Personnel committee approves commissioner’s annual evaluation; executive session used for review

The Personnel Committee completed its annual evaluation of the commissioner of higher education after convening in executive session for a personnel discussion. Committee staff noted the commissioner’s report summarizing accomplishments and identified measurable progress toward board goals.

Miss Bentley Smith (personnel staff) reminded members that the committee may meet in executive session under state law (statutes cited) for personnel matters and that the commissioner had been notified and agreed to a private discussion. The committee took the required two‑thirds procedural vote to enter executive session, conducted its review, then returned to the public agenda.

Committee members noted milestones cited by staff: the state is on track to achieve its target of 80,000 annual completers (approximately 5,000 remaining to meet an annual milestone staff described) and the statewide attainment rate is about 52.6 percent toward the 2030 goal. The committee then voted to approve the commissioner’s evaluation.

No personnel action or contract changes were recorded in the public minutes; the committee followed statutory requirements for executive session notice and returned to public session before any vote was taken.