Phillip Botello

The event marked the graduation ceremony for the Southwest Texas College Law Enforcement Academy, Alpha Class 2026. Key components of the ceremony included the presentation of the national anthem and an invocation focused on guidance, protection, and compassion for the graduating officers. President Dr. Hector Gonzalez addressed the graduates, recognizing their discipline and sacrifice, and acknowledged the support from families, mentors, and academy staff. Several special awards were presented, including Valedictorian (Steve Riles), highest scores on the state exam (Joshua Hodes, Robert Bazison, and Emanuel Ernnandez), Top Driver (Zachary Connor Teague), Best in Physical Fitness (Rolando Alvarez), and the Best Motivator award (Gerard Patterson). The ceremony also highlighted cadets sponsored by or hired by various law enforcement agencies, including Uvali Police Department, Eagle Pass Police Department, Real County Sheriff's Office, Rockport Police Department, and San Antonio ISD Police Department, who presented badges to their new officers.

The document details a SWTX Powerline Technician Graduation Ceremony, which is noted as the first graduation of 2026. Key discussion points included expressing gratitude to families for their support during the condensed training period, and thanking partners like MET Incorporated (which sponsored nine students) and Middle Rio for providing financial support. The keynote speech emphasized the essential nature of the power line field, noting statistics such as high worker retirements, Texas having the most power line workers, projected increases in transmission lines, and tripling data center power needs by 2028. The speech highlighted themes of skill, responsibility, service, teamwork, trust earned through consistency, and the critical importance of safety and clear communication in crew work. The proceedings concluded with the presentation of certificates and remarks from a graduating student, Jacqueline Biones, who noted she was the third woman to graduate from the program.

The meeting commenced with an invocation. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the presentation and review of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2025, delivered by the external auditors. The audit resulted in an unmodified opinion, which is the best possible outcome. A change in accounting principles regarding compensated absences required booking a liability of approximately $24,000, affecting the fund balance. Financial analysis detailed increases in total assets and long-term debt, primarily due to new bond issuances funding capital projects. Operating revenues remained relatively stable, while operating expenses increased, largely due to higher federal program expenditures (PEL). Non-operating revenues, including state appropriations and federal revenues, drove a substantial increase in net position, resulting in a $5,990,112 increase for the year. The true, controllable fund balance growth was highlighted, increasing by $34 million since 2019, partly due to banking COVID-19 related funds and new performance-based state funding. The review also covered the cash flow statement, showing a net increase in cash, and notes to the financial statements, including details on capital asset increases and debt changes. Furthermore, a single audit review confirmed no instances of non-compliance or internal control issues regarding federal programs, specifically the Student Financial Aid Cluster (including PEL program). Statistical data presented demonstrated strong student transfer rates to major Texas universities, including the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M.

The Cabinet meetings spanned multiple dates in November 2025, focusing on preparations for upcoming Board of Trustees meetings in November and December, as well as the May 2026 Board Elections. Key discussions included updates on institutional access talks, 4-year degree development, and dual credit partnerships across Academic Affairs. Student Services covered library operations, student success initiatives, outreach to unregistered students, and graduation planning, noting enrollment figures and the finalization of the 26-27 FAFSA setup. Finance addressed the transition of P-Card systems and audit preparation for the December Board meeting. Administrative Services covered preparations for community events like Christmas at the College, the Turkey Trot, and maintenance updates. Special Projects reviewed the Trellis Survey response rate and the process for submitting the SACSCOC response report. Multiple updates were provided regarding campus activities, veterans' events, and ongoing facility work across various campuses.

The President's report covered several items for Board consideration, including the acceptance of the 2024-2025 Audited Financial Statements, TASB Policy Update #50, ordering elections for Board Places 4 and 5, authorizing the issuance of RFPs for Elevators and Gym HVAC, and the Annual President Evaluation. The audit review highlighted a $5.9 million increase in net position, significant growth in Unrestricted Fund Balance (from $2.3 million in 2019 to $17.8 million in 2025), and overall excellent college finances with no findings or questioned costs noted in the report. Tuition and Fee revenue showed an increase when presented gross of grants, and data was provided on student transfers to senior institutions, noting UTSA as the top destination. The Engagement section mentioned the annual presentation of Showmanship Scholarships to top students at local stock shows within the taxing district.