Sandra Bartolo

This Strategic Plan for Bristol Community College is guided by four foundational pillars: Student Success, Data and Technology, Innovation & Transformation, and Community Affairs & Development. The plan aims to create flexible and affordable pathways for student academic achievement and career readiness, build an agile IT infrastructure to enhance teaching and operational excellence, foster intentional partnerships for regional economic growth, and cultivate a transformative culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the institution.

The board meeting, held virtually due to weather-related college closure, addressed several items including the President's Report, which provided updates on key goals, an Active Shooter/Hostile Event Response (ASHER) training partnership, and Trustee Talking Points on a solar investment project and the Changing Lives Through Literature (CLTL) program. A financial update noted strong spring enrollment growth resulting in a projected surplus, though a receivable from the state for free community college remains a concern. A presentation detailed the new Evening & Weekend Nursing Program, which received approval from the MA Board of Registration in Nursing and will begin in Spring 2026. Another presentation covered the increase in FAFSA submissions due to proactive financial aid strategies and enrollment growth. Updates were also provided on the ongoing special election for the Student Trustee position. The Risk Management Committee and Finance/Budget Committee reported on their recent activities, including the review of trust fund activity and investment performance. The board also reviewed and unanimously approved an updated policy: 01 Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity and Diversity v3.

The joint meeting focused on key talking points and small group discussions related to fundraising strategy and the college's strategic plan. Discussions covered a Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) Workforce Grantee Award of $1.4M to establish a non-credit HVAC/heat pump program, which will launch in mid-January. Additionally, updates were provided on other MassCEC grants for welding/sheet metal fabrication and a training placement program. Two students shared personal insights on how scholarship funding has impacted their experience at Bristol Community College. The boards then engaged in small group discussions regarding driving fundraising strategy for the Workforce Training Center (NOWI) and conceptualizing fundraising campaigns aligned with the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, focusing on workforce readiness and equitable access, in light of regional workforce shortages.

The meeting commenced with the Chair's remarks, noting the virtual attendance of some trustees and announcing the recent resignation of the Student Trustee, with plans to fill the vacancy later. The Consent Agenda, including the consideration of November 2025 meeting minutes and personnel/contract reports, was unanimously approved. Key discussions involved the annual report on the college's audited financial statements, which had no significant findings reported. The President's Report included an update on the 2025-2026 Key Goals and a financial update highlighting five-year trends. A presentation was given on Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), leading to a unanimous board approval to eliminate associated student fees for equity and simplification reasons. The board also reviewed and unanimously approved a proposal to execute a contract with Banner Ellucian for up to ten years to modernize the college's core ERP system to a cloud-based SaaS platform, following extensive discussion on security and cost. In Old Business, the board unanimously approved granting President Emeritus status to Dr. Laura Douglas for her distinguished service.

The meeting included updates and discussions on various topics including the President's key goals for 2025-2026, community partnerships such as the Big Read program, Veterans Day collaborations, and the Taunton Center relocation project. Further discussions involved the impact of the government shutdown on students, a financial update, and a presentation on the college's Mission and Vision revision process. The board also reviewed the Fall 2025 enrollment overview and the Early College/Dual Enrollment programs. Additionally, there was a discussion on the President Emeritus Policy and a review and approval of the New Employee Relocation Policy.