Stephanie Cherry

The agenda includes an update on Redtail Athletics, a policy review for naming facilities and programs, and annual board self-evaluations regarding governance and presidential delegation. The Board will monitor presidential performance related to financial conditions, conduct a private conference concerning a faculty contract, and consider approval for a salary increase for non-bargaining employees. Additionally, the Board will review audited payments and hold a closed session to evaluate an employee's professional competency.

The board meeting focused on several key items including the approval of a personnel report and a new transfer major credit program. Board education sessions featured student athlete recognition, a regional population study presentation, student representative reports, and a foundation board report. Governance items included reviews of policies related to board job descriptions, committee structures, and finance committees. The board assessed monitoring reports for compliance regarding financial conditions and conducted a public hearing for the certified budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Additional actions included the approval of administrative and probationary instructor contracts, the issuance of industrial new jobs training certificates, and the authorization of verified college expenses.

The Board of Trustees conducted a session focusing on institutional monitoring and fiscal oversight. Key discussions included an assessment of policies regarding financial condition and enriched quality of life for students. Administrative actions included authorizing the publication of notice for an upcoming public hearing on the proposed certified budget, approving multiple resolutions for industrial new jobs training certificates with various companies, and confirming audited expenditures. Additionally, updates were provided regarding legislative activity, student achievement, and employee recognition.

The board meeting included reviews of multi-year policies and various monitoring reports concerning financial condition, asset protection, and naming of facilities. Key actions involved the approval of tuition rates for the 2026-27 academic year, a five-year program agreement with Tyson Fresh Foods to support the Accelerated Career Education program, and a resolution authorizing the redemption of General Obligation School Bonds. Additionally, the board received updates on campus facility projects, Colleague SaaS implementation, AI policy development, legislative matters, and enrollment data for credit and workforce education programs.

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.