February 19, 2013 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 19, 2013 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Dennis N. Thompson, Chair
Melissa M. Olivero, Vice Chair
Larry D. Huffman, Secretary
Michael C. Driscoll
David O. Mallery
James A. Narczewski
Everett J. Solon
Britney Burkart, Student Trustee

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Lori Scroggs, Interim Vice President for Learning and Student Development
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

APPROVAL OF AMENDED AGENDA

The agenda had previously been amended by adding another exception to enter closed session – student discipline case.  It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve the amended agenda, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

CONSENT AGENDA

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the consent agenda, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote. 

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – January 9, 2013 Facilities Committee Meeting; January 15, 2013 Board Meeting; and January 28, 2013 Audit/Finance Committee Meeting

Approval of the Bills - $1,696,194.16

Education Fund - $1,363,379.80; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $68,170.31; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $11,799.71; Auxiliary Fund - $188,490.47; Restricted Fund - $35,040.68; and Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $29,313.19

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for the pay periods ending December 29, 2012; January 12, 2013; and January 26, 2013

Purchase Request – Welding Instructional Materials

Approved to purchase the Welding instructional materials from the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in the amount of $14,711.30

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran gave a brief construction update:  Zinc panel installation is progressing well now to the south side of the Peter Miller Community Technology Center. Installation of both elevators has begun. Other work including drywall and soffit, electrical rough-in, painting, lights, diffusers and sprinkler trim could be wrapping up in the next several weeks.  On the east campus, the addition to the auto and welding facility and new maintenance building is going very well. Substantial completion walk-through on the maintenance building is scheduled for March 8.  Overall, everything is on schedule. The administration will be asking for Board approval on a plan for purchasing furniture and fixtures for the new building so that everything is ready to go for a grand opening in late fall. Bonnie Campbell, dean of health professions and director of nursing, has shared the 2012 NCLEX pass rates for the nursing program: the Licensed Practical Nursing program pass rate was 100 percent (23 out of 23 and up from 96 percent in 2011) compared to the state average pass rate of 85 percent and the national pass rate of 84 percent. The Registered Nursing Program pass rate was 90 percent (56 out of 62, up from 86 percent the previous year) compared to the state’s pass rate of 91 percent and the national pass rate of 90 percent. Dr. Corcoran congratulated the Nursing faculty and Bonnie Campbell on a job very well done in preparing students to enter the nursing profession.  Every year IVCC faculty select a member to receive the Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to submit nominations to recognize instructors and counselors for outstanding service in teaching, leadership, professional development, and contributions to the College and community. This year’s outstanding group of nominees includes Abhijeet Bhattacharya, Wes Black, Vince Brolley, Amanda Cook Fesperman, and Anna Marie Pietrolonardo.  Although all of these nominees deserve enthusiastic congratulations for their commitment to students and their contributions to the College community, the recipient of this year’s teaching excellence award is Abhijeet Bhattacharya.  The finalists for this year’s Support Staff Distinguished Service Award have been announced and they are Janna Bentley, Kris Curley, Linda Hawkins, Kim Herout, Diane Kreiser, and Frances Whaley. This year’s winner will be announced on March 11 at the Support Staff retreat.  Dr. Corcoran told these valued employees after hearing the good news, few things in life are as satisfying as being recognized by your peers for a job well done and the fact that they have been nominated for this recognition speaks volumes about the respect we all hold for them.  Dr. Corcoran thanked Glenna Jones and Paula Hallock for the wonderful job they have done in handling all of the details for the faculty and staff recognition programs this past year. There’s a lot of work and attention to detail that goes with managing these programs and he is very proud of what they have accomplished, despite not filling a full-time position in the HR office. Congratulations also went to Fran Brolley, Sue Monroe and Donna Swiskoski on coordinating the January 26 Hall of Fame program—the best one yet. Dr. Corcoran thanked Trustees Thompson, Olivero and Huffman for being in attendance. Related to this is a reminder that the IVCC Foundation’s top annual fundraiser, Irish Night, is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 at the LaSalle Knights of Columbus. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and music begins at 7 p.m. Dr. Corcoran encouraged everyone to attend for food, fellowship and great music by the Larkin and Moran Brothers band from Chicago. Congratulations went to Cheryl Roelfsema, Gary Johnson, Scott Curley, Mike Minnick and Lauri Carey for their work in positioning the college for a second consecutive year to receive recognition as a Tree Campus USA from the Arbor Day Foundation.  Last week, IVCC hosted the IHSA 1A Sectional games on campus. Over 1250 fans and spectators were in attendance for two days to watch four teams compete--Putnam County, Annawan, Newark, and Hinckley-Big Rock. Thanks went to everyone in Athletics who assisted in coordinating the event including Coaches Cinotte, Canale, Tomasson and Pinter, as well Sue Harding and Austin Erickson (an intern from EIU) on a job well done.  Dr. David Kuester, Norm Engstrom, Don Zellmer, Betsy Klopcic, Jenna Stinson, Donna Stone, and the IVCC Improv captains and team, in cooperation with Follies Theatre Production, presented a workshop at Peru Catholic School for 120 first through eighth grade students and teachers. Over the next four weeks the students will write stories featuring a character or characters with disabilities, Horizon House staff members will review the stories, and the IVCC creative team will turn scripts into performances, and perform the plays for the school, recognizing the student authors.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Huffman reported there were two items presented at the Audit/Finance committee meeting that were not on the board agenda for this month - the financial forecast for the next five years and a brief introduction to the Affordable Healthcare Act.  He noted there are real challenges ahead in both of these areas.

FACULTY TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Lori Scroggs reviewed the rigorous evaluation process the instructors experienced over the past three years.  The instructors were evaluated by the deans six times, by the vice president or associated vice president five times, and student evaluations over six semesters.  They compiled portfolios of contributions made to students and the community.  It is a very comprehensive process and the administration made some very important decisions in hiring these instructors.

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve tenure for Keith King, Biology Instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Ron Groleau introduced Mr. Keith King and noted he is a successful participant in the new faculty orientation sessions.  He took the classroom assessment technique course and is now one of the instructors.  He has served on the Anatomy and Physiology and Librarian selection committees.  Keith is a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers.  He is involved in fundraising efforts for Alzheimer’s and Cancer research.  He is current in his knowledge of his discipline.  He has done work with genetically-modified organisms and has introduced a biotechnology lab in which students learn current DNA analysis techniques. He provides a murder mystery for his students to solve with DNA analysis.  Keith holds a master’s degree in biology from Illinois State University and is also a global environmental teacher.

It was moved Ms. Olivero and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve tenure for Adam Oldaker, English Composition Instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Marianne Dzik introduced Mr. Adam Oldaker.  Adam holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre Arts from Illinois Wesleyan and a master’s degree from Purdue University in English and a master’s degree in elementary education from Lewis University.  He has established himself as extremely knowledgeable.   Adam is every interested in the success of his students.  He is also an eager student taking what he has learned and applying it to his teaching.  He is always ready to mentor new instructors.  He is very active in the community, on numerous teams and committees, and is the faculty sponsor for eagLITS.  He is a co-chair of Respecting Intellectual Property: the Plagiarism Project, a member of the Honors Program team, the ROE point person for professional development day, and main editor for the AQIP portfolio.  He used Skype to bring a curator from the Thoreau Institute to the classroom.  Every time he attends a conference or workshop he brings back what he has learned.  The contacts he makes are very beneficial to the classroom. 

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Burkart to approve tenure for Jennifer Savoia, Nursing Instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Bonnie Campbell introduced Ms. Jennifer Savoia.  Feedback from her students consistently cite Jennifer as a compassionate, caring, supportive, and knowledgeable instructor who goes above and beyond to make sure her students understand the material and she does an excellent job with this. Jennifer has a bachelor’s in nursing and psychology from the University of St. Francis in Joliet and a master’s degree in nursing from Regis University in Denver, Colorado.   She is a “go to” person.  She can do almost anything.  She has been involved in the revamping of the mental health curriculum and has done a good job.  Jennifer has been instrumental in moving nursing simulations forward in the curriculum and has co-developed the new simulation for Mental Health Nursing.  She is an active participant in the nursing faculty meetings, a member of the nursing sub-committee for retention and remediation, member of the IVCC curriculum committee, and participated on the search committee for the most recent nursing faculty position. 

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Dzik to approve tenure for Nora Villarreal, English Composition Instructor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Marianne Dzik introduced Ms. Nora Villarreal.  Nora holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Illinois State University and master’s degree in English from Northern Illinois University.  Ms. Dzik has seen Nora grow as a teacher.  If you visited her class, the students would have a writing lesson on pop culture, hear a mini lecture, and then form into groups for discussion that would reinforce the lecture.  She uses Skype in the classroom.  She taught the preparatory class last fall.  She is very active in the writing center, a facilitator for in-service workshops, and a presenter for support staff retreat.  Nora is a member of the Convocation Planning committee.  Marianne was pleased to recommend Nora Villarreal for tenure.

STAFF APPOINTMENT – MS. AMY J. SMITH, DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Olivero to appoint Ms. Amy J. Smith as the Director of Institutional Research, at an annualized salary of $47,000.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY RESIGNATION – CHRISTINE FOSTER, NURSING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Burkart to accept with regret Christine Foster’s resignation effective upon completion of the spring semester and wish her luck in her future endeavors.  Motion passed by voice vote.

RESOLUTIONS DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR AND A PERSON TO PREPARETHE TENTATIVE BUDGET

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2013 to June 30, 2014; adopt the resolution designating Dr. Jerry Corcoran as the District’s officer appointed to prepare the tentative budget; and approve the budget calendar, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FY2014 BOARD OF TRUSTEES BUDGET

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the tentative FY2014 Board of Trustees budget with the changes suggested.  There was discussion regarding reducing the Trustees budget.  The dues for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) are approximately $11,000.  Some board members thought this money could be better used toward the students.  Dr. Corcoran noted the ICCTA plays a valuable role in working on behalf of the Illinois Presidents’ Council.  For the College to back out, he feels would be short-sighted.  He is very appreciative of the Trustees Association and its value to the community college.  Mr. Mallery agreed.  The Trustees Association has pushed for the pension reform to be covered by the community college districts over a period of five or more years instead of a one-year period which was proposed by the Governor. Twelve percent of the employees’ salaries would have to be covered on the back of the taxpayers and students.  Due to the economy and tight budget, there was consensus among the board members to eliminate the out-of-state travel line item; decrease the in-state travel line item from $3,500 to $2,100; and decrease the conference line item from $2,500 to $1,200.  The FY2014 Board of Trustees total budget decreased from $21,000 to $16,900.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TUITION ADJUSTMENT

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Burkart to approve to increase tuition by $9.22, from $84.38 to $93.60, per credit hour and the universal fee by $.01, beginning with the summer 2013 semester.  Motion passed by voice vote with Mr. Mallery voting nay.

COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Mr. Solon to increase fees for 164 courses, decreasing fees for 48 courses, and adding fees for 4 existing courses and 8 new courses, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING TUITION AND COURSE FEE INCREASE

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Mr. Narczewski to increase tuition and fees to $3,963 for the Truck Driver Training program, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote.

STUDENT PRINTING CHARGES

It was moved by Ms. Olivero and seconded by Ms. Burkart to charge students at a rate of $.05 for black-and-white printing and $.25 for color printing in the Jacobs Library, the Learning Commons, and the Ottawa Center open computer lab, effective May 20, 2013.  Mr. Mallery asked about looking at other ways to charge for printing in the instructional labs.  The instructors are able to include printing charges in the course fees.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PURCHASE REQUEST – PRINT MANAGEMENT UPGRADES

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to purchase and install additional print management equipment from Today’s Business Solutions, Inc. in the amount of $13,762.  Mr. Mallery asked about the equipment’s useful life.  Mr. Harold Barnes noted the hardware and software would have a maintenance agreement and so if there was a problem it would be fixed.  Motion passed by voice vote.

PURCHASE REQUEST – PETER MILLER COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER EQUIPMENT

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Huffman to move forward with the Requests for Purchase (RFP) and bids for equipment and technology for the Peter Miller Community Technology Center.  Motion passed by voice vote.

COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTER FURNITURE AND FIXTURE PROCUREMENT

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Ms. Olivero for the administration to work with Krueger International to determine Peter Miller Community Technology Center furniture and fixture needs through the Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CERTIFIED PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the Certified Production Technician (CPT) Certificate, as presented.  Dr. Driscoll commended the administration for going out and working with industry to come up with a certificate like this.  This is a great partnership for the community and the college.  There are now nine companies that have pledged their support for this certificate:  American Nickeloid Company, Eakas Corporation, Hart Electric, HCC, inc., Maze Nail, MBL (USA) Corporation, Transco Inc., Vactor Manufacturing, and Plymouth Tube.  Dr. Corcoran commended Lori Scroggs, Sue Isermann, Jamie Gahm, and Jennifer Scheri for their work on this project.  Mr. Thompson also commended the administration for providing additional opportunities for employers and retraining issues.  This campus is providing opportunities for many students to get their foot in the door.  Dr. Driscoll noted the community and the college win from this endeavor.  Motion passed by voice vote.

INFORMATION SECURITY CONSULTANT

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the proposal from Identity Theft Loss Prevention for information consulting services at a cost of $7,300.  Motion passed by voice vote.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN SUSTAINABLE HORTICULTURE, ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE IN LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE, AND CERTIFICATE IN HORTICULTURE: INACTIVATION

It was moved by Ms. Burkart and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the inactivation of the Associate of Applied Science in Sustainable Horticulture degree, the Associate of Applied Science in Landscape Maintenance degree, and the Certificate in Horticulture, effective May 18, 2013.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TERMINATION OF IVCC EMPLOYEES IN THE DISLOCATED WORKERS CENTER

It was moved by Mr. Thompson and seconded by Ms. Olivero to approve with regret the termination of Lisa Cofoid, Mary Beth Liss, Jennifer Marini, Monica Near, Sally Pflibsen, Sarah Price, Joel Torbeck, Randy Vecchi, and Nicole Wiltse, effective June 30, 2012 due to the discontinuation of the agreement between NCI Works/BEST, Inc. and IVCC to serve clients through the IVCC Dislocated Workers Center.  Mr. Mallery hopes that BEST realizes this resource is very beneficial to the community and wanted to know if any of these good people could be employed by the College.  Monica Near was recently hired in the College’s continuing education department as a program manager for professional development.  Sara Partington had been a college employee located at Sauk Valley College providing Dislocated Workers Center services and she has taken a full-time position with Sauk Valley.  Jamie Gahm stated this Dislocated Workers team has been together for a while and delivered excellent service.  She wanted to remind everyone that the service to the College’s clients will continue in a smooth transition of the agencies that will be serving them.  There are 343,819 people in the combined new workforce area to be served which includes eight counties.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Huffman noted that people often talk about how important this college is to the community.  Two instructors that received tenure are graduates of IVCC.  They were obviously impacted by the college to continue in that field.  He also noted that finances are going to be tough and he was glad to see that everything is being reviewed.  He would like to pass along the cost to the people who are generating the costs.  He appreciates all the deans and administrators for their efforts.

Britney Burkart reported the anti-suicide and anti-bullying awareness programs will begin in the next two weeks. Bracelets that say “not on my campus” will be distributed throughout the campus to raise awareness.

CLOSED SESSION

It was moved by Mr. Narczewski and seconded by Dr. Huffman to convene a closed session at 7:42 p.m. to discuss 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) student discipline, 3) pending litigation; and 4) closed session minutes. 

Student Advisory Vote:  “Aye” – Ms. Burkart.  Roll Call Vote:  “Ayes” – Dr. Driscoll, Dr. Huffman, Mr. Mallery, Mr. Narczewski, Ms. Olivero, Mr. Solon, and Mr. Thompson. “Nays” – None, motion carried.

After a short break, the Board entered closed session at 7:45 p.m.  On a motion by Ms. Burkart and seconded by Ms. Olivero, the regular meeting resumed at 8:37 p.m.  Motion passed by voice vote.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Mr. Narczewski to approve and retain item 1 (pending litigation) and approve and release items 2 (selection of a person to fill a public office) and 3 (closed session minutes) of the closed session minutes of the January 15, 2013 meeting.  Motion passed by voice vote.

OTHER

Mr. Thompson expressed his appreciation for Mr. Everett Solon applying for the seat on the Board of Trustees.  He also appreciates his input and taking on the role of Trustee.