Michael P. Bueide

The board meeting included the approval of an amended agenda, the payment of claims, and the approval of board member travel expenses. Personnel actions were taken, including the appointment of a Student Wellbeing Director. The board discussed and approved requests for the sale and use of alcohol at upcoming college-sponsored performing arts events and authorized a three-year mowing services contract for the campus. Additionally, the board received a report regarding attendance at the ACCT Legislative Summit and elected to table board standing committee assignments until a vacant position is filled.

The board held a special meeting to conduct a hearing regarding the proposed closure of the Collision Repair program and the associated reduction in force. Discussion included the appointment of a hearing officer, presentations on program data indicating low enrollment, and defense arguments from faculty regarding the viability of the program and potential industry demand. The board concluded the hearing with an executive session to deliberate before formally approving the administration's recommendation to close the Collision Repair program and implement the reduction in force.

The informal meeting focused primarily on providing Board Training regarding institutional program review timelines and the process for involuntary separation and program closure, referencing specific Nebraska statutes (e.g., §§ 85-15,528; 85-15,531; 85-15,532) and institutional policy BP-430. The discussion outlined the board's role in faculty contract renewal and reduction in force procedures. A two-phase program review process was detailed, utilizing metrics such as enrollment trends, instructional efficiency, and workforce demand. The formal recommendation presented was to close the Collision Repair program, which was based on viability assessment, not faculty performance, and an associated teach-out plan would be developed. It was emphasized that no formal board action was requested during this informal session.

The meeting commenced with the re-organization of the Board for 2026, including the election of John Stinner as Chairperson and Starr Lehl as Vice Chairperson. Appointments were confirmed for Susan Verbeck as Secretary and Lynne Koski as Treasurer. The Board officially accepted the resignation of Dr. William Packard from District Five and declared a vacancy. The Consent Calendar was approved, which included the minutes from the December 17, 2025, Informal and Regular Meetings, and claims reports for December 2025 across various funds. Board member travel expenses were approved. The President's Personnel Report, detailing resignations and appointments, was approved. The Board approved the 2026 offsite meeting locations and dates (Alliance and Sidney Campuses). A settlement agreement with the Nebraska Community College Insurance Trust related to the 2023 hailstorm was also approved. Key institutional reports included the annual Information Technology (IT) report, which detailed accomplishments such as the Element451 deployment, Windows 11 migration leveraging Microsoft A5 licensing for cost savings and enhanced cybersecurity, and the migration of the Colleague ERP system. The IT Director outlined a three-year technology roadmap focusing on modernization and cost-neutral initiatives. The Western Nebraska Community College Foundation provided an update on grant funding, noting that the 2025 Monument Marathon grant goal was exceeded, and discussed future funding for the Nebraska Math Readiness Project. The President reported a 10% increase in spring enrollment over the previous year, noted upcoming events like the Health Sciences Center ribbon cutting and the ACCT National Legislative Summit, and mentioned the institution's upcoming 2026 centennial celebration.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included community comments, board chair comments, and a consent calendar covering approval of the agenda, excuse of absent members, minutes from previous January 2026 meetings, and approval of claims across various funds for January 2026. Key discussions involved approval of board member mileage and expense reimbursements for December 2025 and January 2026. The President's Personnel Report addressed resignations and appointments, including a new Student Wellbeing Director and an Administrative Assistant, with subsequent approval sought. The Board Executive Committee items included approval of appointments to standing committees and approval for the sale and use of alcohol beverages at two separate Spring 2026 music events. The Finance and Operations Committee recommended approval of a bid for mowing services. Institutional reports covered the Spring 2026 Census and Fall 2025 End of Semester Reports, Student Report, Faculty Report, updates from the Nebraska Community College Association, and a report from the WNCC Foundation concerning grant funding, scholarship awards, and planned giving resources. The President provided updates on the Health Sciences Center ribbon cutting, spring enrollment showing a 10% increase, and the upcoming centennial celebration launching in the fall.