Michael Blumenauer

The board conducted a study session to review the preliminary 2026-2027 budget. Key discussion topics included revenue structures from tuition, property taxes, state appropriations, and interest earnings, alongside an overview of expenditures such as salaries, benefits, and retirement contributions. The board also reviewed institutional financial modernization efforts, including a transition to a new automated financial system and a shift to a Software as a Service model for student information systems. Furthermore, the meeting addressed infrastructure concerns, specifically geothermal system repairs and maintenance needs across campus, as well as long-term capital outlay and deferred maintenance planning.

The board approved a resolution of commendation and faculty emeritus status for a retiring professor, as well as a resolution recognizing an alumna with the Alumnus of the Year Award. A professional staff contract was executed for the Executive Assistant to the President and Secretary to the Board. Policy revisions for mission documents and transfer programs were approved. The board adopted a proclamation for National Apprenticeship Week. Other key discussions included reports on staff appointments, general fund revenues and expenses, president's report on campus activities and facilities projects, and updates from the Governance Evaluation Committee, various councils, and the Whitman Center revitalization strategy. The board also discussed Foundation funding designations and a potential bylaw change regarding the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board reviewed the 2024-2025 audit report which resulted in an unmodified opinion and discussed future accounting standard changes. Discussions included the authorization for legal counsel to investigate compliance concerns regarding the use of college resources during a millage campaign. The meeting featured several public comments on college leadership and millage activities. Additionally, the Board received reports on staff appointments, general fund revenues and expenses, the annual report on community impact, and enrollment data trends. Updates were provided on the revitalization of the Whitman Center, workforce development initiatives supported by grant funding, and upcoming Board organizational transitions.

The board meeting included several key agenda items, such as the adoption of a resolution of commendation for a retiring executive assistant, the selection of the 2025-26 Alumnus of the Year, and the authorization of a trustee as Michigan's coordinator to the Association of Community College Trustees. Revisions to tuition and fees policies were approved, alongside updates to professional staff and management salary schedules. The board received reports regarding staff appointments, continuing contracts, and administrative updates on budget targets and maintenance projects, including leaks in the geothermal system and elevator malfunctions. Additionally, the board discussed revisions to procedures for campus signage and academic dishonesty appeals, approved in-county tuition rates for students displaced by recent institutional closures, and scheduled an annual budget study session.

The Board of Trustees meeting agenda included several key actions, such as the authorization of probationary contracts for professional and faculty staff members, the reappointment of directors to the foundation group, and the adoption of a pledge of allegiance for the board by-laws. The meeting also covered the selection of a college supporter of the year, the adoption of a direct student hardship grant policy, the renaming of the health education building, the establishment of a naming opportunity in the theater, and a revision of the administrative organizational chart. Additionally, the agenda featured reports on staff status changes, general fund revenues and expenses, the presenting of awards, and a closed session to conduct the president's performance evaluation.