April 14, 2016 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 Thursday, April 14, 2016 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Melissa M. Olivero, Chair
Michael C. Driscoll, Vice Chair
Larry D. Huffman, Secretary
Laurie A. Bonucci
Jane E. Goetz
David O. Mallery
Everett J. Solon
Austin M. Burnette, Student Trustee
Sarah Tipton, Student Trustee Elect

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Deborah Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Sue Isermann, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mark Grzybowski, Associate Vice President for Student Services
Walt Zukowski, Attorney

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

RECOGNITION

Ms. Olivero read a resolution and presented it to Austin Burnette on behalf of the Board of Trustees to express their sincere appreciation that he has given generously of his time, energy, and talents in his responsibilities to the college as a student trustee.  Mr. Burnette noted being a student trustee was an awesome opportunity and everyone on the Board made it all the more special by guiding him through the process.  It was an honor and privilege to serve as student trustee and he thrived on the institutional drama.  He looks forward to being involved in the community and to all the college plans coming to fruition.  He thanked the Board for helping him be the voice of the student body.

CONSENT AGENDA

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.  Motion passed by voice vote. 

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – March 8, 2016 Special Board Meeting; March 10, 2016 Board Meeting

Approval of Bills - $1,176,916.64

Education Fund - $1,014,197.92; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $69,611.29; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $11,404.90; Auxiliary Fund - $30,609.43; Restricted Fund - $4,113.50; Liability, Protection and Settlement Fund - $43,912.82; and Grants, Loans, & Scholarships - $3,066.78

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved the stipends for pay periods ending March 5, 2016 and March 19, 2016

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported the Modern Language Association’s Executive Council has appointed Dr. Robyn Schiffman, dean for English, Math and Education, to a three-year term on its Committee on Community Colleges. The MLA is the largest and most influential professional association for English and language teachers in higher education. Dr. Corcoran congratulated Dr. Schiffman on her appointment.  There was more news from Dr. Schiffman’s division.  It was confirmed late last week in that it is now official that IVCC has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children for its Early Childhood Associate Degree program. In layman’s terms, this means that IVCC will be looked upon as a national leader in early childhood professional teacher preparation. Dr. Corcoran noted that high quality programs and services are a reflection of the people who work at IVCC.  Tammy Landgraf will be recommended for full-time employment to follow Diane Christianson upon her retirement. Dr. Corcoran congratulated Diane, Tammy, and Lynne Weber for the work they have put into gaining this national recognition. Michael Pecherek was recently honored at the local Omni Arts awards ceremony with the Music Award of Excellence.  IVCC is lucky that Mike’s dedication to the arts and teaching have been so apparent to everyone at IVCC. IVCC’s students and Mike’s colleagues have acquired a much better appreciation for music because of his influence. Everyone talks a lot these days about STEM programs and their connection to jobs, however, it is Mike who often makes sure that the letter “A” is added to that acronym (as in “STEAM”) so that it reflects the importance of science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math when describing a well-rounded education.  The annual student academic awards banquet held on April 5 was a terrific event thanks to Mark Grzybowski, Linda Hawkins and Crystal Credi. Dr. Corcoran thanked Trustees Laurie Bonucci and David Mallery for representing the Board. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Corcoran both felt that all of the speakers, including Mark, Dr. Pat Pence, Kaitlin Raineri and Trevor Finnan, did a wonderful job.  Kaitlin Raineri and her mother joined Dr. Corcoran and Eric Schroeder earlier this week in Chicago as the 2016 All-USA Community College Academic Team and Coca-Cola New Century Scholars were recognized and celebrated for their academic excellence and outstanding leadership accomplishments. Kaitlin was the top-scoring student from Illinois (with 1,900 nominations received) and IVCC is very proud of her. IVCC is equally proud of Austin Burnette who will be honored in Springfield on April 19 for being a member of the All-Illinois Academic Team along with Kaitlin.  Dr. Corcoran congratulated Austin on his academic accomplishments.  Janice Corrigan, Donna Swiskoski, Fran Brolley and a large group of supporters across the college planned and executed a wonderful “70s Night” fundraiser for the IVCC Foundation last weekend. Dr. Corcoran thanked Melissa and Doug Olivero, Larry and Chris Huffman, Jane and Keith Goetz, Everett and Dee Solon, Walt and Nancy Zukowski, and Dominick Demonica for their tremendous financial support of this special event. Cory Tomasson has advised Dr. Corcoran of the results of the recently held SGA elections: Ellen Herrmann is the new student body president, Lexi Scarpaci is vice president, Sarah Tipton will be joining the Board on a monthly basis as student trustee, Christian Mendez is the SGA secretary, Abbey Azarskis is the treasurer, Gabe Braboy and Mike Milaski are sophomore representatives, and Dexter Baker and Hugo Perez have both been elected to handle sophomore programming board duties.  Dr. Corcoran thanked everyone who encouraged these students to step forward and serve in such important leadership positions. And finally, Dr. Corcoran asked the Board members to let his office know if they are planning to attend the annual employee recognition event on April 29 at Grand Bear Lodge, and Lobby Day activities in Springfield on May 4.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Driscoll reported on the highlights of the Planning Committee which was held on April 4, 2016.  He pointed out the 2015 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) Feedback Report showed a decline in enrollment which is a big concern as a College.  Undergraduate fees increased $320 which caused IVCC’s tuition and fees to increase in rank from fifth to third out of twelve.  The net price of attendance increased and IVCC now ranks second among its peers.  The Market Penetration Report is the percent of recent district high school graduates that matriculate at IVCC which is between 20 to 24 percent.  The report provides data, but Dr. Driscoll feels he is left asking for more.  On the Personal Assessment of the College Environment (PACE) survey, Figure 3 ranks the College climate into four categories – coercive, competitive, consultative, and collaborative.  IVCC ranked close to the consultative to collaborative which was encouraging to see. The lowest scores were in the consultative program or quality program.  The College needs to work on the Academic Quality Improvement Program (AQIP).  There was positive and negative feedback to help the College become better.  Mr. Mallery had concerns with IVCC being higher than its peers in tuition and fees, federal loans, and institutional support. He also noted the report reflected that IVCC’s average faculty salaries were higher than its peers. He encouraged the Board and administration to look at these areas again.  Ms. Olivero noted the Audit/Finance Committee has worked with the administration to hold expenses and Ms. Goetz noted the faculty might have a longer period of experience while the peer groups do not.  The report does not have all the information.

Mr. Burnette attended the March ISAC meeting.  He noted IVCC’s textbook rental was a model for other community colleges.  The net cost per book on the rental program was $28.  The other item discussed was the lowering of high school equivalency scores to enroll in college.  There is a concern that the higher load of real courses that would be required may end up being a barrier to students taking on an extra semester and lowering their confidence to get through the degree program.  Colleges may want to consider this as they move forward with their remedial programs.

FACULTY RETIREMENT – KAUSHALYA JAGASIA, ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to accept with regret Kaushalya Jagasia’s request for retirement effective August 1, 2016 and wish her a long, happy, and healthy retirement.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – MS. TAMMY LANDGRAF, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Burnette to approve the appointment of Ms. Tammy Landgraf as Early Childhood Education Instructor/Program Coordinator assigned to the Division of English, Mathematics, and Education, with placement on the 2016/2017 faculty salary schedule at Step B-8, $51,496 annualized.  Motion passed by voice vote.

Dr. Anderson read a statement from Ms. Landgraf who was unable to attend the meeting.  Ms. Landgraf thanked the Board for their commitment to IVCC and its students by serving on the Board.  She thanked them for approving her employment and she is looking forward to building on the strengths of the program and taking new steps in outreach and marketing to showcase all of the changes the ECE program has undergone.  She is working closely with Diane Christianson, retiring ECE Program Coordinator, to ensure a smooth transition that upholds and exceeds the reputation already established.

SABBATICAL LEAVE REQUEST – SUE CALEY OPSAL

It was moved by Dr. Huffman and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the sabbatical leave for Sue Caley Opsal for 2016-2017 academic year.  Said leave to be governed by the conditions stipulated in the agreement between the American Federation of Teachers Local 1810 and the Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513.  Motion passed by voice vote.

SABBATICAL LEAVE REQUEST – JEFFREY SPANBAUER

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Driscoll to approve the sabbatical leave for Jeffrey Spanbauer for fall semester 2016.  Said leave to be governed by the conditions stipulated in the agreement between the American Federation of Teachers Local 1810 and the Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BID RESULTS – AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR LECTURE HALL D225

It was moved by Mr. Mallery and seconded by Dr. Huffman to accept the bid of $14,230 from Perlmutter Purchasing Power, San Diego, CA for audio visual equipment for lecture hall D225.  Motion passed by voice vote.

BID RESULTS – EXMARK LAZER X MOWER

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Mr. Solon to accept the bid from Smith’s Sales & Services as the lowest, most responsible bid for an Exmark Lazer X Mower in the amount of $6,749.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS FOR CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS

It was moved by Dr. Driscoll and seconded by Dr. Huffman to approve the transfer of $18,866 from the Auxiliary Enterprise Fund to the Education Fund for Classroom Technology Improvements.  Motion passed by voice vote.

FY2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES BUDGET

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the tentative FY2017 Board of Trustees Budget, as presented.    Dr. Driscoll questioned the expense of the ICCTA membership.  Due to the lack of funding from the state and the limited benefits of the organization, he recommended discontinuing the membership in ICCTA.  Melissa noted that the organization has a good trustee orientation program, many student trustee benefits, and many events for presidents of community colleges.  Ms. Bonucci noted she learns a lot from the emails received from ICCTA.  Mr. Mallery suggested the student activities fee cover the cost of the student trustee.  Mr. Mallery did feel that ICCTA does lobby for the community colleges and community colleges fair better than the other higher education institutions in the percentage that is adjusted each year.  Community colleges have held level funding where the state universities have seen a decrease.  Dr. Driscoll’s argument is based on the funding from the state and lobbying was not effective this past year.   A roll call vote was taken with aye – continuing the membership in ICCTA and naye – discontinuing the membership in ICCTA.

Student Advisory Vote:  “Aye” – Mr. Burnette.  Roll Call Vote:  “Ayes” – Mr. Solon, Ms. Goetz, and Ms. Olivero.  “Nayes” – Mr. Mallery, Dr. Driscoll, Ms. Bonucci, and Dr. Huffman.  IVCC will discontinue its membership in the ICCTA.  The Board of Trustees budget will be adjusted and presented at next month’s meeting.

BOARD POLICIES (SECOND READING)

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Bonucci to approve the changes to the Board Policies as presented and approve the new Board Policy – Credit Hour as presented.  Since the last reading of the Board policies, updates and changes were made.  The policies are current with the direction from the Board of Trustees.  Mr. Mallery had concerns with Board Policy 6.13 – Sexual Misconduct, Sexual and Other Harassment.  He does not want anyone subject to harassment and the whole section on definitions and examples of Board Policy 6.13 is based on Title IX.  Mr. Mallery believes another section is needed above and beyond Title IX.  Ms. Olivero asked the administration to address other examples of harassment outside of sexual harassment and to work with Walt Zukowski.  Motion passed by voice vote.

RATIFICATION OF ENGAGEMENT LETTER

It was moved by Ms. Bonucci and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve entering into a mutually agreeable engagement letter with Atty. Stephen E. Balogh.  Motion passed by voice vote.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Laurie Bonucci attended the Student Academic Awards Ceremony and noted it was a wonderful night.  She commented on the appointment of Ed Young as the Head Women’s Soccer Coach.  He was a coach at her children’s school and noted that Mr. Young is not all about winning; it is about character with Mr. Young.