Hill College Board of Regents holds August monthly meeting
Ashlee Ferguson
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 8:33 AM
Enrollment Management
Hillsboro, TX
On August 18, 2026, the Hill College Board of Regents met for the monthly regular session meeting.
Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills presented the consideration of approval for the Consent Agenda, including the minutes from the July regular meeting and three considerations for memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for college prep high school programs with Frenship Independent School District (FISD), Kopperl Independent School District (KISD), and Waxahachie Independent School District (WISD). The motion was approved.
Vice President of Administrative Services Melissa Boyle presented the financial report, including an overview of the 2025–2026 end-of-year revenue and expenses. Boyle also went over expected ad lorem taxes for the fiscal year, deferred maintenance expenses, and investments. The motion was approved.
Guest Bill Weston from Whitley Penn Wealth (WPWealth) gave an update on the college’s investments with the firm, including market updates and general performance, as well as a portfolio review. Overall returns are up 13.6% since partnering with the firm.
Dr. Mills presented the president’s report, including recaps of the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) pinning and Police Academy graduation ceremonies held earlier in the month. The Police Academy is experiencing considerable growth and continues to build partnerships with area municipalities.
The president also gave an overview of the college’s annual fall All-Staff Day to kick off the academic year.
A brief report was given on the selection timeline for an updated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system to better connect and maintain the institution’s day-to-day business and spending activities. A formal request for proposals will be released later in the month, with proposals due within 30 days of the request. Evaluations of proposals will be held this fall with a decision deadline prior to winter break at the end of the calendar year.
Vice President Boyle gave an update on ongoing projects, including the new soccer stadium. Pavilion materials have been delivered, turf has been ordered, and required permits are underway. The Soccer program is making facility arrangements for fall games until construction is complete.
Boyle also gave updates on the tennis courts, construction and renovations at the Student Center, and the new wrestling facility. More updates will be provided at the September meeting.
An update on enrollment was presented. Final enrollment figures for the 2025–2026 academic year will be provided following the official census date.
Dean of Students & Athletics Randy Graves presented the athletics report. Both volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer seasons have begun. The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) released the 2025–2026 All-Academic Awards. A total of 48 Hill College students received honors. In addition to individual honors, team recognitions included baseball, softball, and cross country.
Executive Director of Information Technology & Learning Innovation/CIO Kevin Rocha announced that the esports program is growing with a confirmed 36 students for the fall semester and 13 potential additional students coming later in the academic year. The program continues to work with local ISDs as well as recruiting international students. They expect to compete for eight titles in the upcoming season.
Executive Director of Human Resources Tamy Rogers gave an update on personnel considerations. The motion was approved.
Vice President Boyle presented a consideration of approval for the annual review of the college’s investment policy, including an overview of how funds are invested and future recommendations.
Vice President Boyle also presented a consideration of approval for the 2026 proposed tax rate. The current tax rate sits at $0.083223/$100; the proposed tax rate is $0.089944/$100, which would raise approximately $300,000 in additional ad lorem tax collections. A public hearing is set for the next board meeting on September 21, 2026. With the exception of votes from board members Christy Bailey and Kevin Ray, who were absent, the motion carried.
A review of the FY 2026–2027 budget was also presented by Vice President Boyle. Budget additions include an increase of $318,200 for program enhancements and an increase of $236,783 for deferred maintenance. Other additions include an increase of $159,739 for full- and part-time employee raises and an additional $67,000 for personnel expenses.
A presentation of 2026–2027 budget revenues and expenses was given. Revenues include a tier-funding decrease of $1,054,528, an ad lorem tax increase of $,1,520,000, Fund 31 increases of $1,172,660, Fund 81 increases of $587,610, and a truck driving fee increase of $223,840.
A summary of 2026–2027 expenses was presented, including program and athletic-based scholarships for a total of $511,420, marketing and recruiting expenses in the total of $58,000, health insurance costs for employees in the amount of $391,506, on-site professional development in the total of $68,400, building repairs and maintenance in the amount of $138,833, and other expenses in the total of $177,515.
The motion for the acceptance of the fiscal 2026–2027 budget was approved.
Vice President Boyle presented a consideration of approval for updated bank signers for the college. The recent move to Citizens National Bank required updated signature cards. The motion was approved.
Dr. Mills presented the consideration of acceptance of the updated Chapter Five Master Plan presented at the July meeting. The motion was approved.
Board President David Teel then announced the board would go into executive session pursuant to Section 551.074 to discuss the annual evaluation of the president’s performance.
The board returned to regular session during which board member Bill Siddons made a motion to extend the president’s three-year contract by an additional year with an approved salary increase of four percent as well as a $300 increase to the president’s retirement account. The motion was approved.
Members present: Karen Brackin, Kent Eubank, Bill Galiga, Jolene Lehmann, Dwight Lloyd, Jennifer Nowlin, Dr. Allan Lane, Bill Siddons III, Rick Sullins, and David Teel
Members absent: Christy Bailey, Guy James (ex officio), and Kevin Ray
The Hill College Board of Regents meets the third Tuesday of every month.