Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees
Minutes of Meeting (OFFICIAL) – May 7, 2025
A meeting of the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees was held in room TC103AB in the David Hartleb Technology Center located at 100 Elliott Street, Haverhill, MA on May 7, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
PRESENT:
Ms. Borislow
Ms. Fernandez (arrived at 5:17 p.m.)
Mr. Gomez
Ms. Hatem-Roy
Ms. Mohammed
Mr. Silverio
Mr. Yepez
UNABLE TO ATTEND: Mr. Cousins, Ms. Gomez Ruiz, Mr. Hamm, Ms. Quiles
ALSO, PRESENT: President Glenn
CALL TO ORDER: With a quorum established, Chair Borislow called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Chair Borislow welcomed our newest Trustees. Zoila Gomez-Ruiz was unable to attend the meeting, but will be at the June meeting. She welcomed Juan Yepez to his first NECC Board of Trustees meeting. Mr. Yepez thanked Chair Borislow for the warm welcome and spoke of the importance that higher education has played in his successes. He is honored and privileged to be a part of the community college. Chair Borislow also noted that Mr. Yepez and his brother were recognized at this morning’s 3rd Annual Impact Awards as recipients of the Community Partner Award for Mainstream Global’s financial support, mentorship, and guidance of NECC students.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the April 2, 2025 minutes.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Silverio and seconded by Trustee Gomez, the Board unanimously approved the April 2, 2025 minutes as presented.
CORRESPONDENCE: Chair Borislow recognized Trustee Cousins’ birthday in his absence.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
a) Introduction of Newly Hired Employees:
President Glenn introduced and welcomed NECC’s newest employees: Ellen Chouinard, Surgical Technology Faculty and Program Coordinator; Thomas Cole, Associate Dean of Student Success and Retention; Phil DeCologero, Director of President’s Office Communications & External Affairs; and Matthew Donahue, EDP Entry Operator IV for Enrollment Services. The Trustees also welcomed the newest employees. President Glenn provided a brief explanation of the Trustees’ role in Northern Essex Community College’s governance.
Trustee Fernandez arrived at 5:17 p.m.
EDUCATION REPORT:
a) Competency-Based Education (CBE) Updates by Jody Carson
President Glenn introduced interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Sharon McDermot, who introduced Dean Jody Carson. Dean Carson is the Dean of Business & Professional Studies. VP McDermot also recognized that Dean Carson has just earned her Ed.D. at Northeastern University in Boston.
Dean Carson invited the Trustees to watch the video at the link included in their packet at their leisure. The new CBE brochures were distributed prior to the meeting. During her presentation, she discussed NECC’s efforts and plans for growing Competency-Based Education (CBE). The CBE model offers a flexible educational model where learning is measured by mastery, not time. Students progress at their own pace through modules as they demonstrate competency. It is ideal for a wide range of learners, from high achievers to those needing more time. Students can benefit from personalized pacing, allowing them to accelerate or slow down as needed. CBE provides additional accessibility for adult learners and non-traditional students. Our current CBE programs include Early Childhood Education (Associate in Science) and Early Childhood Director’s Certificate. In FY26, we plan to introduce new programs such as A.S. in Business Management, Healthcare Technician Certificate, ECE Foundational Certificate, and MA General Ed Foundation/Transfer Block. We are preparing for a Spring 2026 NECHE visit and identifying new programs to develop and additional needs to scale.
In order to grow CBE offerings, an action research study was conducted. The study aimed to identify and remove barriers for adult learners in CBE. Results included staff training, a new onboarding process, a CBE Policies and Resources Guide, and the identification of a need for more support. We have added a part-time CBE Support Specialist available during evening hours in Lawrence, Haverhill, and via Zoom, as well as Saturday morning support and study groups via Zoom. The Academic Innovations Program Manager leads the development of CBE courses and programs and provides training and support to CBE faculty. Recent marketing efforts included adding CBE to the course search tool and creating an explainer video. Dean Carson was also featured on a Knight Spotlight to talk about the CBE model. She is working with Marketing on a CBE graphic and additional marketing materials.
Q: Chair Borislow asked how many students participate? A: CBE classes generally run from 4-5 students for an independent study to classes of about 30 students. Because the classes are self-paced and students complete at different times, we are looking for ways to capture an accurate measure.
Q: Trustee Gomez asked how the information is disseminated to students? A: The class is noted as CBE during registration, and advisors share information when they register for CBE classes. This past summer, we called all students registered for CBE classes to make sure they understood what it was. The orientation survey showed a significant increase in students who had some familiarity with the CBE model.
Q: Trustee Silverio asked about assessment results? A: The assessments are embedded directly within CBE class and align with state-mandated training, ensuring students meet professional standards. These assessments are designed to reflect real-world competencies and experiences.
President Glenn explained that the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) requires us to get permission from them for each new CBE program that we offer. This is an approximately two-year process. Now that we have three approved programs, NECHE is considering blanket approval.
BOARD CHAIR UPDATE:
Chair Borislow recognized the incredible work of Vice President of Institutional Advancement Allison Dolan-Wilson and her team for their efforts in putting on the 3rd Annual Impact Awards event. She congratulated new Trustee Juan Yepez and out-going Trustee Sally O’Rorke for the tremendous achievements that earned them the Community Partner Award and the Philanthropy & Volunteerism Award, respectively.
Chair Borislow reminded the Trustees that they are all invited to participate in the 63rd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 17.
REPORT OF BOARD COMMITTEES:
a) Audit and Finance Sub-Committee: Chair Borislow delivered the report-out in Trustee Hamm’s absence and recognized Executive Vice President and CFO/COCO Mike McCarthy and Director of Financial Services and Comptroller Tony DeGregorio and their teams for their tremendous efforts in maintaining the college’s finances. NECC is in strong financial shape, which can be attributed to conservative budgeting and careful oversight, even amid ongoing federal and state-level changes. At the Audit & Finance Sub-Committee meeting earlier today, they discussed various projects, including funding sources and potential impacts on the student experience. Leadership was commended for maintaining a strong awareness of both institutional and state-level financial dynamics. Overall, the sub-committee expressed confidence in the college’s financial health and readiness to adapt as needed.
Chair Borislow asked for a motion to approve the FY2026 College Operating Budget.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez and seconded by Trustee Silverio, the Board unanimously approved the FY2026 Operating Budget of $85,795,666. as detailed in the Financial Report.
b) Alumni Advancement Sub-Committee: Trustee Fernandez thanked all who were able to attend the 3rd Annual Impact Awards this morning and for their support of the NECC Fund. The student speaker was applauded for delivering a powerful and memorable speech that received widespread positive feedback. She was happy to report that over $10,000 was donated by the Board of Trustees and the Foundation Board. These contributions help motivate and attract new donors. Looking ahead, Trustee Fernandez continues the goal to increase participation across campus and the broader community in the coming year.
c) Nominating Sub-Committee: Chair Borislow delivered the report-out in Trustee Cousins’ absence. The sub-committee is continuously active in identifying and recommending candidates for board positions. Due to the rotating nature of the board, some members complete their terms while new ones begin. The packet with the new Trustee recommendations to replace the next out-going Trustee has been submitted to the State Board of Higher Ed. Chair Borislow recognized the sub-committee for its work and for bringing in strong new candidates.
d) Presidential Evaluation Sub-Committee: Chair Gomez thanked the committee and acknowledged the help of the community members who were interviewed. The final report is expected for June.
REPORT OF ADMINISTRATION:
a) Vice Presidents Searches: President Glenn acknowledged the efforts of the NECC community during the search process. The college simultaneously held VPAA and VPSA candidate full-day interviews during the last week of classes. A total of six candidates were brought in for the two positions. President Glenn was happy to announce that offers have been made and accepted. The final details are being wrapped up, and an announcement should be coming within the next couple days.
b) Whittier Tech Project: The municipal working group met yesterday. The project’s next milestone is to provide a letter to the master authority no later than July 1 from the 11 sending communities that are part of the current Whittier Tech district. This letter will include that they attest that they will fund the next study, they are open to both the current site and the college site, and they recognize the agreement. President Glenn reported that the enthusiasm for the project continues to grow, and the group began discussing a public signing ceremony to help the communities see the significance. The letter to the master authority will allow for a formal (1½ – 2-year) feasibility study.
c) Impact of Federal Executive Orders Update: The administration is watching the federal and state budgets closely. The latest concern is the recalculation of full-time status for Pell Grant eligibility. The federal government is proposing to go from 12 credits to 15 credits. This would also move the part-time requirement to 7.5 credits. Should this go into effect, it would seriously harm Community College students all across the country. To put this into perspective, the average number of credits taken by an entering student (today) at NECC is 7 credits. Over 3,000 students could lose eligibility, and 1,200 more would receive reduced aid. The statewide impact includes 60,000 students losing Pell Grant access and jeopardizing programs like MassReconnect and free college initiatives.
TRIO/PACE is also being threatened in the new budget proposals. President Glenn reminded the Trustees that TRIO is 45-year-old program that receives approximately $450,000 annually from the federal government. It serves ~250 students/semester, primarily low-income, first-generation, and/or underrepresented students. The programming improves retention, completion, and has a high transfer rate of ~30%. Trustee Gomez (an alumnus of the PACE program) shares testimony on the impact the program had on his education. It helped him navigate college applications and scholarships, provided access to college tours and career guidance, led to receiving three scholarships and attending Boston University, and offered mentorship and support that had a lasting impact.
College leaders are working with the American Association of Community Colleges and planning visits to Washington, D.C. They are actively advocating to protect TRIO and related programs and address concerns about federal budget cuts to Pell Grants.
The Commonwealth shows the Senate budget as currently the most favorable, offering slightly more funding for community colleges, $16 million for the Statewide Success Fund (short of the $21 million requested). To date, there is no funding yet for a proposed $200,000 compensation study for community college staff salaries.
d) Health & Wellness Center Project: The proposed Health and Wellness Center project at the campus, in partnership with the YMCA, has been rejected. The proposal did not meet the specifications of the RFP (Request for Proposals). The project had been in development for over seven years and was a long-term effort involving collaboration and planning between the college and the YMCA. Despite the setback, both parties remain committed to supporting each other in future endeavors. The college is now facing the challenge of improving its athletic fields and Fieldhouse independently.
e) Campus Updates: There were none.
f) Save-the-Date:
- Student Annual Awards Convocation, Tuesday, May 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sport & Fitness Center, Haverhill Campus
- Early College Recognition Ceremony, Thursday, May 15, 5:00-6:30 p.m., Quad, Haverhill Campus
- NECC 63rd Commencement Exercises, Saturday, May 17, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Quad, Haverhill Campus
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- President Glenn reminded the Trustees that they are part of the platform party on stage. This year, they will be joined by Chris Gabrieli, Chair of the Board of Higher Education. The Commencement Speaker is Bob Pozen, a very well-known businessman and author. Mr. Pozen donated $1K to a pilot program to simulate increasing Pell Grant funds by giving students an extra $7000 a year.
- Lawrence Partnership 2025 Annual Meeting, Tuesday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Central Catholic High School
g) Communique: The Communique was distributed as part of the Board Packet prior to the meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chair Borislow noted that the board had four motions to approve.
a) MCCC/MTA Reappointments
Chair Borislow called for a motion to approve 105 MCCC/MTA personnel as presented in the Board Packet.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Gomez and seconded by Trustee Fernandez, the Board unanimously approved the MCCC/MTA Reappointments.
b) Appointment of Department Chairperson/Program Coordinators
Chair Borislow called for a motion to approve 35 Department Chairperson/Program Coordinator appointments as presented in the Board Packet.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Mohammed and seconded by Trustee Hatem-Roy, the Board unanimously approved the Department Chairperson/Program Coordinator appointments.
c) Sabbatical Leave Recommendations
Chair Borislow called for a motion to approve the one Sabbatical Leave recommendation as presented in the Board Packet.
On a Motion presented by Trustee Fernandez and seconded by Gomez, the Board unanimously approved the Sabbatical Leave Recommendation.
d) Grants
Chair Borislow noted one grant for approval totaling $550,00.00 and asked for a motion to approve the grant. It was:
1) Massachusetts Department of Higher Education/Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges: (ETF) Lite – Healthcare Workforce | $ 550,000.00
On a Motion presented by Trustee Fernandez and seconded by Trustee Mohammed, the Board unanimously approved the grant (ADM-3934-050725) totaling $550,000.00 as presented.
OTHER BUSINESS: Chair Borislow informed the Trustees about an upcoming one-day summer board retreat for the end of July/early August. It will be held on campus or possibly at the Culinary Arts Center. Trustees will receive a calendar survey from Ms. Ringwald. Prompt responses are requested to help coordinate with external speakers.
ADJOURNMENT: With no other business, Chair Borislow adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m.
