Regents approve dual credit agreement, revise COVID policy

Published or Revised June 03, 2021

At their Monday, May 25, 2021 meeting, the Paris Junior College Board of Regents gave annual approval to the dual credit memorandum for high schools, and modified mask rules to reflect Texas Governor Greg Abbott's executive order.

While giving approval to the dual credit memorandum, regents learned that the Pioneer Academy Charter School in Greenville is a new addition. They will bring students to the PJC-Greenville Center for classes.

Regents accepted modifications to the College's COVID-19 plan which will no longer require face masks. In the fall semester, classrooms and residence halls will return to normal occupancy numbers. While the College may not require COVID-19 vaccinations, PJC is asking that those who are unvaccinated continue wearing face masks for their own protection.

In other business, the Regents:

• Received a financial report from Controller Cody Helm that the current bottom line is $700,000 less than the prior year.
• An update was given on student and institutional spending from the CARES Act, CRRSA and American Recovery Act. Funds have been spent on increasing bandwidth for Blackboard, updating technology for online delivery, PPE, stipends, and part-time people to work the checkpoints. CRRSA funds were spent on outstanding student balances since last March. Funds were also spent on rapid coding tests.
  "Anything we're looking at," said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. "We're going to make sure it's allowable and fully documented to prepare for any audit."
• Approved Texas Association of School Boards Update #41 for policies including BBF(LOCAL) Board Members: Ethics; CHE (LOCAL) Mail and Delivery; DEC(LOCAL) Leaves and Absences; DLB(LOCAL) Employee Performance: Suspension; DMAA(LOCAL) Termination Mid-Contract; ECC(LOCAL) Course Load and Schedules-Students.
• Accepted amendments to the Faculty Association By-Laws as recommended by the Faculty Association and Faculty Advisory Council.
• Discussed potential updates to PJC facilities, including a workforce training building at the PJC-Greenville Center and the demolition of Masters Apartments. Limited employee housing needs to continue on campus for fast response to student emergencies. New air handlers and air purification systems could be covered by federal COVID-19 funding.
• Approved the Financial Condition Analysis for PJC. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board expects this to be provided to regents annually. This year's analysis finds PJC in the top 10 to 15 percent in fiscal responsibility measures in comparison with 50 other Texas community colleges.
  "We look very favorable," said Board of Regents President Curtis Fendley. "It shows we are fiscally responsible."
• Were informed during the President's Report that while PJC was to receive an additional $1 million to defray formula funding cuts, after the appropriations conference met last week PJC was removed from a list of colleges receiving assistance. This means PJC will be cut $1.1 million in the next two years. No data was forthcoming from the legislature to support the decision.
• With the lifting of campus restrictions, PJC will be holding Kids College this summer and a grant-funded Coding Camp.
• Accepted the employment of Head Women's Basketball Coach Brittany Christian and Licensed Vocational Nursing Instructor Monica Hevron and the resignations of Adult Education Site Coordinator and Career Navigator Marifrances Casey effective May 25, Educational Talent Search Advisor Angela Aguilera effective May 31, and Student Success Coach Justin Thompson, effective Aug. 31.