Washington State Board For Community And Technical Colleges

The board discussed the wrap-up of the 2026 legislative session, including updates on operating and capital budget priorities, and addressed the development of a standardized fiscal health framework for community and technical colleges. Additionally, the board reviewed baccalaureate program trends and proposals, approved local capital expenditure authorities for various college infrastructure projects including performing arts building replacements and energy retrofits, and recognized the service of departing board members.

The State Board meeting addressed several items, beginning with the adoption of the agenda and consent agenda. Reports were received from system unions regarding professional staff representation and upcoming legislative session concerns, including the need for new revenue. The board formally honored the life and legacy of former board member Dr. Bernal Baca by approving a resolution. Key actions included the approval of the proposed tuition rates increase for the AY26-27 academic year. The board also approved resolutions related to the evaluation framework for the executive director's annual priorities progress and the 2025-2026 state board self-evaluation framework. A legislative session update highlighted an anticipated 4-year budget shortfall and advocacy focus on full funding for staff compensation. Other reports covered updates from WACTC, ACT, financials, and the executive director's activities, including agency staffing changes and engagement with Microsoft's Elevate Washington initiative. The Chair discussed ongoing efforts to fill board vacancies, and a future meeting date was announced.

The State Board held a Study Session and a Regular Business Meeting. Key discussions during the Study Session included the presentation of the strategic plan monitoring report focusing on Goal 1 objectives related to enrollment, staffing, equitable outcomes, online learning, and student basic needs. The Executive Director presented annual priorities spanning culture, strategic opportunities (including Guided Pathways, Workforce Pell, and ctcLink), fiscal health, and the next strategic planning cycle. A legislative update covered two policy proposals concerning nursing education requirements and expanding the Washington College Grant eligibility, alongside discussion of federal funding issues related to a government shutdown. A quarterly update on baccalaureate degrees included a statement of need from Tacoma Community College and proposals for new programs at Edmonds College, Everett Community College, and Skagit Valley College. During the Regular Business Meeting, the board adopted the agenda and consent agenda. Recommendations from the capital project prioritization study were approved, authorizing an intermediate project category framework (Resolution 25-10-48). Resolution 25-10-49, approving a revised timeline for implementing the new allocation model, was also passed. Reports from ACT and WACTC covered upcoming events and system initiatives. System unions reported on AI usage, budget transparency, and concerns regarding funding cuts to parenting education programs. The financial update noted preliminary growth in student counts but emphasized ongoing challenges with staffing and fiscal stability, leading to requests for supportive intervention approaches for struggling colleges. The Executive Director reported on preliminary enrollment increases and an invitation for the agency to join a Microsoft steering committee for AI education expansion.

This session focused on the CTC Running Start Series, featuring a presentation from Watcom Community College regarding their Running Start program. The discussion covered the current context of the college, which serves approximately 5,700 students annually with Running Start comprising about 22% of enrollment. Key operational aspects shared included staffing structure, advising processes, and enrollment operations, noting shifts post-pandemic, such as 89% of students taking at least one online class. The college is currently navigating institutional instability due to a leadership restructure and union formation. The Watcom presentation detailed their commitment to providing access, including fee waivers, book loans ($15,000 annually allocated for book loans and access codes), and translated outreach materials. The agenda also included plans for dual credit legislative updates and a session with OSPI representatives.

This document introduces the Washington State Guided Pathways Planning Guide and Action Plan, designed to assist community and technical colleges in developing and implementing their guided pathways plans for the 2026-2028 period. The plan is guided by a vision to advance racial, social, and economic justice through equitable student aspiration, access, economic progress, and educational/career attainment. It emphasizes transformation, racial and social equity, common goals, community prioritization, collaboration, and alignment, aiming for a data-focused reporting structure to support continuous improvement and student success.