Kirkwood Community College

Key discussion topics included a public hearing on Industrial New Jobs Training Certificates rescheduled for April 9, 2026, and updates on the Jones County Regional Center and the 'The Community's College - The Community's Future' campaign. Financial reports were presented. The Consent Agenda covered personnel matters, bills, certificates, and the approval of Board Policy 706 regarding AI Integration. New business featured resolutions for the final approval of Industrial New Jobs Training Agreements (260E) with multiple entities, directing the publication of a notice of intention to issue Industrial New Jobs Training Certificates up to $8,000,000.00, approving the publication of the advertisement for the FY27 Proposed Budget, authorizing the redemption of School Bonds Series 2020C, approving the issuance of a CMaR Notice of Intent and RFQ for East Hall improvements, and authorizing a 28E Agreement with the City of Fairfax for Prairie Installation and Management. Personnel changes included new hires for Grounds Maintenance Worker, Custodian, Business Liaison, and Pathway Navigator, and the separation of an Interim International Admissions Advisor.

The meeting included student perspectives, featuring an introduction of students selected to represent Kirkwood at the National Legislative Summit. Informational items covered the Kirkwood report, which highlighted student achievements, awards for the student newspaper, an upcoming vocal jazz festival, a campus visit day, and participation in the Legislative Summit. A report on Spring 2026 enrollment noted it was flat year-over-year, though regular enrollment decreased while College Credit in High School enrollment increased. The board received an overview of Kirkwood's comprehensive approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI), including policy, training, and tools. The financial report detailed projected revenues exceeding budget by $1.3M for Fund 1, anticipated overtime wage overages offset by significant savings in Salaries and Benefits from unfilled positions, and strong cash balances (191 days reserve). New business involved the approval of Final Industrial New Jobs Training Agreements with SubZero Group, the resolution for issuing industrial new jobs training certificates with a scheduled public hearing on March 12, 2026, approval of an amended Career & Technical Education Consultant Shared Personnel Agreement, and approval of a transitional annual contract with Waukee Community Schools. The Board also approved the first reading of Board Policy 706: AI Integration and Responsible Use.

The meeting featured student perspectives, including a testimonial from a former student about the Leadership in Manufacturing Program and another from a recent nursing graduate who utilized KPACE and Project Start services. Informational items included the Kirkwood Report highlighting student and faculty recognition, and President Fisher being named one of the Corridor Business Journal's 25 Most Influential Leaders of 2025. Financial reporting indicated that overall actual revenue is projected to exceed budget by $1.4M, largely due to $2.61M in Salaries and Benefits savings from unfilled positions, while contracted training revenue is projected to fall short. The Consent Agenda covered personnel actions, synopsis of bills totaling over $13.7M for the College and The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, and approval of several Board Policies. New Business included the approval of Preliminary Industrial New Jobs Training Agreements with Softronics LTD. The meeting concluded with updates on legislative activity, community outreach, and strong academic performance among student-athletes (cumulative GPA of 3.42).

The agenda for the meeting included roll call, public comment, student perspectives, and the approval or amendment of the agenda itself. Key discussion items involved the Kirkwood Report, an informational session on 'Stronger Together: Collective Action for Student Support Excellence,' and a financial report. Consent items covered personnel matters, bill approvals, policy reviews for policies 303, 605, 901, and 902, and approval of minutes from the December 9, 2025 meeting. New business included consideration of a Resolution Approving the Preliminary Industrial New Jobs Training Agreements (260E) with Softronics LTD. Reports from Board Members included updates from the Community Colleges for Iowa Trustee Conference.

The meeting involved the organization of the Board of Trustees for 2025-2026, including the election and administration of the Oath of Office for several trustees and the election of the Board Chair, Vice Board Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer. Informational items included the Kirkwood Report highlighting student achievements and recent events, an update on Workforce Pell-eligible programs positioning Kirkwood for increased access to career-focused training, and the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 audit, which received a clean opinion with no findings. The Board accepted the audit and reviewed the Financial Report, noting projected revenue exceeding budget by $1.6M, largely due to salary savings offsetting shortfalls in other revenue areas, while overall expenses were projected to remain within budget. The Consent Agenda approved personnel actions, payment of bills totaling over $9.3 million, change orders, and several Board Policy reviews (305, 701, 702), along with committee liaison appointments. New Business involved approvals for revisions to the Finance Committee Charter and first readings of several Board Policies (303, 605, 901, 902).