Cowley County Community College

The board meeting covered several key administrative and operational items. Discussions included college updates, recognition of student achievement, and reports from academic and administrative departments. Key actions taken included the approval of a contract for a minivan purchase, the authorization of roofing repairs due to storm damage, and the decision to exercise an option to purchase the Education Center building. Additionally, the board approved an easement for the City of Wellington, reviewed policy revisions, accepted the President's annual evaluation, and held an executive session regarding college technology systems and security measures.

The board discussed various college updates, including athletic and academic achievements, and received a legislative report. Key actions included the approval of the purchase of 30 new Automated External Defibrillator units to standardize campus safety equipment, and the resolution to hold a special meeting to determine 2026-2027 tuition, fees, and housing rates once the state budget is finalized. The board also approved new academic course procedures and a new practicum course for the criminal justice program. Additionally, the board reviewed several college policies, authorized personnel transactions including a retirement and a new hire, and received an update regarding insurance claims for campus roof repairs following a previous hail storm.

The Board of Trustees discussed and approved the proposed tuition, fees, and housing rates for the 2026-2027 academic year. The administration proposed a $5.00 increase per credit hour for tuition with no fee increases, and a 3% increase for housing rates under the Fresh Ideas agreement, while housing plans without meal plans remained unchanged.

The Board approved the three-year renewal of the Blackboard contract and authorized several new Computer Information Systems courses. Key administrative actions included the approval of revisions to the Board of Trustee handbook and an amended slate of officers for the calendar year. The meeting also involved reviews of college financial reports, personnel transactions, policy updates, and two executive sessions regarding legal matters.

The meeting commenced with the election of officers for the 2026 calendar year, resulting in Dr. Alan Marcotte being elected as Board Chair and Phil White as Vice-Chair following a tie-breaking coin flip. Several Trustee representatives and sub-committees were appointed for various duties, including Finance, Academic, and Board Policy. Key reports included a College update from the President concerning the start of the spring semester, strategic planning progress, and new employee introductions. Students were recognized as the December 2025 and January 2026 Students of the Month. The Finance Subcommittee approved the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Durango Pursuit AWD for the Criminal Justice Department using Tech Ed Capital Outlay Funds. The Policy Subcommittee reviewed the revised Sexual Harassment policy. The Consent Agenda addressed the approval of the December 15, 2025 regular Board Minutes, financial reports for the month ending December 31, 2025, Bills and Claims for December, and authorized personnel transactions including one retirement and several new staff appointments/hires. Board appointments for Clerk and Treasurer were also confirmed for the 2026 term.