James A Rhodes State College

The Board meeting focused on a transition to a new financial reporting schedule utilizing a monthly cash-based budget-to-actual format to improve clarity, alongside quarterly accrual-based statements. The President provided updates on enrollment and state/local legislation, and the Board confirmed the upcoming presidential evaluation schedule. Official actions included the approval of personnel appointments, the hiring of adjunct faculty for the fiscal year, and the acceptance of the low enrollment and duplicate program report. Furthermore, the Board adopted an implementation plan for an American Government and Civic Literacy course and finalized annual appointments for the Executive Committee, Standing Committees, and Ohio Association of Community Colleges (OACC) representatives.

The Board reviewed the third-quarter financial statements and received an update on national and state trends in higher education, highlighting enrollment growth and program development. Key actions included the approval of the Single Audit Report, the fiscal year 2027 budget, and the purchase of security cameras funded by a Campus Safety Grant. Several policies were updated or newly adopted, including personal leave, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and student records privacy. Furthermore, the Board approved the creation of an Associate of Applied Science degree in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and received an update regarding upcoming commencement ceremonies.

The Board reviewed the fiscal year 2026 budget-to-actual performance and received the President's report covering state updates, program accreditation, and enrollment data. The faculty association provided updates on committee work, professional development, and workload policies. The Board approved various personnel actions, the 2026 health and ancillary benefit plan renewals, and the purchase of an advanced manufacturing precision cutting, grinding, and polishing system. Additionally, the Board adopted revisions to policies concerning epidemic/pandemic community health requirements and student complaint and grievance procedures. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters before adjournment.

The Board discussed updates regarding advocacy and support from the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, including state and federal advocacy efforts, workforce development, and student success metrics. A February budget-to-actual financial report was presented, noting strong revenue performance and controlled spending. The President's report covered trustee training requirements and a proposed five-year partnership with ReUp Education to re-engage stop-out learners. The Faculty Association provided an update on ongoing initiatives, including ADA compliance efforts. Formal resolutions were approved for personnel actions, the partnership with ReUp Education, a revision to the Disciplinary Action policy, and the adoption of a formal curriculum approval process.

The Board of Trustees approved a purchase of furniture from Innovative Office Solutions for an amount up to $62,000. Additionally, the Board approved a tuition increase of $5.00 per credit hour, to be effective for the Summer Semester of 2026, following the enactment of House Bill 96.