HCTC Board of Directors | HCTC

Leadership

HCTC Board of Directors

February 12, 2026
Minutes

Present: Chair Chuck Davidson, Vice Chair Dr. Larry “Bart” Francis (TEAMS), Jessica Barger, Shannon Collins, Gary Smith, Joel Brashear, Chrystal Slone (TEAMS), William “Bill” Weinberg (TEAMS). 

Guests: Dr. Jennifer Lindon, Dr. Deronda Mobelini, Jackie Hall, Dr. Strong, Dr. Miller, James King, Jessica Barger. 

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Chuck Davidson at 6:04 P.M. Chairman Davidson entertained a motion for approval of the minutes of the November 6, 2025 meeting. Gary Smith made a motion, and Chrystal Slone made the second for this motion. The motion to pass the minutes was approved unanimously without edits or discussion.

Swearing-In of new members: 

Chairman Chuck Davidson made the motion to move forward with the swearing-in of our new board members Shannon Collins and Joel Brashear. Jessica Barger conducted the swearing in ceremony for our new members, guiding them through the oath of office and confirming their commitment to the Board and the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

Recognition of Outgoing Board Members and Chair Transition: 

  • Outgoing Member Recognition: Dr. Lindon noted that Dew Gorman and Amelia Prater would be formally recognized for their service at the next meeting.
  • Chair Transition: Chair Davidson and Dr. Lindon thanked Bill Weinberg for his service as chair and expressed gratitude for Bill's ongoing involvement and expertise on the board.

Review and Distribution of Bylaws, Code of Ethics, and Open Meetings Handbook:

  • Bylaws and Code of Ethics Distribution: Jessica distributed the current bylaws and code of ethics, revised in February 2025, to all board members, while Dr. Lindon referenced and encouraged members to familiarize themselves with the documents.
  • Open Meetings Handbook Review: Dr. Lindon explained the requirements for all board members to review and to sign the open meetings handbook, emphasizing the importance of open records and public transparency, and Dr. Lindon requested signed forms to be returned to Jessica Barger.

Board Self-Evaluation and Conflict of Interest Forms:

  • Self-Evaluation Process: Dr. Lindon explained that ongoing board members are required to complete the self-evaluation, while new members are exempt until they have more experience, and results will be compiled for review at a future meeting.
  • Conflict of Interest Forms: Jessica distributed conflict of interest forms for annual completion, with Dr. Lindon noting that the forms would be sent to online participants and emphasizing the importance of reviewing and signing to ensure compliance.

Board Orientation and Overview of KCTCS Structure and Responsibilities:

  • KCTCS History and Structure: Dr. Lindon reviewed the formation of KCTCS through House Bill 1 in 1997, the transfer of community and technical colleges from the University of Kentucky and state government, and the consolidation into 16 comprehensive colleges.
  • Board Roles and Legal Responsibilities: The orientation detailed the advisory and fiduciary roles of the local board, including responsibilities such as recommending a college president, evaluating the president, approving strategic plans, and overseeing budget requests, as well as compliance with open meetings, open records, and conflict of interest regulations.
  • Strategic Planning and Budget Approval: Dr. Lindon explained the process for developing and approving the strategic plan, which aligns with KCTCS system goals but is tailored to local needs, and described the annual budget request and approval process, including the board's role in both preliminary and final budget approvals.
  • Board Member Expectations: Board members were reminded of their duty to represent all constituents, maintain confidentiality, avoid surprises, and act in the best interests of the college, with emphasis on open communication and advocacy for the institution.

Budget Needs List Review and Approval:

  • Budget Needs Compilation Process: Jackie Hall (CFO) described the annual process for collecting budget needs from college personnel, consolidating and ranking requests, and preparing a comprehensive list for board review, including both recurring and non-recurring items.
  • Recent Budget Outcomes: Jackie reported that spring 2026 tuition revenues exceeded projections by $178,000 despite weather challenges, and highlighted successful efforts in student retention and financial literacy initiatives.
  • Board Approval: The board discussed and unanimously approved the FY2026-2027 budget needs list, acknowledging that not all items could be funded but emphasizing the importance of covering mandatory expenses and strategic priorities.
  • Use of Funds and Recent Investments: Recent investments included student lounge renovations, security camera upgrades, and equipment purchases for technical programs, funded through a combination of fund balance, grants, and gift accounts.

President’s Report: Grants, Enrollment, Advocacy, and Campus Updates:

  • USDA Grant and Program Expansion: Dr. Lindon announced a $93,825 USDA grant to expand the plumbing training program, with 16 students currently enrolled and additional students added, and highlighted the successful launch of the program under workforce training.
  • SOAR and ARH Training Academy Projects: The board was updated on ongoing SOAR initiatives, including the ARH Training Academy funded by a $40 million EDA grant, which supports training for LPNS, RNS, nurse aides, and medical assisting, with new instructors hired and training underway.
  • Enrollment and Revenue Status: Enrollment for spring 2026 stood at 2,351 students, with strong returning student numbers and expectations to meet headcount targets; revenue was reported as ahead of projections, attributed to coordinated efforts in advising and retention.
  • Advocacy and Budget Concerns: Dr. Lindon discussed ongoing advocacy in response to proposed state budget cuts affecting higher education and KCTCS, the lack of additional funding for scholarships, and the potential impact on tuition and employee benefits.
  • Campus Renovations and Giving Day: Plans were shared for a grand reopening of the technical campus, and board members were encouraged to participate in Giving Day on April 22nd to support scholarships and student emergency funds.

Discussion of House Bill 619 and Potential Changes to Board Structure:

  • Overview of House Bill 619: Dr. Lindon explained that House Bill 619, prompted by Senate Joint Resolution 179, would end current local boards in December 2026 and replace them with advisory councils appointed by the KCTCS president, with changes to board composition and responsibilities.
  • Concerns About Loss of Local Authority: Bill and other members expressed concerns that the bill would eliminate statutory powers such as recommending and evaluating the college president, approving budgets, and strategic planning, shifting these responsibilities to the system level and reducing local input.
  • Community Representation and Input: The board discussed the importance of maintaining community and industry representation, direct communication channels to the KCTCS Board of Regents, and the need for mechanisms to ensure local voices are heard in governance.
  • Next Steps and Board Feedback: Dr. Lindon committed to sharing the bill with all board members, gathering further questions and concerns, and advocating for the preservation of meaningful local input and authority in ongoing discussions with KCTCS leadership.

Open Discussion: Graduation Date, Campus Projects, and Community Initiatives:

  • Graduation Date Clarification: Chrystal reported student confusion regarding the May graduation date, which Dr. Mobelini and Dr. Mobelini confirmed is May 9th. Though Chrystal noting a discrepancy with the bookstore's information as it stated the graduation was May 11th. Dr. Mobelini said she would do a follow up with Penny Smith in the bookstore to ensure accurate communication for the graduation is being displayed within the bookstore and online.
  • Jackson Hall Demolition Update: Dr. Lindon provided an update on the Jackson Hall demolition at Lee’s College campus, explaining that the project was on hold pending further community input and a formal presentation to the local chamber, with work expected to begin in summer or fall.
  • Airport Hangar and Aviation Program: The board discussed progress on the new airport hangar, the installation of natural gas, and plans to support an aviation maintenance program in partnership with the airport board, with efforts underway to secure employer support letters for grant applications.

Executive Session for Election of Secretary:

  • Chair Davidson entertained a motion to go into executive session at 8:00 P.M. Gary Smith made a motion, and Chrystal Slone made the second for this motion. The motion to go into executive session was approved unanimously by the board.

Non-voting members Jackie Hall, Dr. Miller, Dr. Mobelini, and Dr. Strong at the board meeting, who were present to provide information or support left the meeting. 

After discussion, the board decided that due to the low number of people present at the meeting. Chair Davidson entertained a motion to table the selection of a secretary until the next meeting. Gary Smith made a motion, and Chrystal Slone made the second for the motion. The motion to table the selection of the secretary was approved unanimously and the executive session ended at 8:07 P.M. 

Chair Davidson entertained a motion to end the meeting. Gary Smith made a motion, and Chrystal Slone made the second for this motion. The motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:09 P.M. was approved unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned.