Western Dakota Technical Institute

This document outlines the current state and benefits of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in South Dakota, providing key statistics on student participation, graduation rates, and credentials awarded. It establishes the central goal of scaling high-quality CTE programs across the state to ensure all learners have access to education in high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand career fields, advocating for increased investment to achieve this objective and meet future workforce demands.

The meeting commenced with a Board Development session featuring the presentation of the Cybersecurity Annual Report by the IT Director. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and the Consent Agenda, which covered the minutes from the previous meeting and the bills to pay. The President provided an overview of recent activities and upcoming events. The Finance Report included a presentation on the FY27 budget process and the sharing of the monthly personnel disclosure. Ex Officio members provided updates, with the Foundation Director sharing information on the Build Dakota Board meeting presentation and the RCAS Representative reporting on bond efforts and advocacy. Discussion also took place regarding potential legislative planning for the upcoming session.

The meeting commenced with a board development session where information was shared regarding options for updating the College security system, with a recommendation anticipated at the February meeting. Key agenda items included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered the bills to pay. The Finance Report included a presentation of the monthly financial status, confirmation that the Audit is in progress, and the monthly personnel disclosure. A significant action item was the approval of the Letter of Intent for the new Gunsmithing Program. Updates were provided by the Ex Officio members, including a report from the Foundation Board Chair and an introduction and update from the Student Representative regarding SALT group initiatives. The President provided an overview of recent activities and legislative updates. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations.

The Board of Trustees meeting included a presentation of the Cybersecurity Annual Report. The agenda was approved, and no conflicts of interest or public comments were disclosed. The consent agenda, including minutes from the November 12, 2025 meeting and bills to pay, was approved. The President shared an overview of recent activities, upcoming events, and board giving. The monthly financial report was presented, along with the five-year forecast template for FY27 budget planning. Updates were given by the Director of Foundation Development and the RCAS Representative. Discussion occurred regarding legislative planning for the upcoming legislative session.

The meeting included an introduction by RCAS Superintendent Dr. Jami Jo Thompson, who shared her background and RCAS updates. The board approved the agenda and a resolution authorizing a supplemental sublease and the issuance of refunding bonds. The consent agenda was approved with the removal of the surplus list item for discussion. Updates were provided on the chiller repair/replacement status, including OSE involvement and the project timeline. President Ericson shared updates on recent and upcoming events, and board giving. The Foundation Board Chair shared the monthly report from the Foundation, and the Student Representative encouraged support for students experiencing food insecurity. A finance report was presented, and options for potential HVAC funding were discussed.