Labette Community College

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda. The Board held multiple executive sessions: one for consultation with an attorney concerning privileged matters, and a second one for a preliminary discussion related to property acquisition to protect the institution's financial interest. Administrative reports included a comparison of January expenditures to the budget, showing the general fund at 57% expended and the post-secondary technical education fund at 56% expended. An update on the Zetmeir Building HVAC installation was provided. The President reported on an HLC update, including waiting for a schedule for the March visit and generally positive HLC student survey results, as well as a positive meeting with the Senate Higher Education Committee in Topeka. New business involved the approval of the quote from Jarred, Gilmore, and Phillips for the FY26 financial audit. The Board accepted both the Sociology Program Review and the Social Work Program Review. Revisions to Policy 2.05 (Drug Abuse Policy) and Policy 4.17 (Tutoring Services) were presented for review, to be voted on in March. The Claims Register was approved. During public comment, the PR Director was commended for a new commercial, a reminder was given about commencement regalia information, and the Head Wrestling Coach inquired about a salary increase.

The Board of Trustees Hiring Committee meeting included the unanimous approval of the meeting agenda. The primary focus of the meeting involved multiple sessions recessed into executive session for personnel matters concerning non-elected personnel. These executive sessions included initial proceedings, several extensions, and multiple returns to open session before final adjournment.

The meeting included the election of Board Officers, resulting in Trustee Landrum being elected as Chair and Trustee Chalker as Vice-Chair. Several Presidential appointments were approved, including the Clerk of the Board, Treasurer, legal services provider, KACCT Representative, and paper of record. Additionally, appointments related to compliance and emergency procedures were confirmed, such as the Emergency Executive Succession Plan, Affirmative Action Officers, and Title IX Coordinators. The revised meeting agenda was adopted. Reports included updates on expenditures versus budget, the presentation of the 2025 financial audit, an update on HVAC updates for the Zetmeir building, and a report from the President regarding legislative meetings and a 5% enrollment increase. The Board engaged in multiple executive sessions for personnel matters, which resulted in the approval to hire Dr. Jason Sharp as President pending contract changes. Further actions included the approval to dissolve the President Hiring Committee, the approval to add a new English Faculty position for the 2026-2027 academic year, and the reassignment of Dr. Ken Elliott to that position with a corresponding temporary contract as Dean of Instruction and Distance Learning. The Board also approved the 2026 Regular Meeting Dates and the Claims Register, as well as a New Staff Employment Letter for the Interim Head Men's Basketball Coach.

The Board of Trustees Hiring Committee meeting began with the unanimous approval of the agenda. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to executive sessions, initially scheduled for 20 minutes and subsequently extended four times for a total of 70 additional minutes, specifically addressing personnel matters for non-elected personnel to protect privacy interests. Following the open session, there were no public comments presented before the meeting was adjourned.

The Board of Trustees Hiring Committee meeting involved the unanimous approval of the meeting agenda. The primary activities consisted of two separate executive sessions, each lasting for a defined period to discuss personnel matters concerning non-elected personnel to protect identifiable individual privacy interests. Following the executive sessions, the committee proceeded to the public comment section, where none was offered, and subsequently adjourned the meeting.