Colorado Mountain College board of trustees advance major workforce, facilities and regional planning initiatives 

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — The Colorado Mountain College Board of Trustees met May 20 in Steamboat Springs and approved a series of actions tied to workforce education, facilities development and long-term planning across the district. 

Trustees received updates on broader workforce and facilities planning efforts, including continued expansion of skilled trades and career and technical education programs in Rifle and Leadville. 

In a related action, trustees accepted a feasibility study requested by the Hayden School District RE-1 as part of the college’s standard review process. This step completes the initial analysis phase outlined in board policy and provides information to support continued discussion and community engagement. 

The study looks at what it would take for the community in Hayden to potentially join the Colorado Mountain College district. Acceptance of the study does not begin a ballot process and does not commit the board to any future action. If the process moves forward at a later date, it would require additional board review, a public process and approval by voters in both the existing CMC district and any affected districts, as required under state law. 

One of the most significant actions involved the college’s Leadville campus and the future of its ski area operations program. Trustees voted to accept a land donation adjacent to the Dutch Henry Hill and approved expanded land use associated with the hill’s future development.  

The future facility is expected to include a ski lift donated by Steamboat Ski Area to provide real-world training opportunities in lift operations, snowmaking, grooming, avalanche mitigation, terrain management and mountain operations. College leaders noted the project directly supports industry workforce needs and represents a long-term investment in one of Colorado’s signature economic sectors. 

The board also held the first reading of the fiscal year 2026–2027 budget. The proposed budget continues alignment with investments in workforce education, student success, employee compensation, housing, technology and skilled trades expansion. The proposal includes an inflationary increase of 3% in addition to continued investments in healthcare, workforce development and long-term community vitality. Final adoption of the budget will occur at the next board meeting in June. 

During the meeting, the board also completed the annual evaluation of college president, Matt Gianneschi. Trustees emphasized that, under Gianneschi’s leadership, CMC enjoyed a very strong year, including historically high graduation numbers, strong institutional finances, and the college’s recognition as a top 25 community college in America by the Aspen Institute for Community College Excellence.. 

Trustees also approved several financial and operational items, including: 

• Acceptance of the college’s third-quarter financial report  

• A supplemental budget appropriation tied to ongoing operational and capital investments  

• The annual auditor engagement agreement  

• The college’s annual debt management report 

• First reading authorizing the sale of a property in Chaffee County