What happened: The Midland College Board of Trustees met Tuesday, Sept. 16, beginning with a public hearing on the 2025 property tax rate before moving into its regular meeting. The proposed rate is slightly lower than last year’s. The average homeowner’s tax bill will drop by about 0.2% accounting for rising property values.

Key points:

  • Dual credit: Trustees reviewed dual credit enrollment growth across partner high schools and highlighted the success of students earning college credit before graduation. Midland College partners with both local and regional school districts, private schools, and public charter schools to expand access to dual credit opportunities.
  • Campus safety: The campus Police Chief presented the college’s Annual Security Report covering 2022–2024. The report showed just one reportable crime during that period, categorized as a family, dating violence, or stalking offense. He also outlined police officer training requirements and how they align with Midland College’s internal standards.

  • Supplemental appropriations: The board reviewed the 2024–2025 Appropriations Analysis, which details adjustments to the college’s annual budget based on updated revenue and expenditure needs.

  • Office for Civil Rights: President Damon Kennedy reported on progress addressing items identified in a federal Office for Civil Rights performance review. Of 172 listed deficiencies, mostly involving accessibility and facility compliance, 52 have already been corrected, with the rest in progress.

Editor’s note:Meeting minutes are not released until board approval at the following meeting. As a result, The Permian Press could not access the August 28 minutes until after the September 25 meeting.