The meeting began with a review of the proposed operating budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, which was set at $168.5 million. This budget included $95.7 million in state funding, $52.3 million from student tuition and fees, $8.2 million in other revenues, $2 million in fund transfers from auxiliary funds, and $10.3 million earmarked for reserves. A significant 68% of the budget was allocated to instruction, academic support, and student support services, with the remaining 32% designated for institutional support, physical plant operations and maintenance, student financial assistance, and contingencies.

Subsequently, the board addressed the capital budget, which totaled $93.8 million, with $44.9 million coming from the Public Education Capital Outlay. During this session, the board also approved the consent agenda, which included changes to the Board of Trustees rules manual.

One of the meeting’s focal points was the presentation of budgets and achievements of each school within the St. Petersburg Collegiate High School system. St. Petersburg Collegiate High School on the Gibbs Campus reported an anticipated revenue of over $2.6 million and expenses of $2,332,274, leaving a robust fund balance of $3,775,930. The school was celebrated for its high rankings in Pinellas County and the state, boasting a 100% graduation rate and an expected 97% AA graduation rate. Additionally, the school’s robotics team achieved second place at the Tampa Bay Regional ethics poll, and four juniors qualified for the first round of National Merit.

With estimated expenditures of $1.7 million, the school has been awarded an A rating by the state of Florida and received the School of Excellence designation for the first time in its history. It was noted to be the number one school in Pinellas County for total percentage points earned for the school grade.

The Downtown Center Collegiate High School also presented a budget reflecting increased revenue and expenditures due to rising enrollment, from 137 students to 220 for the next school year. The school’s achievements included accreditation, expected maintenance of an A rating, and success in various events and competitions, such as the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship STEM Shift event and the regional stock market challenge.

George Cbart, Bill Gray, Nancy Jones, Sherry Pellerin, and Dr. Lillian Tun Jaren were honored for their dedication and impact at the college. They were each presented with a resolution and expressed their gratitude for the opportunities to contribute to the college community. Notably, Dr. Lillian Tun Jaren reflected on her founding of the English for Academic Purposes program and her dedication to teaching.

The board also welcomed new staff members, including Dr. Heather Duncan as the new Dean for the Bacus College of Education and Dr. Jean Lee as the acting Dean for the College of Nursing. Additionally, Andrew McFerson was introduced as the new associate vice president of safety, security, and emergency management.

Significant legislative achievements were also discussed, with the board mentioning the approval of the college’s inclusion in the Florida health insurance plan by the governor. This inclusion prompted a request for the board to reconsider the health insurance plan for the 2024-2025 academic year. The president of the college, Dr. Williams, expressed gratitude for the efforts that led to this inclusion and discussed the upcoming budget.