Randi Axler

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda items. An Above and Beyond Award was presented to Ms. Sarah Heemstra. A final report on Proposition 490, which was approved by voters in November 2025, was provided, noting the remaining campaign funds were donated to the CCC Foundation. The Board elected Joey Smith as Board Chair and Patrick Hurley as Vice Chair for 2026, and appointed Eric Eikenberry as the AACCT Representative. Action items featured the unanimous approval of revisions to Policy 211-00 (Tuition Policy) to incorporate the Higher Education Price Index (HEPI) as a basis for adjustments, and unanimous approval of Policy 50-00 (AI Policy) establishing guardrails for ethical use. The Board accepted the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Single Audit, which resulted in an unmodified (clean) opinion. Further actions included authorizing the signing of an Adult Education Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and approving the transition to the State of Arizona Mutual Aid Compact (AZMAC) for a 10-year term. Approval was also granted for a sabbatical request for Ms. Sandra Dihlmann Lundy. Following an Executive Session concerning real estate matters, the Board unanimously approved an IGA to purchase the Timberline Firearms and Training Shooting Range to further the High Country Training Academy goal.

The Work Session included a review of several District Governing Board policies, resulting in proposed grammatical and formatting revisions without substantive changes to intent. The Board discussed adjusting the start time for the April 15, 2026, meeting in Page to facilitate safe travel for trustees. Construction updates were provided on bond-funded projects at Lone Tree and Fourth Street campuses, detailing finalists for CMAR/Architectural Contracts and separate finalists for architectural selection for the Fourth Street Project and the Allied Health Center. The Kinsey Roundabout project costs were reported to have increased due to utility relocation, and potential postponement of the campus connection portion was discussed. An update confirmed the Office Enclosure Project at the Lone Tree Campus was completed on time and within budget. A preview was given regarding proposed updates to the Flagstaff Library Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), concerning lease rates, responsibilities, and notice provisions related to upcoming construction.

The board discussed a draft AI policy, emphasizing the need for clarity, comprehensiveness, and consistent expectations for students. A draft tuition adjustment policy was presented, establishing an index-based approach aligned with inflation. The State of Arizona Emergency Management Mutual Aid Compact was reviewed as a replacement for the local IGA. The draft District Governing Board Code of Conduct was presented, and the board reviewed several policies with minor updates. The President's Mid-Year Review Process was discussed, with a decision to use a feedback form aligned with the President's goals.

The meeting included recognition of the college receiving the GFOA Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 30 consecutive years and being named to the Aspen 200 list by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. The board approved the DGB Code of Conduct Policy and Procedure as amended, the Detention Academy IGA, and the City of Flagstaff Sharing of Resources IGA. Reports were given on the Arizona Association of Community College Trustees (AACCT), Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), Foundation Board, and Alliance. There was a discussion on tuition and fees, an HLC update, and a President's report covering federal and state updates, the capital construction bond, and campus highlights.

The work session included discussions on the annual security report, highlighting the primary concern of graffiti at the Fourth Street Campus. The board also discussed the Detention Academy Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) and updates to the Fire Science IGA, recommending renewal with language changes. Additionally, the draft District Governing Board Code of Conduct was presented, and the board reviewed several policies with updates recommended by legal counsel.