The meeting of the ​​​Finance and Administrative Services Committee is scheduled at 12:30pm and the Board of Trustees is scheduled at 2pm. There are no agendas available at this time. Both meetings can be live-streamed at youtube.com/@officeofthebo…

The meeting of the Finance and Administrative Services Committee is called to order at 12:35pm and there is a quorum present.

First, there are questions from the committee about a presentation given earlier this week on the topic of their investments and cash flow.

The presenter says "In terms of the economy, we are thinking there's gonna be a soft landing... they've partially achieved their goal of containing inflation." They say they want to make sure there's enough cash for the committee to make their disbursements.

Next, there is a presentation on a $70k grant application that was submitted for Chicago, on the topic of quantum physics. The presenter says there is an opportunity to build a "quantum workforce that looks like the people we serve."

Some of the benefits of the proposed grants include access to quantum education and opportunities for students from underrepresented group.

The budget and partnerships for the proposed quantum grant are pictured below.

The presenter says one reason a community college is in the lead for the quantum grant is because the focus of the program is racial equity.

There are a few motions to make changes and cancellations to contracts for work on various properties.

There is a motion to provide educational materials to students and include the costs upfront. This will allow the City Colleges to pass along savings to students and makes all the costs eligible for financial aid.

There is another proposal to support the tech hub that would include the aforementioned quantum grant.

The closed session minutes previous meetings have been made available, in accordance with the Open Meetings Act.

There are proposals to renew an agreement to continue providing childcare and to provide substitute teachers at the childcare centers.

There is an item regarding approval of legal fees for labor, corporate, and higher education matters. That concludes the review of board reports.

The minutes from today's meeting are approved. The meeting is adjourned at 1:25pm.

The Administrative Services Committee Meeting and Regular Board Meeting is called to order at 2:03pm and there is a quorum.

There are a number of updates given, including the recent observation of National Hijab Day at Truman College and a presentation on "inclusivity vs. sensitivity" from Malcolm X College at a national conference.

Wilbur Wright College had 13 social events, which included an event around robotics and technology and a pack the gym event.

One committee member acknowledges Women's History Month and says there are many talented women on the committee and in the City Colleges organization as a whole. There is a round of applause "for the women leadership."

There is a comment recognizing a recent conversation between the administration and Black male students. According to the committee member, the students appreciated the efforts in mentorship.

Several members of the faculty have received awards and recognition lately, including a faculty member in the field of mortuary science.

There is a question about possible renovations at Kennedy King College. A representative from the school says a potential plan is to repurpose some currently unused library space. There is not a lot of demolition planned.

A public commenter named Carlos talks about "decency" in the leadership of the City Colleges. "Making decisions that benefit not only the top tier of the organization, but everyone," he says.

Carlos directs these comments at the Chancellor. They say the Chancellor sent a letter to their organization asking them to stop calling him "The Walmart Chancellor." This was just the beginning of what they call harassment from the Chancellor.

Carlos says they hope the Chancellor can grow as a leader.

The next commenter is a former representative of public housing. They say their interest is in making solar and electric vehicle charging available at the City Colleges.

There is a summary of the earlier finance committee meeting from Trustee Williams. Items from the Consent Agenda, which is available in person, are approved.

The meeting is adjourned at 3:01pm