February 13, 2020 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, February 13, 2020 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present:
Jane E. Goetz, Chair
Everett J. Solon, Vice Chair
Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary
Amy L. Boyles
Jay K. McCracken
Maureen O. Rebholz
Matthew H. Klein, Student Trustee
Members Absent:
Members Telephonically Present:
David O. Mallery
Others Physically Present:
Jerry Corcoran, President
Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services & Finance
Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services
Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs
Robyn Schiffman, Dean of Humanities/Fine Arts/Social Sciences
Julie Hogue, Director of Nursing & Health Professions
Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the agenda, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. McCracken 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, 2020 Board Meeting and January 28, 2020 Audit Finance Committee Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $1,537,949.80
Education Fund - $1,352,282.10; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $61,390.79; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $4,658.89; Auxiliary Fund - $90,605.86; Restricted Fund - $3,019.09; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $25,993.07.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved the stipends for pay periods ending January 4, 2020 and January 18, 2020 & the Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments of January 2020.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Corcoran reported that the annual Academic Challenge was held on campus last Friday and it was another great success because of the hard work of Dean Ron Groleau, who has taken the lead on the program for 25 years, and a very special group of team members who worked closely with him including Dawn Watson, Karen and Gary Talsky, Polly Ragazincky, Fran Brolley, Quintin Overocker, Aseret Loveland, and alumnus and keynote speaker Nic Bollis. Dr. Corcoran informed that we had 217 students compete in the subject areas of biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering graphics, mathematics and physics. He was delighted to report that the feedback was excellent. There were 11 high schools represented: L-P, Streator, Ottawa, Hall, Mendota, Seneca, St. Bede, Midland, LaMoille, Putnam County and Marquette. Dr. Corcoran noted that first and second place teams from the three divisions will now advance to the Eureka College Sectional on March 13. Dr. Corcoran congratulated everyone who competed. Dr. Corcoran reported that NCLEX state board pass rates have been received by Julie Hogue, our terrific director of nursing, and the results are impressive. Of the 53 RN students taking the exam, 48 passed on the first attempt for a 91% pass rate compared to the national and state averages of 88 percent. All five of the students who did not pass on the first attempt did the second time around. He added that regarding the much smaller class of 12 LPN students, 10 passed on the first attempt for a rate of 83% compared to national and state averages of 86 and 89 percent, however, the two who were unsuccessful on the first attempt were successful the second time. Dr. Corcoran congratulated our Nursing students and Nursing faculty on a job well done. Dr. Corcoran noted that a few days ago he was asked to sign off on new articulation agreements that have been developed with Illinois State University for our agriculture students whereby our associate of applied science degree programs in both agronomy and agribusiness have been accepted as meeting all of the requirements for students choosing to move on to ISU for the bachelor of science in agriculture degree. He added that this is great news for our agriculture students, and the result of fine work by Kathryn Lillie, Willard Mott and their dean Ron Groleau. Dr. Corcoran informed that although we have several matters pertaining to personnel to be acted upon this evening as stand-alone action items, he wanted to be sure to draw attention to the Items for Information section of the board book where we have two 20-year Support Staff employees who have submitted their retirement notices: Bruce Hartman and Karen Stachowiak. Dr. Corcoran noted that Bruce has been the “face” of our revered truck driver training program for all of his 20 years at the college. Bruce has always been a great team player and we will miss him. Dr. Corcoran added that although Bruce was full-time and Karen part-time, her impact on IVCC has also been noteworthy. Along with being a wonderful counselor, Karen was always happy to be here and a great team player. He noted that even on her days off, she would remind Mark Grzybowski “I’m only a phone call away if you need me.” Dr. Corcoran thanked them both for a job well done.
TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Ms. Campbell advised that the tenure process requires faculty demonstrate exemplary teaching, contributions to the college and community, and involvement with professional organizations. Faculty recommended for tenure are: Tracey Antle, Taylor Myers and Dr. Jean Forst.
Tracey Antle – Nursing Instructor
Director Hogue reported that Ms. Antle is committed to life-long learning and sees her role as part of that ongoing process. Ms. Hogue informed that Ms. Antle’s accomplishments include the development of active learning strategies for the pharmacology course in collaboration with another instructor. Additionally, Ms. Antle has revised the curriculum for the course in mental health.
Taylor Myers – Nursing Instructor
Director Hogue informed that Ms. Myers has taught both the first and second year nursing curriculum, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the program as a whole. Ms. Hogue noted that Ms. Myers has grown into an instructor who is insightful but also firm in her convictions and confident in her nursing/teaching practice.
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the tenure for Nursing Instructors Tracey Antle and Taylor Myers, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote. Ms. Antle and Ms. Myers were present to share their portfolios and celebrate their success with the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Jean Forst – English/Reading Instructor
Dean Schiffman informed that Dr. Forst has grown steadily in her ability as an instructor, working with both developmental and honors students. Dr. Forst has sought professional development opportunities and completed additional graduate coursework during her time at IVCC. Dr. Schiffman noted that Jean Forst exemplifies all the good that IVCC offers; she is a talented educator. It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the tenure for Dr. Jean Forst, English/Reading Instructor, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Forst was present to share her portfolio and celebrate her success with the Board of Trustees.
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Boyles to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Motion passed by voice vote.
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Klein to approve the budget calendar, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.
COLLEGE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Klein to change 77 course fees: 60 increases, 11 new courses, 1 decrease, plus the assignment of a course fee to 5 existing courses, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Corcoran acknowledged Bonnie Campbell for her coordination efforts in working with the Deans and Program Coordinators on reviewing and adjusting the course fees.
COLLEGE AND CAREER START TUITION/FEE ADJUSTMENTS
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the College and Career Start Tuition Fee Adjustments, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote. Mr. McCracken thanked Bonnie Campbell, Mark Grzybowski and the entire staff for their work in moving College and Career Start in this direction. Mr. McCracken added that the College and Career Start tuition and fee adjustments will benefit students, parents and schools. Dr. Corcoran pointed out the new College and Career Start flyer available at the Board table.
FACULTY RESIGNATION – DAVID BARNES, ECONOMICS INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Klein to accept with regret the resignation of David Barnes, Economics Instructor effective May 16, 2020. Motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Corcoran noted that we are appreciative of the work that Mr. Barnes has done with his students while at IVCC as well as his work and contributions to the 21st Century Scholars and we wish him well as he moves forward.
FACULTY RETIREMENT – JAMES GIBSON, ELECTRICITY/ELECTRONICS AND RENEWABLE ENERGY INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to accept with regret the retirement of James Gibson, Electricity/Electronics and Renewable Energy Instructor/Program Coordinator, effective the end of the Academic Year 2020. Motion passed by voice vote. Dr. Corcoran noted that Jim Gibson has had a monumental impact on our college and students in the trades in his 26 years of service at the college. Dr. Corcoran added that Mr. Gibson facilitated the electrician’s apprenticeship with the IBEW and was critically important to the success of our Making Industry Meaningful in College (MIMIC) program and our National Science Foundation grants.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Ms. Goetz informed that Matthew Klein has been nominated for the ICCTA 2020 Gigi Campbell Student Trustee Excellence Award. She noted that Mr. Klein has performed superbly in his role as IVCC Student Trustee. Ms. Goetz informed that Judy Day has been nominated for the 2020 ICCTA Professional Board Staff Member Award. She noted that Ms. Day, Board Secretary, demonstrates a sincere commitment to our five core values every day of her life. The Board congratulated Mr. Klein and Ms. Day on their nominations.
CLOSED SESSION
Ms. Goetz requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:53 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body and 2) closed session minutes. Motion made by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Mr. Klein. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon Mr. Mallery and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 6:55 p.m.
Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Solon to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Mr. Klein. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon, Mr. Mallery and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 7:32 p.m.
POSSIBLE ACTION AND/OR ACTION REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE OR DISMISSAL OF IT PERSONNEL AND/OR APPROVAL OF A SEPARATION AGREEMENT WITH AN IT EMPLOYEE
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to authorize the President to sign the agreement with IT employee James Niessner, as presented. Motion passed by voice vote.
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the termination of employee Amber Gonzalez. Motion passed by voice vote.
APPROVAL OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the January 9, 2020 Closed Session Meeting. Motion passed by voice vote.
OTHER
Ms. Goetz reminded the Board that the President’s evaluation and the Board’s self-assessment are due on February 26, 2020. The evaluations will be compiled for the March 12th Board meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Goetz declared the meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.