Michelle Rudman

The board discussed key administrative and system-wide updates, including the performance evaluation of the System President, the appointment of members to the Biennial Budget Workgroup, and the establishment of a formal input process for budget development. Various initiatives were reviewed, such as the Workforce Solutions Initiative, state and federal grant awards for fiscal year 2026-27, and the implementation of teaching and learning strategies focused on student success. The board also reviewed and approved facility remodeling and construction projects for Fox Valley Technical College and Waukesha County Technical College, established new tuition rates for the 2026-27 academic year, and received updates on state legislative bills affecting the system, including those related to PFAS cleanup, admissions priorities for public safety programs, and college sports designations.

The board meeting will cover several key topics including reports from the Board President and System President, updates from the District Boards and Presidents' Associations, and a discussion on the District Board appointment process. The consent agenda includes approvals for program development, facilities development projects, and annual district board appointments. Additional agenda items include a discussion on dual credit in teaching and learning, the approval of grants for Integrated Education and Training development, a report on outcomes for graduates, and a legislative update.

The board discussed reports from the Board President and the System President, highlighting system updates, outreach initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Key agenda items included project concept reviews for Fox Valley Technical College, Waukesha County Technical College, and Moraine Park Technical College, alongside presentations on the Apprenticeship Completion Report, program approval processes, the 2025 Public Perceptions Study results, and the Minority Student Participation and Retention Plan.

The Board meeting spanned two days and covered several critical areas. Key discussions included strengthening transfer pathways between the System and other higher education institutions, emphasizing clear, program-to-program agreements. System updates highlighted the integration of AI into education while stressing the need for real skills and human judgment, recent facility ribbon cuttings, and recognition of community partners. The System President also reported on the Department of Workforce Development's Biennial Report and provided an update on the Aspen Prize achievement, noting that nine WTCS colleges were invited to apply for the 2026 Aspen Prize. A discussion occurred regarding Wisconsin Act 35 concerning EMS course grants. The Board reviewed its employee engagement survey results, which showed high satisfaction scores across metrics like goal setting and mutual respect. The Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association provided an update on initiatives such as launching 'Trustee Tuesdays' and reviving the legislative committee. The WTCS Presidents' Association outlined goals focusing on student success, advocacy, and developing a strategy for Workforce Pell access. The Board reviewed the TCS 10 Special Circumstances Policy, ultimately delegating approval and management to System administration going forward. The Board also recognized Lactalis American Group with the Futuremaker Partner Award. Business on the second day included a presentation on Southwest Tech's transformational tutoring approach, approval of interim district board appointments, acceptance of the 2025-28 WTCS Facilities Plan, an update from the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), and a review of the 2024 Fact Book and legislative items.

The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Board meeting included discussions and updates on various topics. The Board President's report highlighted engagement with employers and the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents' strategic plan. The System President shared updates on conferences, the Wanek Center for Innovation, and cost-saving measures due to potential federal funding loss. Legislative updates were provided, and a presentation on advancing oral health in Wisconsin was given. The Wisconsin Technical College District Boards Association (DBA) updated the Board on reorganization efforts. Insights were shared from the Delivering on the Promise event, and the 2026-2030 Strategic Directions were approved. Project reviews were conducted for Moraine Park Technical College and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Guidelines for State Workforce Advancement Training (WAT), Apprentice-Related Instruction, and Federal Perkins Grant were also discussed.