Stephanie Bender

The board discussed and addressed several key items, including the review and approval of the FY26 budget amendment and the FY27 capital budget. Results from several Requests for Proposals (RFPs) regarding equipment for the Adams and Wisconsin Rapids campuses, as well as parking lot improvements, were reviewed. Additionally, the board discussed academic programming, graduate placement data, emergency alerting system transitions, and conducted a closed session concerning property negotiations and personnel matters.

The documents detail proceedings from three sessions held on March 16, 2026, following minutes from February 16, 2026: the Finance & Infrastructure Committee meeting, the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting, and the District Board Regular Meeting. Key discussions and action items for the March 16 meetings included the presentation and requested approval for the FY2027 Capital Budget. The Finance & Infrastructure Committee considered approving the payment of bills and payroll, reviewing contracted service agreements, and reviewing procurements, alongside addressing the Request for Proposal (RFP) for Audit Services, with a recommendation to contract with Wipfli LLP for a five-year engagement. The Committee-of-the-Whole agenda included discussions on Global Education Travel and a tour of the remodeled space for the Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant programs. The Regular Board Meeting agenda included consent agenda items such as the payment of bills and payroll for February 2026 (totaling $4,171,060.41 in district bills and payroll combined), contracted service agreements, and hires and resignations of contracted staff. Action items for the regular board meeting included final action on the FY2027 Capital Budget and the RFP for future financial audits.

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting include the approval of bills and payroll for December 2025, totaling over $3.3 million, and the approval of ten contracted service agreements. The Chairperson's report covered upcoming events such as the District Boards Association Winter meeting and the ACCT National Legislative Summit. The College President highlighted recent campus activities, community involvement, and award receptions. Action items included the unanimous program approval for two new technical diplomas: Agronomy Technician and Farm Operation. Informational items reviewed were the FY26 financial report, the maintenance of an Aa1 bond rating, the Budget Development Calendar for FY2026-2027, the annual energy usage report, updates on Advisory Committees, and an overview of the Economic Impact Study.

The District Board meeting addressed several key items. The Consent Agenda included the approval of November 2025 bills and payroll, totaling $3,463,734.40, and the approval of several contracted service agreements totaling $49,475.00. In reports, international travel to Costa Rica was removed from consideration due to an advisory, and planning was discussed for the District Boards Association Winter meeting and the Board Retreat. Action items centered on finance, including the unanimous approval of the FY25 Budget Amendment Resolution necessary for the annual audit, and the approval of the FY25 Audited Financial Statements. Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved resolutions authorizing the issuance and setting parameters for the sale of up to $1,500,000 in General Obligation Promissory Notes, Series 2026A, to finance movable equipment acquisition. Additionally, program approvals were granted for three new embedded technical diplomas: IT Web Programmer, Tree Health Specialist, and Catering Specialist. Informational items included a clean audit report for the Mid-State Technical College Foundation and updates on campus activities and the 2025 WTCS Public Perception Survey results.

The documents detail proceedings from the Finance & Infrastructure Committee, the Committee-of-the-Whole, and the District Board Regular Meeting, all scheduled for February 16, 2026. The Finance & Infrastructure Committee agenda included approval of the January 19, 2026, minutes and consent agenda items covering payment of bills and payroll, contracted service agreements, and procurements for goods and services. Informational items included a presentation on the FY2027 Capital Budget and a discussion on finance implications from other committees. The District Board agenda included consent agenda items for payment of bills and payroll, contracted service agreements, and procurements for goods and services. Action items for the Board included seeking approval for the Program Approval of the Fire Medic Associate Degree. A Closed Session was scheduled to discuss the College President's evaluation and goals.