Shannon Baker

The Board meeting included the approval of monthly financial statements for November and December 2025, noting increases in cash balances compared to the previous year. The Quarterly Investment Report was approved, showing market values up from September 2025 with a 3.92% average yield. The Board accepted the 2024-2025 financial audit report, which resulted in an unmodified opinion, noting one minor finding related to secondary federal student loan disbursement notifications which has since been corrected. Administration's recommendation to hire Alexander, Langford, and Hiers for the 2025-2026 audit services was approved. The Board also accepted TASB Update 50 (LEGAL) policies as an information item and voted to accept the updated TASB (LOCAL) policies. Furthermore, the Trustees designated the North facing front lawn between Filly Drive and the digital signage as the common outdoor area for public forum per Senate Bill 2972. Finally, the Board accepted the resignation of the Director of Workforce & Continuing Education, effective March 31, 2026.

The Board of Trustees meeting included the administration of the Oath of Office to the newly appointed Trustee. Campus updates featured the awarding of a grant from Greater Texas Foundation to implement Element451 and an update on The Promise Program. The Board approved the October 2025 Monthly Financial Report and discussed and approved updates to the Employee and Student Handbooks. They also discussed and approved the official ballot and voting resolution for director positions on the Panola County Appraisal District's Board of Directors. The Board approved employment, promotion and retirement recommendations. The President's Monthly Report was presented in written form.

The meeting included discussion and potential action regarding the appointment of a new Board Member for Place 1 to fill an unexpired term. The Board voted to ask Mr. Joshua Carter to serve on the Board. There was also discussion regarding personnel and/or real property, but the Board did not enter into a closed session.

The Board discussed monthly financial reports, which showed increases in cash balances for board-designated and restricted funds, as well as total cash compared to the previous year. An administrative report on incidents of sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking was presented, indicating zero reports during the specified period. The Board approved the employment of an Esports Coach and the promotion of a Director of Financial Aid. Authorization was granted to negotiate the purchase of properties on Banks Street. The Board also accepted the ranked order of a Construction Manager At-Risk for pre-construction services and approved the President to negotiate a contract with Jacobe Brothers Construction. Additionally, the President's Monthly Report was presented in written form.

The Student Achievement Measures & Outcomes Report for Panola College details the institution's commitment to continuous improvement in student learning and success, aligning with its mission and SACSCOC Standard 8.1. It provides an annual review of key performance indicators, including annual credential completion rates, graduation rates, transfer rates, licensure rates across multiple programs, job placement rates, and retention rates. The report's analysis informs strategic planning, guides resource allocation, and aims to enhance educational excellence, support diverse learning needs, and prepare students for academic, professional, and personal success.