Michael Berning

Key discussion topics for this meeting are organized into three parts. Part A addresses Legal and/or Regulatory Compliance Issues and Resolutions requiring Board consideration, including resolutions for construction contract bid awards, curricular approval processes, proposal of a new degree (AAS in Applied Technical Management), authorization for the Trustee Finance and Investment Committee to review investment policy changes, and a policy on the purchase of certain meat and egg products (HB10), as well as a verbal report on S.B. 1 Compliance Supplemental Appropriation Act (H.B. 698). Part B focuses on Strategic Opportunities and Challenges, specifically an overview and discussion regarding Sinclair's faculty and student use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and an overview of Ohio's Aerospace Business Ecosystem, including Sinclair's role in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Part C consists of informational reports on the Investment Portfolio Update, Compensation Philosophy and Planning, Capital Budget Status, Grants Development, Foundation Update, and Interim Financial Statements for FY 2026.

The meeting agenda covered three main parts. Part A focused on Legal and/or Regulatory Compliance Issues, specifically the Required Annual Update regarding Sinclair College Investments and the Resolution for the Sinclair College FY 2026 Mid-Year Operating Budget Revision Proposal. Part B involved discussions on Strategic Opportunities and Challenges, including the Ohio Political and Policy Environment, strategic progress in Faculty/Academic Affairs, and an overview of the Annual Sinclair Board Advance. Part C included several informational reports such as the Final FY25 Financial Audit Update, ITEC Design and Construction Timeline, Capital Budget Status Report, Full-Time Faculty Performance Review, Staff Development Annual Report, Sinclair Foundation Report, and Sinclair Grants Report.

The meeting included recognizing newly appointed and re-appointed Trustees, as well as the newly appointed Provost. A special guest presentation highlighted Sinclair's role in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session. The board discussed and voted on a consent agenda, including resolutions related to funding a website modernization project, approving a new American Civic Literacy Course, modifying the Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy, adopting an analysis of low student enrollment, submitting requests for new degree programs, revising the sick leave policy, employee insurance benefits renewal, extending funding for potential cancellation of federal grants, and updating the policy to name facilities and programs in tribute to donors. Presentations were given on the Montgomery County Human Services Levy and Sinclair's strategic connection to the Montgomery County Educational Service Center. The board also discussed accepting rates for Montgomery County Tax Levies and endorsing the Montgomery County Human Services Levy. Strategic discussions were held regarding Artificial Intelligence Strategic Initiative and Sinclair's Compliance with Ohio Senate Bill 1.

The meeting included board recognitions for Rob Connelly, Mike Barhorst, and Lindsay Tate for their achievements. The agenda covered the acceptance of the Sinclair Annual Financial Audit for FY 2025, approval of the Ohio Board of Nursing Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Certificate Program, and acceptance of Sinclair's FY 2025 Affordability and Efficiency Report. Discussions also involved College Credit Plus Tuition Rates, the proposed Sinclair Student Scholarship Budget for FY 2027, and policy updates including Military Leave, Out-of-State Employment for Part-time Employees, Adjunct Teaching by Hourly Employees, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Acceptable Use. Strategic discussions were held on Financial Aid, the migration to the New Online Ed Learning Management System, and an update on Sinclair's AI Institute. Presentations covered the Integrated Technologies Education Center, the Dayton Summit of the Balkan States Education Leaders, and the Aspen Prize.

The meeting included recognition of Retiring Sinclair College Trustee Helen Jones-Kelley, SOCHE 2024-2025 Excellence Awards, and Ohio Department of Higher Education Collegiate Purple Star Designation. The election of Sinclair Trustee Board Officers and the Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 were addressed. Updates were provided on college investments, and recommendations were made for FY 2026 employee compensation and the allocation of proceeds from Montgomery County Levies for FY 2026. The board discussed and approved the Sinclair College Credit Program Student Tuition Recommendation for FY 2026 and FY 2027, the FY 2026 Operating Budget Recommendation, and Construction Contract Bid Awards. Revisions to the Faculty Handbook were reviewed and approved, and an update was given on the State of Ohio Budget Bill status. The board also discussed the new KPI Structure and Scoring, a request to develop a Bachelor's Degree in Web and Application Development, and the extension of the $500K Grant Gap Funding. The process for adjusting student scholarships was also addressed.