goals, core values, and various initiatives aimed at enhancing the educational and economic vitality of the region.