The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees met for its regular meeting on Monday, November 6. Highlights include the beginning discussion of a plan for districtwide child care and a deep look into the data.
Below are highlights from the meeting.
First Work Session for ACC Child Care Review
ACC Chancellor Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart and the cabinet joined the ACC Board of Trustees for the first in a series of special workshops. The meeting was held before the official regular board meeting in November. The group discussed the relation between student success and child care access. They shared and examined regional, state, and national data to better understand where ACC currently stands. Work sessions focused on child care will continue over the next few months, with one in December looking at a framework for solutions, followed by recommendations in January and an expected vote in February.
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ACC Data Overview
ACC Vice Chancellor of Institutional Research & Analytics Dr. Jenna Cullinane-Hege updated the board on the student success data from ACC. According to the data, ACC is the fastest-improving college in Texas regarding graduation rates, rising from 7% to 22% in the past five years. However, data shows these numbers have stalled or dipped in some cases. The report also indicates that many graduating seniors in Central Texas do not choose to attend college or university after high school. The report indicates up to 57% of high school graduates fall into this category.
Dr. Lowery-Hart will use the data to make decisions for the college’s plans and theory of change as part of his first 100 days.
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Board Approves Series of Contracts
The Board unanimously approved multiple contracts. The first allows the administration to negotiate rooftop solar arrays at the south parking garage at the Highland Campus. The solar arrays are expected to save the college $100,000 annually in energy costs.
The second contract allows the college to execute a temporary construction easement and road construction contract at the San Gabriel Campus. The third contract is for a districtwide solid waste disposal service, as demand has increased with more students and employees returning to campus.
Finally, the Board approved the administration to renew contracts with several firms that provide temporary employees. Most contract employees at the college are used to support the college’s Information Technology department.
View all recordings from the meeting here.