Kirkwood Community College

The board conducted public hearings regarding the proposed fiscal year budget and the issuance of industrial new jobs training certificates. Key presentations included a student success story, college informational reports covering a fundraising campaign and workforce needs, and updates on the Radiologic Technology Program. Legislative discussions focused on proposed property tax bills and their potential impact on community college funding. Financial reports highlighted projected revenues, operating expenses, and the fiscal year budget proposal including property tax levies. Action items included the approval of multiple industrial new jobs training agreements, issuance of training certificates, fiscal year budget adoption, tuition rate settings, and the initial review of several board policies.

The board meeting covered several institutional updates and financial matters. Key topics included a report on student achievements and upcoming events, an update on the major gifts campaign, and a review of financial projections for the fiscal year, including operating revenues and expenses. The board discussed and approved Industrial New Jobs Training agreements, directed the publication of a notice of intention to issue training certificates, and approved the advertisement for the proposed budget. Additionally, the board authorized the redemption of school bonds, approved the intent to seek a Contractor at Risk for facility improvements, and authorized a 28E agreement for prairie installation and management. The session concluded with reports from the President and Secretary regarding federal funding, legislative updates, and future meeting schedules.

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).