Howard Community College

The Board of Trustees held special and regular meetings during which they reviewed financial statements, including operating revenue, expenses, and Workforce, Career, and Continuing Education net profit highlights. The Board considered and approved consent items such as new hires and Virtual Chief Information Security Officer services. Updates were provided regarding collective bargaining, and student cohorts presented capstone projects including the Dragon Trail and a reimagined classroom initiative titled Learning Without Fear. Additionally, the Board conducted several closed sessions to discuss personnel matters and consult with legal counsel.

The board meeting agenda covered a broad range of topics, including introductions of new employees and students involved in study abroad programs, recognition of academic and athletic teams, and a 2026 legislative impact report. Key priority items included the election of fiscal year 2027 board officers, review of financial statements, and approval of the fiscal year 2027 operating budget. Additionally, the board discussed collective bargaining updates, various consent items including software and hardware service contracts, and student success initiatives. The meeting also included an update on construction projects and audit areas for review.

The Board discussed various reports, including the President's report on the MSCHE conference and cyber internship outcomes, along with collective bargaining progress and financial statements for the current fiscal year. Consent items regarding new hires were reviewed. Additionally, the Board received updates on the Colleague Modernization project, the Procurement Card program, the fiscal year 2026 board calendar, and a disclosure of agreements signed by the board chair. Personnel activities, including changes in status, separations, and transfers, were also presented.

The board meeting agenda included updates on the Cathy and Danny Bell Workforce Development and Trades Center, the Human Resources transformation project, and a proposed Solar Power Purchase Agreement. The President's report highlighted the Kahlert Foundation Complex LEED Gold certification, the continuation of the Fitness and Wellness Coaching program, Kids on Campus 40th anniversary, and institutional advocacy efforts. The board reviewed and discussed the fiscal year 2027 proposed operating budget, including revenue projections and expenditure highlights. Additionally, the board reviewed reports on collective bargaining session dates and the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) dashboard regarding institutional workforce goals.

The board sessions included introductions of new employees and constituency group leaders, along with a presentation of the Howard Community College Educational Foundation annual report, which highlighted fundraising achievements for the fiscal year. The board discussed the President's leadership academy trip, received updates on presidential priorities, collective bargaining, and legislative agendas. Financial items addressed included the fiscal year 2025 audit report, financial statements, and various fee changes across multiple academic divisions. Several consent items were approved, including capital budgets, cooperative purchase agreements, and sabbatical recommendations. The meetings concluded with discussions on upcoming work session topics and a closed session regarding personnel matters.