ߣÏÈÉú

Meeting in Breckenridge this week, the Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees approved the college’s 2025-26 operating budget, a real estate purchase in Salida, multiple lease agreements for cellular and weather equipment, a new AI policy, and president Matt Gianneschi’s evaluation and 2025-26 work plan. 

Trustees unanimously approved the fiscal 2025-26 budget of $132 million from all funds. The budget reflects the college’s continued focus on operating the college wisely and within available resources, investing in academic programs that lead to good jobs in mountain communities, and long-term financial sustainability. 

Trustees also authorized the purchase of a commercial building located across the street from the CMC Salida campus. Known locally as the Salida Annex, the facility located at 349 E. 9th Street will provide much-needed space to expand academic programming and student services in the growing campus community. 

“This property is in a terrific location, immediately adjacent to the main campus in Salida,” Gianneschi said. “The building will allow us to better serve students, employers and partners in the Arkansas Valley.” 

In addition, the board approved a new college-wide policy outlining the ethical and appropriate use of artificial intelligence technologies at CMC. The policy supports responsible innovation and provides clear guidelines for both employees and students. 

Support Local Journalism

Donate

Trustees also unanimously approved Gianneschi’s annual evaluation and the president’s 2025-26 work plan, which will be finalized before the start of the fall term. Major themes in the work plan for the coming year include promoting economic mobility, expanding skilled trades programs, investing in the retention of a skilled local workforce, and preparing the college for a modified academic calendar in fall 2026. 

Additionally, trustees approved: 

• The fiscal year 2024-25 supplemental budget 
• Human resource policy updates 
• Lease agreements for:
  • A weather station and cell tower at the Steamboat Springs campus 
  • A fire training burn tower in Leadville 
  • A rooftop cellular installation at CMC Glenwood Springs 

CMC’s next board of trustees meeting will be held Aug. 27-28 at CMC Spring Valley at Glenwood Springs.