Area Report for Board of Trustees

Facilities

• Working with McGranahan Architects on the new Welcome Center. We are still working on space planning and potential permanent locations for occupants of Bldg. 16.
• The faculty space project that was to take place on the second floor of bldg. 23 has been cancelled. We are now looking at the feasibility and costs to relocate faculty from bldg. 18 into bldg. 3.
• Looking to be out to bid in April for the storm and sewer project, with work beginning in mid-late June.
• We have successfully mapped out the college’s irrigation systems and controllers, and have that information captured for future reference and projects. Broken and damaged sprinkler heads will be replaced this summer.

Public Safety

• Public Safety is happy to report that no major incidents occurred on campus in the last month. With the opening of the light rail station, we have seen an increase in prowlers on campus in the evening and have been able to stop them in the act with the vigilance of the evening officers.
• Public Safety has conducted over 387 patrols of the campus parking lots and buildings to ensure the safety of the campus community. In the past 30 days, Public Safety has responded to 4 vehicle assists for jump starts and unlocks as well as 5 safety escorts for students and staff. The numbers may be lower due to the holidays and the break in classes.
• Public Safety will be conducting a violent intruder response drill with an emphasis on lockdown on January 21, 2026 at 9:45 am. The drill will last around 5 minutes, starting from the first alert message to the “all clear” message. An open forum, co-hosted with the FBI, will be held on the same day at 10am in Building 7. The forum will be attended by 3 Special Agents from the FBI to discuss decision-making process and actions necessary to survive an active shooter incident, why run, hide, fight is the national standard and how it can be applied in any environment, and general behaviors/indicators and when to report.
• The ORCA incentives program, which started in Winter quarter 2026 has provided $670 in matching reimbursement expenses. The program allows students who have not picked up a parking pass to receive a college-issued ORCA pass for the student to load. Public Safety then matches the amount, up to $50, loaded onto the ORCA card each quarter.
• The Des Moines Police Department and Highline College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining roles in reported crimes and emergencies. The MOU also provides clarification on information sharing around Jean Clery Act statistics and reporting.

Finance

• Currently working on the 2025 finance statements. The statement will be handed over to the state auditors on April 1, 2026
• New accounts receivable hire is being trained. The team is also looking to hire another accounts receivable team member.
• As per the last cash audit on December 4, 2025, internal controls have improved.

Budgets, Grants and Purchasing

• The Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET) grant was finally awarded to Highline College. The grant amount is $375,000 and supports books, training, transportation and tuition for our students.
• In the past month, purchasing has processed 94 out of 97 pending requisitions and all purchase card statements have been paid on time.
• The Student Fee Schedule (FY2026-27) has been submitted for the board to review. There are two new fees and two fee increases requested for the next fiscal year. All other fees are being carried forward at the same amounts. The college will be asking for the board to adopt and approve this Student Fee Schedule in the February 2026 meeting.

Auxiliary Services

• Conference and event services continues to experience exceptionally high demand, with a significant volume of event and rental requests for the new year.
• Approximately 90% of clients are returning or repeat customers, reflecting strong client satisfaction and loyalty.
• The 2026 events calendar is rapidly filling, with bookings already extending into 2027.
• During the fall quarter the Fireside Bistro served nearly 10,000 customers
• Sales revenue and customer volume for the Fireside Bistro are consistent with the same period as last year, indicating stable performance

Report submitted by Vice President of Administrative Services, Dr. Michael Pham