The Austin Community College District (ACC) Board of Trustees met for its regular meeting on Monday, February 3. Highlights include an update on the College’s Theory of Change, appointing members to the College’s Regional Advisory Committees (RACs), and approving a series of contracts.

Below are highlights from the meeting.

Theory of Change Presentation

ACC Board of Trustees received an update from Dr. Samantha Croft on the Theory of Change. The Theory of Change process reached a milestone with the launch of Phase 2 Design Teams in January. Dr. Croft highlighted the three leadership areas that are part of the Theory of Change development process, including the design teams, Chancellor’s Leadership Institute, and Theory of Change Institute.

One of the next key opportunities to learn about the Theory of Change progress and share ideas will happen later this month through surveys and feedback sessions. A collegewide feedback event called the Theory of Change Exchange will be held on February 28. It will include design team presentations and opportunities for questions and feedback. 

For more information, visit austincc.edu/toc

Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) Annual Report and Appointments

Trustees approved new appointments and reappointments for the College’s Regional Advisory Committees (RACs). The newly and re-appointed members will serve three-year terms beginning January 2025. 

North

  • Jordan Robinson appointed by Dr. Manuel Gonzalez
  • Kay Trent-Pierce appointed by Julie Nitsch
  • Dr. Jeff Freels appointed by Gigi Edwards Bryant
  • Ignacio Baquero appointed by Dana Walker

Central

  • Skyler Korgel appointed by Stephanie Gharakhanian
  • Cole Wilson appointed by Julie Nitsch
  • Joene Grissom appointed by Dr. Nan McRaven 
  • Kwee Lan Teo appointed by Dana Walker

South

  • Deandria Mateen appointed by S.O.P.H.I. Taylor
  • Jeremy Hendricks appointed by Sean Hassan
  • Alfonso Sifuentes appointed by Dr. Russell Lowery-Hart 

Trustees also received an update on the work RACs did over the past year and what is planned for the year ahead. Last year, the RACs took a deep dive into the College’s new values, Theory of Change, and bond project updates. 

In the year ahead, RACs will meet at least three times and focus on feedback on bond implementation and ACC initiatives. Additionally, the RACs will continue to advocate for ACC’s Free Tuition pilot program.

Approve Series of Contracts

The board unanimously approved multiple contracts. First, the board approved allowing the Chancellor to execute an interlocal agreement for two-year bridge agreements with the City of Austin Fire Cadet Training Program. The agreement allows ACC and the City to assess the financial impacts of House Bill 8 and develop a new long-term agreement. Under this agreement, ACC will share either $75,000 or 20% of its state appropriation, whichever is greater, recognizing that AFD covers all instructional costs.

Additionally, the board approved amending engineering commissioning services contracts LCCx, LLC; ACR Engineering; and Sebesta, Inc. dba NV5. The adjustment supports ongoing construction and renovation projects under the 2022 General Obligation Bond. The contracts will provide commissioning services for building enclosures and mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) systems.

Policy Updates

The board approved changes to a policy on managing Trustee attendance at conferences and related expenses. The revisions will allocate each Trustee a fixed budget, with the board chair or their designee responsible for approving. Additionally, a new process will establish a pre-approved list of events to streamline reimbursement.

The board also revised a policy addressing procedures requiring employees to undergo medical examinations to assess their ability to perform essential job duties. The revised policy outlines circumstances under which medical exams may be required, the process for conducting them, employee rights, and confidentiality protections. It also includes guidelines for handling employees with communicable diseases in compliance with public health recommendations.

Finally, Trustees adopted policy amendments, which include clarifications to the legal obligations of College employees to report suspected child abuse and neglect and updates to a policy on support for pregnant and parenting students. The amendments reflect new state rules about the liaison for pregnant and parenting students and the publication of related procedures.