Paul Bibby

The meeting agenda covered various informative updates, including reports from the Student Government, the Foundation, and the Presidential Search Team, as well as a policy subcommittee update. The board considered multiple financial reports, including vendor payments and department budget summaries. Additionally, the agenda included considerations for project submissions, such as various educational grants, and discussions regarding specific personnel actions, including hires, resignations, and retirements. The meeting also addressed private sector reviews, the adoption of an audit report, and the President's and Board Chairperson's reports. A closed session was scheduled to discuss employment, performance, and financial data.

The regular meeting commenced with a tour of the newly remodeled Automotive Center. Key discussions included the election of the District Board Chair and Vice Chair, with subsequent assignment of the DBA Designee. Presentations were given on Key Results, a Review of the 2025 Fiscal Year Operating Financial Results, and Referendum Polling information. The Board approved several consent items, including various financial reports for the 2025 Fiscal Year and August, and policy E0204 regarding the Waiting List Program. Monthly approvals covered the annual review of procurements and the approval of a new program: IT Service Desk Technician Apprenticeship. The Board also voted to authorize the Tax Levy for the 2025-26 Budget and approved a resolution to adopt changes to the 2024-25 Budget. Other items included updates on college events, reminders regarding official communications, and acceptance of Dr. Stanford's retirement notification.

The Experience 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on student success and aims to position Western Technical College in the top 25 percent of WTCS colleges by 2025. The plan is organized around four strategic directions: First Choice Service, Workforce and Community Engagement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Co-worker Engagement. Key objectives include enhancing student support services, integrating work-based learning, eliminating equity gaps for underrepresented students, and improving co-worker engagement and digital readiness.

The Board meeting commenced with the approval of resolutions of commendation for two individuals. Key discussions included a presentation on the FY2024-25 Financial College Audit, a presentation on the presidential search process, legislative updates, and information sharing regarding the 2026 capital borrowing plan. Under consent items, the Board approved previous meeting minutes, various financial reports for September, October, and November 2025, two policies (one on second reading and one on first reading), and several project submissions related to state and federal grant funding. Further action items approved included the Kumm Center Student Union Remodel, the Public Safety Training Facility Simulation City and Driving Track Expansion Project, and the approval of several new registered apprenticeship and certificate programs. The Board also formally adopted the FY2024-25 Financial Audit Report and the 2026 Capital Borrowing Plan, and approved the AGB proposal pending contract finalization. The President provided updates on the Wreaths Across America event and the strategic plan refresh timeline.

The meeting included a presentation on workforce needs and reports on the Amended 2026 Capital Borrowing Plan and the Presidential Search update. The Board took action to adopt the Amended 2026 Capital Borrowing Plan. Other items approved under the consent agenda included financial reports for December 2025 and the first reading of Policy F)305 Free Speech and Public Assembly. The President's report covered enrollment, college day, and professional development updates, highlighting alignment with strategic priorities and attendance at the Achieving the Dream conference. The Chairperson reported on the upcoming District Board Association Virtual meeting and the Presidential search committee's progress.