The Executive Committee of the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Board of Trustees convened a meeting on Monday, October 13, 2025, at 9:05 a.m. in the Simpson Building, Second Floor Conference Room. Dr. Joe Barwick, Chair, presided.
In addition to Dr. Barwick, the following members of the Executive Committee were present: Judy Lewis, Matt Kern, and Frances Ramsey. Theresa Banks participated remotely.
Others present for the meeting included: Dr. John Gossett, President; and Carolyn Rice, Secretary to the Board.
Attendance Requirements and the Board Constitution
Regarding non-attendance, GS 115-19 Removal of Trustees and the Board’s Constitution use the words, “... a member who does not attend three consecutive meetings without justifiable excuse.” Neither the Constitution nor the General Statute addresses what could be excessive absences that are not consecutive. The A-B Tech Board recognizes that attendance at meetings protects quorums and is necessary for the Board to provide the oversight required of the position.
The Executive Committee discussed “justifiable” absences and added an additional section to Article III of the Board’s Constitution stating that absence of 50 percent of meetings within the previous ten meetings is considered by this Board to be excessive.
The Executive Committee agreed to ask the college attorney to amend the Constitution for discussion during the November meeting, with a final vote on the amended constitution to take place during the December meeting. The Committee also agreed to include the Attendance Record in the Consent Agenda every month, and that the Board Chair will contact Trustees who are in jeopardy of violating the Constitution’s attendance amendment.
Adjourn
On a motion properly made, the meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn H. Rice
Board Secretary