Sally Aparicio

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, noting the removal of one item to the March meeting and an update to another. The Governing Board recognized the Women's Soccer Team for their historic collective GPA achievement. Organizational matters included the election of the Board Chair (Mr. Hudgins) and Board Secretary (Ms. Money) for 2026, and the reappointment and appointment of representatives to various committees and associations, including the Investment Committee. A comprehensive presentation on Arizona's Open Meeting Law was provided, detailing core rules, judicial interpretations, executive sessions, public call procedures, and potential violations. Standing reports covered updates from the AACCT, the December 2025 Senate report, and the College President's report, which highlighted early legislative activity, facility updates across campuses (Douglas, Sierra Vista, Downtown Center), and the awarding of a $1.87M U.S. Department of Education grant for an "AI-Powered Success" initiative. New business involved the approval of the Consent Agenda, which included the appointment of four non-exempt staff members, and the unanimous approval to proclaim February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month. Furthermore, the Board authorized the College President to sign a modified utility easement agreement with the City of Douglas and approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Education for adult education and workforce development. Policies 632 (Family Medical Leave) and 644 (Performance Evaluation) were presented for a first reading.

The work session focused primarily on budget discussions centered around the Guiding Statements, Mission, and Vision. Key discussions included a review of Fiscal Year 2026 initiatives, encompassing ongoing expenses such as compensation adjustments (with detailed yearly increases since FY20-FY26), insurance, utilities, software, compliance, and third-party contracts. Strategic Initiatives for FY26 involved allocations for Equitable Technology Access, Student Wellness (mental health and basic needs), Data Management and Reporting, and Academic Programming/Curriculum. The board also reviewed FY27 Budget Development, focusing on anticipated initiatives like salary/wage adjustments, benefits outlook, and board priorities concerning health insurance increases and retirement. Potential revenue streams for FY27, including State Aid, Sales Tax Aid (Prop 301 and Prop 207), and Property Tax, were analyzed. Discussions on FY27 Tuition emphasized student affordability and incremental adjustments. FY27 Board Initiatives included childcare programming, growing the viticulture program, workforce development needs, strengthening the AG program, and exploring Earn to Learn programs. Strategic Priorities for FY27 were outlined across technology, student wellness, data management, and academic programs. Finally, preparations for the HLC site visit were discussed, advising the Board on their governance role during the review.

The agenda for this regular meeting includes general functions such as the Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Adoption of Agenda, and organizational matters for 2026, specifically the Election of Board Chair and Secretary, and appointment of representatives to committees. Key discussions involve a presentation on the Open Meeting Law and citizen in-person interim comments. Standing reports cover updates from the AACCT representative, the Senate, the College President (including Legislative, Facilities, and Initiatives updates), and review of the Monthly Financial Report and Academic Progress Report for December 2025. New business items slated for action include appointments of non-exempt staff, curriculum matters, a proclamation for Career and Technical Education Month, approval for a Water Line Easement at the Douglas Campus with the City of Douglas, and approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Arizona Department of Education for adult education and workforce development. Information items include updates from the Cochise College Foundation, a Marketing report, and the first reading of policies regarding Family Medical Leave and Performance Evaluation.

The Regular Meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and standing reports, including updates on legislative outlook, Workforce Pell implementation, and federal rulemaking concerning program shifts between departments. Significant discussion involved facility updates across various campuses, such as the Douglas Campus drainage improvements and relocation projects. Key initiatives highlighted included strengthening foundations for student success, workforce alignment, and preparations for the Higher Learning Commission accreditation visit. New business included the approval of several staff and faculty appointments, resignations, curriculum items, and the approval of a contract for Douglas Campus drainage improvements not to exceed $365,960. Additionally, the Board approved sabbatical requests for two faculty members for the Spring 2027 academic year. Division reports detailed accomplishments in Business, Career, and Technical Education (e.g., residential construction projects, AI course rollouts) and Workforce Development and Military Programs (e.g., increases in HSE graduates, OSHA enrollment).

The meeting commenced with the adoption of the agenda and standing reports, including updates from the Senate, Student Government Association, and the College President. Key discussion points from the President's report included a challenging legislative outlook for FY26/FY27 due to soft sales tax collections and mandated spending, federal funding status following a continuing resolution, and numerous facilities updates across various campuses (Douglas, Sierra Vista, Downtown Center). Initiative updates covered successful HOSA competition, FAA approval for the Aviation program, and workforce development partnerships. The Board recognized the Marketing Team's five Medallion Awards and the Women's Soccer team's championship history. New Business included the approval of the Consent Agenda, which covered staff appointments, resignations, and retirements, as well as the approval of FY2026-2027 Course Fees, with a revision for Nursing 232. Information items featured a presentation on the Liberal Arts Division, highlighting the success of the Pit Fire event which generated over $11,831 for scholarships, and detailed plans for integrating AI responsibly into the English curriculum. The Student Services Division report focused on student success initiatives, operational improvements under the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan (SEMP), and compliance updates, noting significant safety improvements. Governing Board members shared positive comments regarding college rankings and student-centric efforts. Executive Session items were pulled from the agenda.