Rachel Cook

The board meeting included the seating of an incoming student trustee and various recognitions, including dual credit students, student government leaders, and winners of faculty and student awards. Discussions featured a first reading of the official holidays board policy, a financial report, and a first reading regarding a project labor agreement. The agenda also covered consent items such as travel expenditures and an FY27 revenue recapture abatement resolution. Non-personnel action items included the approval of exterior paint bids and professional grounds maintenance services. Additionally, the meeting included a closed session regarding negotiations and personnel matters.

The board meeting agenda included several key topics such as the presentation of the FY2025 Audit Report, an update on the Regional Strategic Plan, and a review of the FY2027 Strategic Budget. Administrative items included the approval of the FY2027 budget preparation resolution, acceptance of the FY2025 Annual Consolidated Financial Report, the renewal of the HCC Lincoln lease, and the adoption of academic calendars for multiple years. The board also reviewed and acted upon several non-personnel items, including bids for the WDC/Student Center Phase III and PPB storage building, as well as contracts for equipment replacement and facility upgrades. Additionally, the session covered personnel actions and a closed session regarding negotiations and personnel matters.

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several critical financial and project matters. Key discussions included monthly educational information regarding Protection, Health, & Safety Funding which supports facility improvements such as ADA Accessibility and HVAC updates. The Consent Agenda, covering items like bills paid, investment reports, and financial statements, was approved. Discussion items focused on the 2025 Tax Levy Resolution, which aims to keep the tax rate level despite increased expenses, and the associated 2025 Protection, Health and Safety (PHS) Projects. Other items included a planned deferred maintenance project for a CDL Heat Pump Replacement and the sole-sourced Challenger Learning Center Renovation Project, which requires ADA compliance updates and will be covered by cost savings from other deferred maintenance projects. Finally, updates were provided on employee health plan performance, noting an anticipated cost increase for the next year.

The Finance Committee convened to discuss several key items. The Annual Security Report (Clery Act) was reviewed, which included crime statistics and relevant information for the past calendar year. The FY2026 Final Budget was presented, highlighting a decrease in state funding but also a balanced budget with a slight surplus due to a reduction in the previously discussed deficit.

The Heartland Community College District No. 540 Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026, incorporates the educational and public service operational commitments of Heartland Community College to District students and residents. The budget was adopted following an opportunity for public review and a public hearing. The budget aligns with the College's vision, mission, and college-wide priorities and goals, which include promoting student access and success, creating a systemic culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring resource stewardship, and serving as a community resource.