South Texas College

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key agenda items, including the recognition of a Trustee's election to the ACCT Diversity Committee, and the authorization to accept various grants for educational programs, including T-STEM scholarships, a regional STEM degree accelerator, a work-study student mentorship program, GED services, child care training, and a grant from the City of McAllen. The Board reviewed and took action on several facilities and finance matters, including awards for various contracts, approval of schematic designs for thermal plants at Mid Valley and Starr County campuses, and the substantial completion of various construction projects. Additionally, the Board officially adopted the tax rate for the 2015 tax year and approved a resolution to submit nominees for the Hidalgo County Appraisal District Board of Directors.

The committee reviewed and discussed several financial, audit, and human resources topics. Key items included tax abatement agreements for various windpower projects, an annual investment report, tax roll and levy assessments for local counties, and appraisal district cost payments. Procurement matters covered the award of proposals, purchases, renewals, and interlocal agreements for services such as catering, childcare, and software licensing. Additionally, the committee addressed proposed budget amendments, internal audit charter revisions, organizational structure updates, and institutional policies concerning academic freedom and student conduct. Proposed educational programming in partnership with local school districts was also reviewed.

The board meeting included the recognition of the outgoing interim president and the introduction of the new president. Key presentations covered the 2020 redistricting process and a report on delinquent tax collection. The board approved various grant awards, an out-of-district interlocal agreement, and a non-resident memorandum of understanding for dual credit programs. Additionally, the board approved revisions to drug-free workplace and campus policies, adjusted tuition and fee schedules, and authorized various procurement proposals, purchases, and contract renewals for college operations, including instructional and technology-related items.

The Board held a public hearing regarding the proposed 2022 property tax rate for South Texas College, which involved a presentation on the maintenance and operations tax rate and debt service rate. Following the hearing, the Board reviewed and approved Order 2023-001, which officially adopted the 2022 tax rate and levied ad valorem taxes for the upcoming fiscal year. The proceedings followed truth-in-taxation legal requirements to inform the public of tax rate proposals.

The Board of Trustees reviewed various presentations including the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) strategic planning meeting and the Governance Leadership Institute for new trustees. They authorized the acceptance of multiple grant awards from organizations such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, the Board discussed proposed revisions to policies concerning authority and functions of the Board, committee operations, and board vacancy procedures. They approved the FY 2019-2020 board meeting schedule, the early rescission of Gainful Employment Regulations, and established a memorandum of understanding for dual credit program partnerships. Furthermore, the Board reviewed financial reports, including a quarterly investment report, and approved insurance proposals for student accident coverage and property/liability insurance. Other actions included awarding contracts for audio-visual installation, childcare services, and various library and science laboratory materials.