Ryan Bouwhuis

The work session agenda includes a review of the strategic planning policy, consideration of a municipal advisor agreement, and various construction updates.

The meeting agenda includes recognition of the All AZ Academic Team Awardee, policy updates, and approval of architectural contracts for both the Lone Tree and Fourth Street projects. Additionally, the board will review the New Buildings Visioning Statement, discuss new and retiring programs, and consider an ESI contract renewal. Information and reports will cover institutional progress, budget status, student enrollment, and legislative updates.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. During the public call, a community member expressed appreciation for a CPR program but noted equipment deficiencies and advocated for increased use of the Page Center. The Board entered executive session to discuss potential legal advice concerning Allied Health CMAR, 4th St. CMAR, and architectural/engineering services for both projects. Upon reconvening, action items included approving negotiations for contracts with Core Construction for both the Allied Health and Fourth Street rebuilds, and approving negotiations for contracts with DLR Group (Allied Health) and BWS Architects (Fourth Street) for architectural/engineering services. The Board confirmed Trustee White as the Foundation Board Representative and unanimously approved the FY2027 tuition and fees recommendations, including various fee adjustments, and directed staff to incorporate the presented salary and benefits package into the FY2027 budget development. Additionally, the Board approved the Library Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with authority for the President to sign and make non-substantive changes, and approved the Detention Academy IGA and its cost-sharing addendum. Information reports included updates on AACCT and ACCT activities, Foundation fundraising progress toward a $10 million goal, and President Heiser's report on state/federal updates and accreditation monitoring. The Board then entered a second executive session to discuss the Mid-Year evaluation of the President.

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.