Gogebic Community College

The board discussed institutional updates, including student support initiatives, the Allied Health Open House, and the roof collapse at the Copper Country Center. Strategic planning, tuition structure revisions, and personnel updates were also addressed. Financial reports were reviewed, and several board policies were discussed, including a new sponsorship policy, a board handbook, surplus property disposition, and acceptable use of information systems. Additionally, the board established an interim president search committee and held a closed session regarding collective bargaining strategy.

The meeting agenda includes institutional reports covering a TRIO presentation regarding a Savannah trip, Higher Learning Commission updates, and various departmental updates from the Vice President, Houghton branch, and the President. New business items consist of the review of financial reports, establishment of tuition rates for the 2026-2027 academic year, and approval of institutional, course, and lab fees. Furthermore, the Board will review policy updates, including a new handbook, removal of surplus property disposition policies, and revisions to the acceptable use of information systems policy. The meeting will also feature a closed session regarding MAHE negotiations.

Key discussions centered on Presidential Leadership Transition. During the Public Comment section, an instructor encouraged the Board to view current circumstances as an opportunity for administrative restructuring, suggesting the appointment of an external interim president. New Business involved the discussion and consideration of search firm selection for leadership transition. Following discussion, the Board decided an interim leadership approach was in the best interest of the institution and voted to contract with The Registry search firm for the interim search. Other business included announcements regarding upcoming events, such as the Nursing Open House and ribbon cutting ceremony, basketball games, and registration opening for the MCCA Summer Conference.

Key discussions included a strategic plan update highlighting year one successes in areas like enhancing student experience and expanding academic programming, with specific projects mentioned such as low-cost facility improvements. The Financial Aid Director provided statistics for 2024-2025, noting 62% of total aid came from federal sources, and discussed upcoming changes with the One Big Beautiful Bill. Vice President Bedard-Parker reported on faculty surveys regarding Learning Management Systems and plans for focusing on the Copper Country Center. Vice President Sabourin announced upcoming outreach events for 8th and 2nd graders and a Career Day planning meeting. The President updated the Board on a $1.2 million supplemental state funding request for facility projects (tech wing, conference center, elevator) and announced plans to bring updated tuition and fees for the next year for approval in March. The Board accepted the resignation of President Christopher Patritto, effective July 1, 2026, and authorized a search for a replacement. Financial reports for December 31, 2025, were reviewed and approved. The Board approved the second reading of Policy 114 (Board of Trustees Code of Conduct) and Policy 115 (Conflict of Interest Policy), and accepted the first reading of Policy 580 (Sponsorship Policy). The MESPA contract was accepted after returning from a closed session. Finally, the resolution designating regular meeting dates, time, and location for 2026 was approved.

The meeting included the introduction of a new Nursing Instructor and updates on future staffing. Key institutional reports covered the conclusion of finals, planning for the spring schedule, and faculty education regarding Moodle usage for student accessibility. The Student Services and Athletics update focused on examining DFW lists, managing Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals for financial aid, and providing current enrollment statistics. The Copper Country Center report highlighted local community involvement, upcoming technology upgrades funded by the Ruppe Foundation for a virtual mathematics delivery space, and ongoing collaboration with Hancock Schools on an early college model. New business involved the first reading of revisions to Policy 114 (Board of Trustees Code of Conduct) and Policy 115 (Conflict of Interest Policy). The second reading and approval occurred for Policy 118 (Succession Planning), Policy 119 (Advocacy Committee Charter), Policy 579 (Sale and Disposal of Surplus Property), and the suspension of Policy 505 (Use of 2010 Tax Levy Funds). Financial statements for November 30, 2025, were presented and approved. Other business included scheduling an open house for the newly renovated Nursing lab and discussing board training webinars focusing on guided pathways and increased communication with local K-12 boards and the ISD.