August 2026 - Board of Trustees Remains Revenue Neutral - Approves State Appropriations Budget

The Cowley College Board of Trustees gathered for their August 24th meeting at 6:00 p.m. in the President’s Dining Room inside the McAtee Dining Center on the Ark City Main Campus. 

In accordance with K.S.A. 79-2929, the Board of Trustees shall meet for the purpose of answering and hearing objections of taxpayers relating to the proposed budget, and for the purpose of considering amendments to such proposed budget. In meeting the requirements of this Statute, a notice was published in the Cowley CourierTraveler on August 13, 2026.

Chair Marcotte opened the public budget hearing, recognizing any taxpayers in attendance. None were present.

Chair Marcotte declared the public budget hearing adjourned at 6:01 p.m.

Chair Marcotte called the regular public meeting of the Board of Trustees to order, Vice Chair White provided the invocation, and Chair Dr. Alan Marcotte recited the College Mission Statement.

The Administration proposed a State Appropriation Budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027, which maintains a total mill levy of 16.000 mills, below the revenue neutral rate of 16.001 mills.

The Board approved the budget 7-0.

Under Awards and Reports, Cowley President Dr. Michelle Schoon shared that the fall semester is underway. New employee orientation, Dorm Storm, and the first day of the semester (August 18) were successful. Additionally, fall enrollment is trending ahead of last year.

Trustee Shriver provided a recap of the August 2-3, 2026, KACC Quarterly meeting at Barton Community College.

Under Administrative Reports, IMPACT staff is welcoming new participants and currently has about 80 students from last year to carry over. The Recruitment team remained active in community engagement throughout July, participating in Wheat Festival activities and Midwest Moos baseball events. The Cowley College athletic teams welcomed Arkansas City elementary students back to the first day of class on Wednesday morning, August 19th. 

No Public Comment.

Under Standing Committee Reports, Trustee Shriver provided a summary of the August 17th, 2026, Trustee Finance Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed the 2026-2027 State Appropriations Budget, College Financials, Audit Update, and Project Updates.

Trustee Cochran provided a recap of the August 18th, 2026, Trustee Academic Subcommittee meeting, where members discussed a Visual and Performing Arts Program Review, a Natural Science and Math Program Review, and Academic Department Updates.

Trustee Bazil provided a summary of the August 19th, 2026, Trustee Policy Subcommittee review of policies 102.00 – Organization of the College (revised), 184.00 – Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control (revised), 264.00 – Credit for Previous Military Service (revised), 311.00 – Sick Leave & Sick Leave Bank (revised), 316.00 – Work Comp Return to Work (revised), 321.00 – Employee Attendance Policy (revised), 323.00 – Assignment/Use of Employee Workspace (revised), 326.00 – Whistleblower Policy (revised), and 406.00 – Cowley College Student Senate (review only) were presented for a first review. Final approval will be requested at the September meeting.

The Board approved the Consent Agenda as presented, including the Minutes from the July 20th, 2026, regular meeting, Financial Reports, Bills and Claims, Personnel Transactions, and Board Policies 208.00 – Generative AI Use in Academic Settings (new), 222.00 – Instructional Media (revised), 244.00 – Field Trips and Special Presentation (revised), 269.00 - Academic Honors (revised), 271.00 – Financial Arrangements Between Employees and Students (revised), 275.00 – Final Examinations (review only), 278.00 – Program Discontinuance Policy (revised), 279.00 – Adjunct Instructor Evaluation Policy (revised), and 313.00 – Employment Benefits - Full-Time Employees (revised) (7-0)

Under Other Business, Chair Marcotte asked trustees to send any agenda topic requests for the September Board work session to the Board Clerk. Trustee Wilson informed the Board of land for sale near ADM west. 

Chair Marcotte declared the meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m. 

For more details, see the agenda.

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu