Stephanie Cherry

The meeting agenda included the review of the Multi-Year Cycle Policy for BPD-2 Accountability of the President, assessment of monitoring reports for EL-5 Financial Condition and Activities (Items 1-5) and EL-7 Compensation and Benefits, and assessment of compliance for Ends #5 regarding skilled workers in the merged area. The board also closed a public hearing and approved plans, specifications, and the lowest bidder for the Hawkeye Community College Farm Underground Electrical Service. Other items approved included administrative contracts for issuance/revisions, separations, and terminations; 2026 Early Retirement Applications; and the Hawkeye Community College Strategic Plan 2026-2031. An update on Hawkeye Towers under new ownership was provided. A board presentation detailed the 'Give Kids A Smile' program scheduled for April 2026, with related summer dental clinic plans. Student representatives provided updates on their activities and suggested increased career-focused opportunities and the potential benefit of a student meal plan. The Foundation Board meeting report from January 22, 2026, noted approval of financial statements, setting the endowment spending allocation at 5%, and accepting a gift from the Cindy Fisher Estate.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting included the adoption of the agenda and comments from the public. Key discussion items under Board Education involved student reports, presentations on Spring 2026 Credit Enrollment and Spring 2026 Workforce Education Enrollment, and a report on the ACCT National Legislative Summit. Governance Process items for decision included a review of the board self-evaluation summary and a review of the Board Planning Cycle and Agenda Control, specifically Policy GP-8. Executive Limitations items involved a multi-year cycle policy review for EL-2 Treatment of Employees. Monitoring President Performance required assessment motions for compliance with policies EL-5 Financial Conditions, EL-6 Asset Protection, and EL-9 Naming of Facilities and Programs. Required Approvals included motions to approve a five-year program agreement with Tyson Fresh Foods for the ACE (260G) program, setting Tuition and Fee rates for the 2026-2027 academic year, approving the resolution authorizing the Redemption of General Obligations School Bonds, Series 2025, and approving payments made for college expenses from January 16 to February 12, 2026.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the organization of the Board through the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair, and the appointment of the Board Secretary, Treasurer, delegates to Community Colleges for Iowa, liaisons to the Foundation Board, and members of the Finance Committee. The Board assessed monitoring reports related to Financial Condition and Activities (EL-5), Ethical Behavior (EL-3), and Affordable Access to Education (Ends #2). Several construction projects underwent public hearings and received final approval, including the Techworks 2nd & 3rd Floor Renovation, the Northeast Campus Detention Basin, and the Sustainable Construction Building, with corresponding lowest bidders approved. The Board also approved the FY2025 Independent Auditor's Report and directed the Secretary to publish notices for future bids and a public hearing concerning the Farm Underground Electrical Service. Approvals were granted for Iowa Code Chapter 279 Contracts and verified payments for expenses covering October 17 to November 13, 2025. The President provided updates on the end of the fall semester, Spring 2026 registration, upcoming holiday celebrations, and committee activities, including the presentation of the Draft Strategic Plan 2026-2030 and a report from the Foundation Board.

The key discussion topics for this meeting included the adoption of the agenda, public comments, consent agenda items such as the approval of previous regular board meeting minutes and the Board Personnel Report for non-bargaining employees. Board Education featured presentations on "Give Kids A Smile" and student reports. Governance process items involved a review of the self-evaluation summary for the November 25, 2025 board self-evaluation. Executive Limitations items included monitoring reports and findings for compliance concerning Financial Conditions (EL-5), Compensation and Benefits (EL-7), and the Ends policy related to highly skilled workers (Ends #5). Required approvals included opening and closing a public hearing for the Hawkeye Community College Farm Underground Electrical Service, approving the plans and awarding the bid for this service, approval of administrative contracts for issuance/revisions/separations/terminations, approval of 2026 Applications for Early Retirement, approval of the Hawkeye Community College Strategic Plan 2026-2031, and approval of audited and verified payments for expenses.

The meeting addressed several key areas, including updates on the Butler Hall construction progress, masonry and concrete work, structural steel completion, and the commencement of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins. Discussions also covered an extensive overview of the math program, aiming to decrease developmental math courses and create corequisite support classes. The board reviewed its Governing Style and Multi-Year Cycle Policy, and assessed the Executive Limitations related to Financial Condition and Activities, as well as Ends related to student knowledge and skills. Approvals were granted for the Hawkeye Community College Quality Faculty Plan and the 2026-27 Regional Programs for Last-Dollar Scholarship List. Additionally, the board directed the Secretary to publish notices for upcoming bids and public hearings related to renovation and construction projects.