January 22, 2026

Approval of Minutes from 12/04/25

Minutes approved.

---

January Governor’s Budget 2026-2027 Presentation

A presentation was provided on the Governor’s proposed 2026–2027 State Budget. The budget development timeline was reviewed, beginning with the January proposal, followed by the May Revision, and concluding with adoption by the end of June, with implementation beginning July 1. It was noted that the state’s fiscal outlook appears more positive compared to the prior year, though a projected deficit of approximately $2.9 billion remains.

The presentation included an overview of Proposition 98 funding and year-to-year comparisons, as well as highlights of the Student-Centered Funding Formula. The proposed budget reflects a workload model focused on stability and continued investment in system priorities. A 2.41% COLA is included, along with additional enrollment growth funding for some districts.

Clarification was provided regarding the district’s Basic Aid status. While the district no longer receives general apportionment funding from the state, categorical and restricted program funding continues to be allocated through the state budget. Select categorical programs are projected to receive COLA adjustments, though many programs remain flat and all proposals remain subject to change as the budget process advances.

Discussion also addressed proposed reallocations and one-time investments, including maintenance and student support funding. Concern was raised regarding the proposed funding increase for Calbright College. Comments reflected statewide concerns about proportional funding levels, and it was shared that many system leaders are not supportive of the proposed increase. The district will continue to monitor developments as the budget moves through the revision process. Updates on local property tax projections and resource allocation planning will inform the district’s tentative budget, which must be approved by June 30.

---

Measure G Update

An update was provided on Measure G–funded facilities projects, including the Creative Arts Building. Planning work continues in partnership with architects, and meetings are underway with academic departments to refine space needs, equipment placement, and program requirements. The project remains in the design and planning phase.

Broader capital updates were also shared, including progress on infrastructure improvements such as roofing, utilities, and the near completion of the beach volleyball facility. Discussion highlighted the rising cost of construction since pre-pandemic planning, raising concerns about the feasibility of advancing multiple large capital projects simultaneously.

Members emphasized the importance of ensuring that instructional needs remain central to the Creative Arts project and expressed concern about distributing limited funds across too many initiatives. Leadership acknowledged the financial pressures and reiterated a commitment to transparency and campus engagement as plans evolve. It was noted that broader campus conversations, such as a town hall, may be appropriate once more concrete proposals are available. Planning timelines remain in progress, with construction anticipated in a future phase following completion of design and approvals.

---

Annual Schedule

An update was provided on the development of the college’s annual schedule. Division teams have drafted course schedules, and deans are in the process of submitting consolidated drafts for review prior to entry into the scheduling system. The review process includes alignment with program maps to ensure students have clear pathways to degree completion.

Once finalized, students will be able to view a full academic year schedule, beginning with summer offerings followed by fall, winter, and spring. This approach is intended to improve long-term planning and enrollment sequencing.

The discussion also included an update on the block scheduling workgroup, which is exploring structured time blocks to reduce course conflicts and improve student access, particularly in high-demand areas such as the sciences. The effort was prompted by student feedback and scheduling barriers.

Additional student input was shared, including concerns about course overlap, the timing of honors course listings, and transportation coordination between campuses. While shuttle services exist, awareness and utilization appear limited. Classified staff representatives also raised questions about the impact of early block schedules on lab staff work hours and emphasized the need for inclusive consultation. Leadership reiterated that scheduling models remain in the exploratory phase and that feedback from all constituencies will continue to inform development.

---

Educational Master Plan Preparations

The Council received an overview of the Educational Master Plan development process. The plan serves as a roadmap for the college’s academic and institutional direction over the next five years and is closely aligned with the Strategic Plan.

Preparatory work will begin with the upcoming Comprehensive Program Review cycle scheduled for Fall 2026. Program review data will inform institutional priorities, including technology, facilities, and staffing needs. Leadership emphasized the importance of shared governance in shaping both the program review framework and the Educational Master Plan.

It was noted that departments and units are not expected to address every strategic objective but should instead align their work with the goals most relevant to their programs. The Educational Master Plan will ultimately inform future facilities planning and long-term institutional investments.

---

Highlights from Report Out

Representatives provided brief updates from their respective areas. Reports included progress on program review feedback processes, upcoming equity programming and recognition events, student government activities, and other constituency initiatives supporting student engagement and institutional priorities.

---

Good of the Order

Announcements included a notice of a Microsoft system outage affecting email communications. Members were advised that messages may not be sending or receiving reliably.

Additional updates included the launch of a new Academic Senate student scholarship and award initiative funded through Senate contributions. A brief report was also shared regarding progress from a strategic enrollment management planning convening, where the college’s work was noted as being ahead of schedule.

---

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5:00 p.m.