(1) To advance the mission of the rural regional college in service to residents of the region designated under section 1904-G(a)(2).²

(2) To appoint and fix the salary of a president of the rural regional college.

(3) To appoint and fix the salary of a chief financial officer of the rural regional college.

(4) To hold, rent, lease, sell, purchase and improve land, buildings, furnishings, equipment, materials, books and supplies.

(5) To enter into contracts for services with community education councils, schools, colleges or universities, or with school districts or municipalities, and other applicable or appropriate agencies and organizations to effectuate the purposes of this article.

(6) To accept and receive gifts of real and personal property and Federal, State and local money, loans and grants and to expend the same.

(7) To make policies providing for the admission and expulsion of students, the courses of instruction, the tuition and fees to be charged and for all matters related to the government and administration of the rural regional college, provided that policies related to admission, tuition and fees give preference to residents of the area designated by the secretary under section 1904-G(a)(2).

(8) To submit to the secretary for approval proposed amendments to the rural regional college plan.

(9) To enter into contracts for services to high schools located in the area designated by the secretary under section 1904-G to provide services, including area career and technical education services.

(10) To approve an annual budget to be submitted to the secretary for funding.

(11) To work with the president in the appointment of all faculty and staff necessary for the rural regional college's operation, to affix their compensation and benefits and to manage all personnel matters.

(12) To appoint legal counsel.

(13) To exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of this article.

(1) The board of trustees shall select initially a partner institution to develop and offer accredited courses and programs of study at the approved sites of operation.

(2) The partner institution shall select programs only with approval of the board of trustees and consistent with the partner institution's accreditation and shall be responsible for staffing and evaluation and provision of other support services as may be required for students.

(3) The board of trustees may contract with other colleges to provide curricula not available through the partner institution.

(4) As the rural regional college is able to operate on its own, a transition plan and budget shall be included in the contract between the rural regional college and the partner institution to efficiently expedite the transition.

(5) Nothing in this article shall be construed to preclude the board of trustees from contracting for specific services or programs following the transition from the initial partner institution.