Sonya Garza

The meeting agenda includes administrative items such as the administration of the oath of office for newly elected trustees, approval of the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan, and appointment of the Bee County Assessor-Collector for 2026 tax rate publication. Key operational and financial actions involve awarding contracts for the replacement of the Air-Cooled Chiller, the ERP and Student Information System, and campus flooring upgrades. Furthermore, the board will review employment contracts for the 2026-2027 academic year, consider the purchase of computer equipment, and review monthly financial reports for April 2026. Executive session items cover campus safety, legal consultations, and personnel matters.

The board discussed several items, including a public comment regarding the need for facility improvements in student housing, specifically addressing HVAC issues and mold concerns. Updates were provided on the scholarship awards ceremony, community engagement initiatives, and the success of the Cougar Track event in boosting enrollment. The board received reports on employee appreciation efforts, a positive visit from the Board of Nursing, and the launch of the 'Cougar to Jaguar' initiative with South Texas College, which provides tuition-free online bachelor's degrees. Additionally, the college received a 2026 innovation award, and details regarding spring commencement, student enrollment metrics for the promise program, and upcoming holiday closures were shared.

The Coastal Bend College Strategic Plan 2026-2031 provides a comprehensive roadmap for the institution's future, anchored by a 'lighthouse' goal of awarding 5,000 college credentials by 2031. The plan is organized around five strategic priorities: Access, Belonging & Student Affordability; Student Success & Completion; Teaching, Learning & Academic Excellence; Workforce & Economic Alignment; and Institutional Effectiveness, Stewardship & Sustainability. This framework aims to guide purposeful growth, ensure continuous improvement, and position the institution to remain responsive, student-centered, and focused on creating opportunities across the region.

The board meeting covered several key discussion topics. A public comment was heard from an employee regarding an agenda item. The college president provided updates on various community engagement activities, including a Women's History Month celebration, a donation from ConocoPhillips for police safety equipment, economic development roundtables, the launch of a Promise program with high school districts, a community Easter egg hunt, and the college's feature in a national journal for its Criminal Justice School Scholars Initiative. The meeting also addressed the selection of a name for the new Mariachi program and the college's participation in a regional Caring Campus initiative in partnership with Texas A&M University-Kingsville to enhance student support services.

The agenda for the meeting includes updates from the college president, a mission moment, and several reports covering strategic plan development, a compensation plan study, and the budget update for FY 2027. New business items involve the engagement of an external auditor for the 2026 fiscal year, authorization for the disposal of surplus equipment, and a facilities rental agreement update. The board will also review financial reports, employment contracts, and committee reports. An executive session is scheduled to discuss campus safety, legal matters, and presidential administrative responsibilities.