William Bergan

This Facilities Master Plan for Carroll Community College outlines the institution's long-term strategy for facilities development from 2026 to 2036. It details current conditions, assesses needs based on projected enrollments and program demands, and proposes a roadmap for modernizing and expanding campus infrastructure. Key strategic directions include the development of a Trades, Technology, and Training Complex, a Physical Education/Wellness Center, and subsequent renovations of existing buildings. The plan emphasizes addressing significant space deficits, upgrading mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and technology systems, and incorporating sustainability initiatives to create flexible, state-of-the-art learning environments that support academic excellence, workforce development, and community engagement.

The Ratcliffe Applied Technology & Trades Center is an initiative designed to address critical workforce shortages in skilled trades by providing specialized education and hands-on training. It focuses on programs such as automotive, welding, plumbing, and carpentry, utilizing individualized labs to combine theoretical knowledge with practical application. The strategic aim is to equip students with the necessary skills for immediate employment, thereby ensuring a supply of qualified professionals for local industries and strengthening the regional economy.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting includes committee sessions for Finance, Facilities, and Related Policies, and Personnel, Instruction, and Related Policies. Key discussion points for the President's report involve a College Medal Nomination, updates on various external engagements, and committee reports. Action/Consent/Information items focus on reviewing October Financial Statements, Fiscal Year 2027 updates, the Annual Financial Audit, a Notice of Grant Award, and reviews of the DRAFT Carroll Community College Facilities Master Plan, Immigration Enforcement Actions Policy, and Freedom of Expression and Public Assembly Policy. Additionally, the committee sessions will address faculty salary scales, 2026 salary information, new appointments, and employment separations.

The meeting included several key reports and actions. The President's Report featured a presentation on the Carroll Community College Facilities Master Plan and a report on Workforce, Business & Community Education Enrollment and Revenue, noting an 8.9% enrollment increase in FY 2025 for WBCE. An analysis of the Fall 2025 Credit Enrollment showed a slight decrease from the previous year but an overall positive trend compared to 2021 and 2023. The President also discussed the Carroll Catalyst: Executive Leadership Summit and an update on media placements, including the formal establishment of the President's Advisory Board. The College Standards and Accountability report detailed compliance discussions related to federal and state mandates and the refinement of the Belonging and Empowerment Strategic Plan to eight key initiatives. The Institutional Advancement report highlighted successful fundraising efforts, including the conclusion of the "Turning Hopes and Dreams into Reality" campaign and strong early sponsorships for the Starry Night Gala. The Academic Council approved six proposals. In Finance matters, the Board acknowledged receipt of the September financial report and unanimously approved accepting the State of Maryland Consolidated Adult Education and Family Literacy Services Grant for FY2026 totaling $271,505. Furthermore, the Board unanimously authorized a five-year lease agreement, not to exceed $700,000 for the initial term, with Tevis Real Estate, Inc. for 10,000 square feet to house programs supported by the Ratcliffe Works grant. Finally, two new professional appointments were approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the annual financial audit for FY2025, which resulted in an unmodified opinion. The Board unanimously approved awarding Emeritus status to Mr. Steven Wantz upon his retirement. Updates were provided on upcoming events such as the Winter Market and the TEDx Westminster event, as well as progress on the Ratcliffe Center renovation. The President shared highlights from recent events, including the Cyber Range ribbon cutting and the ACCT Leadership Congress. The Chief Communications and Public Relations Officer presented on media placements and notable stories. The Ombudsperson reported on increased service utilization and the planned reassessment of the Belonging and Empowerment Committee. The College Foundation reported on the upcoming Starry Night Gala and Giving Tuesday efforts. Academic Council reported on three approved proposals. The Senate reported on revisions to the Freedom of Expression and Public Assembly policy and the Immigration Enforcement Procedures policy. The Planning Advisory Council endorsed the Proposed FY2027 Operating Budget, which includes a proposed tuition increase. The Finance, Facilities, and Related Policies Committee reviewed financial statements, accepted the annual audit, accepted a $10,000 grant for over-the-counter contraception vending machines, and reviewed the proposed Facilities Master Plan 2026-2036. The Personnel, Instruction, and Related Policies Committee approved a 2% adjustment to Non-Credit Adjunct Faculty Salary Scales, approved a 2% salary increase for benefit eligible and temporary hourly employees, and approved three new professional appointments.