Robert Aguilar

The board workshop will cover revisions to board bylaws, an update on spring 2026 enrollment, and a review of potential increases in homestead and over 65/disabled property tax exemptions. Additionally, the board will review financial and operating comparisons to peers, receive an update on legislative affairs, and conduct a general discussion regarding additional purchasing support documents and the delegation of authority. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss legal, real estate, and personnel matters.

The strategic plan for San Jacinto College is centered around student success and providing high-quality education for students from all walks of life. Organized around the 'BE BOLD' framework, it focuses on breaking barriers to life-changing opportunities, optimizing services, systems, and instructional programs, leveraging partnerships to create innovative programs, and demonstrating a culture of belonging and excellence. The plan aims to change lives through education, community engagement, and partnerships, ultimately strengthening the region.

The strategic planning retreat focused on reviewing several key areas. Discussions included an overview of the college-wide Holistic Support Model designed to enhance student persistence and completion, as well as the 2025-2026 annual recruitment plan. Updates were provided on the Promise @ San Jac scholarship program, including enrollment trends, and the transition plan for the Commercial Truck Driving Program to an external provider. The Board received updates on the implementation structure of BOLD 2030, employee demographic and retention data, and plans for the Ellucian Banner SaaS transition and phone systems modernization. Further topics included a review of the capital projects plan, future funding needs, and consideration of designating $3 million of unrestricted cash reserves for future capital projects. The retreat also addressed the framework for the Fiscal Year 2027 unrestricted budget and guidance on property tax exemptions for homesteads and seniors over age 65. The session concluded with a summary of follow-up items.

The meeting included special announcements and recognitions, such as recognition for San Jac Online, the 2025-2026 Excellence Award Recipients, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award for the Biomanufacturing Program. Student success data for Fall 2025 was presented. Informative reports covered monthly and quarterly financial statements, investment reports, and updates on the Capital Improvement Program for November and December 2025. Key actions included the approval of an amendment to the 2025-2026 Budget for Restricted Revenue and Expenses related to grants, the adoption of Policy III.3001.H (Fixed Assets), adoption of the Authorized Broker/Dealer List, and designation of Unrestricted Cash Reserves for future capital projects. The Board also authorized the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds and Combined Fee Revenue Refunding Bonds. Purchasing requests totaling $9,679,702 were approved, covering items such as college-wide copier lease/maintenance, service desk software, elevator maintenance, promotional items, a 3D metal printing unit, direct mail magazine services, medical equipment, and cloud ERP software licenses.

The agenda for the regularly scheduled Board meeting includes several key areas. Special recognitions and presentations cover the San Jac Online Recognition, the 2025-2026 Excellence Award Recipients, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Star Award for the Biomanufacturing Program. Student success is highlighted through a presentation of Fall 2025 Student Success Data. Informative reports include the San Jacinto College Monthly Financial Statements (for November and December 2025), Monthly Investment Reports (for November and December 2025), the Quarterly Investment Report, and reports on the Capital Improvement Program (for November and December 2025). Action items involve the consideration of budget amendments for restricted revenue and expenses, approval of Policy III.3001.H (Fixed Assets), adoption of an Authorized Broker/Dealer List, designation of Unrestricted Cash Reserves for future capital projects, and authorization related to the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds and Combined Fee Revenue Refunding Bonds.