Sept 16, 2026 Board Meeting

The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) held a business meeting on September 16, 2026, focusing extensively on higher education governance, budget requests, and capital planning. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of the unified state appropriation request for fiscal year 2028, which detailed budget allocations for universities and technical colleges, including restoration of previously removed recurring funds and funding for workforce and literacy initiatives. The board also approved university policies for leases and easements, enabling universities to independently manage property leasing and easements under new state legislation, aiming to streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens. Emporia State University presented its updated campus master plan emphasizing right-sizing, reinvestment, and space optimization, with plans for demolition, renovation, and new construction to better align facilities with current and projected enrollment. Additionally, the board approved the distribution of FY 2027 appropriations for technical education programs, addressing a funding shortfall for Excel and CTE programs. Other procurement-related actions included naming approvals for new facilities funded through philanthropy and recognition of faculty and staff awards. The meeting also addressed governance matters such as conflict of interest disclosures and set strategic board goals including establishing a system-wide framework for responsible use of artificial intelligence.