East Central College

The Board meeting agenda covered several significant items including the approval of the agenda, Treasurer's and Financial Reports, and discussions on Tuition & General Fees for the 2026-27 academic year, which included a recommended 5% tuition increase and changes to specific program tuition tiers resulting in an estimated total revenue gain of $245,555. Other key items included the approval of Course Fees for the same academic year, consideration of Chapter 5 Board Policies & Procedures Revisions (with final approval recommended for the subsequent meeting), review of Student Outcomes (Assessment for Student Learning and Course Success Rates), Foundation 2026 Mini-grants & Employee Campaign, and Board Assessment. The agenda also included a Personnel section covering appointments for faculty and classified staff.

The meeting agenda covered several items requiring Board action. Key discussion points included the acceptance of the Single Audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, which noted a significant deficiency related to the Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation process. The Board considered the approval of Great Western Dining Services as the food service provider for FY2027, involving an annual fee and an administrative fee structure. Approval was also sought for the purchase of the ACUE Complete professional development package for faculty and staff, to be funded by the federal Title III grant. Additionally, the meeting involved the scheduled review of Chapter 5 Board Policies & Procedures Revisions, with formal approval recommendations planned for the subsequent meeting.

The meeting agenda, which was unanimously approved, included the review of the Treasurer's and Financial Reports as of September 30, 2025, with approval to pay bills subject to audit. The Board set the filing dates for the April 7, 2026, election seats in Subdistricts 1 and 2, specifying that filings will occur at the Franklin County Clerk's office due to the college being closed during part of the period. Revisions to Chapter 3 of the Board Policies and Procedures were approved. A major action was the approval for the transfer of sponsorship of the Washington School of Practical Nursing program to East Central College, effective Fall 2026, to be managed under the Health Sciences Department. An update on the Rolla renovation project confirmed it remains on schedule for a 2027 opening, with demolition bids complete and general construction underway. Reports from the Faculty Association highlighted professional achievements and community engagement events. The Professional Staff Association reported the Adult Education and Literacy program received an award for outstanding performance. The President also noted East Central College was invited to apply for the Aspen Prize.

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and financial reports, including the treasurer's report and payment of bills, subject to the annual audit. Key purchasing decisions included approving the acquisition of 10 Fortinet infrastructure switches, two Lincoln PowerWave welders, and a TRAK TMC5 CNC mill, primarily funded by technology fees or vocational enhancement grants. The Board awarded the Phase 1 Campus Paving project bid to Byrne & Jones Construction, funded equally by state maintenance/repair appropriation and institutional funds. Employee ancillary insurance coverages for 2026 were approved, featuring a 4.74% increase for dental insurance provided by Delta Dental, while vision, life, and disability coverages maintained current premium costs. The Board reviewed revisions to Board Policies & Procedures Chapter 3 (first reading) and received an informational presentation on the Gallagher Classification & Compensation Study findings, which recommended adopting a pay scale with 16 pay grades. A Course Success Report indicated an overall success rate of 82.7% and noted strong performance among veteran students. An enrollment update highlighted a headcount and credit hour increase, representing the largest percentage increase among Missouri community colleges for the period. Personnel actions included accepting one retirement and approving two new full-time instructor/coordinator appointments. The President reported ongoing discussions regarding the Washington Practical School of Nursing program and provided an update on the Rolla project, which is on track for a January 2027 opening.

The meeting addressed various topics, including the approval of the agenda, treasurer's and financial reports, and the annual audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Discussions also covered the Four Rivers Career Center Lease, bids, ECC Baseball Field Renovations, Campus Paving Project, and personnel matters, including adjunct faculty and classified staff appointments. Reports were presented by the Board President, Faculty Association, ECC-NEA, Professional Staff Association, Classified Staff Association, and Student Government Associations from both Union and Rolla. The President's Report was given, and an executive session was scheduled to discuss real estate matters.