November 12, 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, November 12, 2020 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present:

Jane E. Goetz, Chair

Everett J. Solon, Vice Chair

Members Virtually Present:

Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary

Amy L. Boyles

Jay K. McCracken

Maureen O. Rebholz (entered the meeting at 7:15 p.m.)

Manuel “Tony” Galindo, Student Trustee

Members Telephonically Present:

Members Absent:

David O. Mallery

Others Physically Present:

Jerry Corcoran, President

Fran Brolley, Executive Director of Development & Community Relations and Marketing

Chris Dunlap, Director of Information Technology Services

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present:

Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Deborah Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs 

Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services

Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Ms. Goetz informed of the following: 1) The provisions related to the Open Meetings Act allowing for Board meetings to be virtual continue due to Governor Pritzker’s most recent disaster proclamation and 2) it is the custom and practice of the college to record Board meetings and the meeting was being recorded both audio and video.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the agenda, as presented. 

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO-TEM

Ms. Goetz appointed Mr. Solon as secretary pro-tem in the physical absence of Ms. Stevenson.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

CAMPUS UPDATE – IVCC FOUNDATION

Fran Brolley informed that the Illinois Valley Community College Foundation met growing demand for student financial assistance this fall by providing over $300,000 to 325 students. Mr. Brolley noted that new awards honoring Clarence and Helen Trompeter, Edna McManus and Don Haas were added to more than 130 annual and endowed scholarships. Agriculture program benefactor Barbara Davis of Batavia increased her giving to ten $4,500 scholarships annually. He reported that the 21st Century Scholars Society, now in its 14th year, awarded $20,250 to 20 students including $3,000 to 21st Century Scholar Grace McCormick of Peru. Mr. Brolley noted that the Annual Appeal will launch in mid-November and the fifth annual Giving Day is April 1. He added that in fiscal 2020, total Foundation assets topped $6.9 million, an increase of $278,499 over the previous year.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the consent agenda, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – October 8, 2020 Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting; October 8, 2020 Board Meeting; and October 28, 2020 Audit Finance Committee Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,880,362.52

Education Fund - $1,424,572.34; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $85,117.04; Operations & Maintenance (Restricted Fund) - $211,905.84; Auxiliary Fund - $47,995.80; Restricted Fund - $41,367.79; Audit - $25,000.00; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $44,403.71.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending September 26, 2020; October 10, 2020; and October 24, 2020 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments of October 2020.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that although Illinois community college enrollments are down big time this semester, it was encouraging to see the progress we have made in boosting online enrollments. He added that increasing IVCC’s online footprint was first referenced as a goal in the college’s academic plan, which became the foundation for our strategic plan. Dr. Corcoran informed that although we are one of 15 community colleges that receive a “small college” grant through the ICCB, our fall-term online unduplicated headcount of 1,770 places us in the upper 50 percent of the 48 community colleges. Dr. Corcoran noted that the bottom line is our Learning Resources staff and faculty should be commended for a job well done. Dr. Corcoran reported that Tuesday’s Virtual Explore IVCC program went well. He noted that Mark Grzybowski reported we had 120 RSVPs and the majority were onboard from the beginning for the welcome and student panel discussion. Dr. Corcoran added that Mark and Quintin Overocker recognized many for their fine work, especially Aseret Loveland, Gracelyn Quesse, Ashley Fitzpatrick, Sue Monroe, our deans, faculty and counselors. Dr. Corcoran informed that we also had 22 students attend our Virtual College Connection on October 27, along with representatives from NIU, ISU, St. Ambrose and Bradley. Despite some unfortunate statements that were made to the contrary over the last few months, Dr. Corcoran noted that he wanted to set the record straight regarding the degree to which the administration encourages faculty and staff participation in the decision-making process. IVCC uses the principles of shared governance in its operations. Standing committees exist to facilitate the work of the institution. Faculty hold key positions on 18 committees and 11 subcommittees/workgroups. Minutes from committee meetings are posted on the college’s intranet, allowing everyone in the institution access to information regarding each of them. Last month Dr. Anderson provided a campus update on four new institutional learning outcomes replacing eight general educational goals which was the direct result of faculty and administrative groups working together including the Assessment Committee, Teaching and Learning Committee, and the Strategic Leadership and Planning Council. Dr. Corcoran noted that everyone did a great job and he is proud of them. He added that from an accreditation standpoint, academic administrators and faculty are presently working together on our Assurance Argument—a work that documents our compliance with the Higher Learning Commission’s five criteria for accreditation—due in July of 2021. Many of these same folks will soon be working on The Quality Initiative, a multi-year project which asks the college to engage in improving one of its major areas, in the spirit of continuous quality improvement. This important work is due in year four of the accreditation cycle. Dr. Corcoran noted that from a communication standpoint, every semester begins with all-staff in-services with updates on college activities and participation in Q & A sessions. Every month debriefings are scheduled for the week following board meetings. Every dean schedules monthly division meetings with their faculty. The administrative cabinet meets every month. The President’s Council meets every week. In addition to routine meetings, the 2020 spring term included regular Zoom meetings with all employees and, when asked for additional meetings with the faculty, the administration was happy to do so. Dr. Corcoran informed that in fact, when looking at his calendar for 2020, we have had 11 debriefings (everyone is invited), four faculty forums, three in-service all-staff sessions, and two meetings of the faculty Executive Board and President’s Council. To those team players who have worked hard with the administration and contributed to the positive direction of the college, Dr. Corcoran said thank you very much. Dr. Corcoran thanked Student Trustee Tony Galindo who will be departing IVCC at the end of the 2020 Fall semester and transferring to a four-year university. As such Tony has elected to forfeit his position as Student Trustee for the 2021 Spring semester. Dr. Corcoran informed that in order to maintain a continuous student voice on the Board of Trustees and avoid disruption, current IVCC student Naomi Ochuba has been appointed to fill the position for the Spring 2021 semester. Naomi served as a Freshman Representative with the SGA in 2019-2020, was the runner-up to Mr. Galindo for the Student Trustee position this past Spring and was slotted to run unopposed for the SGA Treasurer position this Fall. Naomi has planned to virtually attend the December meeting of the Board of Trustees, which will also serve as Mr. Galindo’s final meeting thus providing a seamless transition from one Student Trustee to another. Dr. Corcoran thanked Mr. Galindo for his excellent service to the college and the Board of Trustees. Dr. Corcoran expressed appreciation to Mark Grzybowski and Cory Tomasson for their outstanding work with the SGA.

2020 TENTATIVE TAX LEVY

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. McCracken to adopt the Resolution approving a Tentative Tax Levy and Tentative Certificate of Tax Levy, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF AAS DEGREE: DENTAL ASSISTING 

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Dental Assisting, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried

BID REQUEST – MULTI-STAGE WELDERS

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. McCracken to authorize the administration to seek bids for twenty (20) multi-stage welders at an estimated cost of $60,000.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. 

STAFF APPOINTMENT – DR. JENNIFER GROBE, DIRECTOR OF NURSING PROGRAMS

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Grobe as Director of Nursing programs at an annualized salary of $85,000, effective January 4, 2021. 

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. 

Dr. Grobe was present virtually and was welcomed and congratulated by the Board.

INTERIM TRANSITION AND COMPLETION SPECIALIST

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the appointment of Crystal Credi as Interim Transition and Completion Specialist increasing her hourly wage by 20 percent to $16.26 effective November 16, 2020 and continuing through December 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. 

Ms. Credi was present virtually and was congratulated on her new appointment by the Board.

SEMI-ANNUAL REVIEW OF CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Galindo to approve release of the following closed session minutes: November 14, 2019 – Appointment of a Specific Employee.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. 

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve release of the following closed session minutes: December 12, 2019 – Closed Session Minutes Committee.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Ms. Goetz reminded that the Foundation Annual Appeal begins mid-November and Giving Day is April 1. She advised all to not wait, but contribute now. 

Mr. Solon reported that at the Audit Finance Committee Meeting on October 28 the opinion of the auditors was that IVCC earned an unmodified report meaning that the audit is “clean” with no material deficiencies or weaknesses. Mr. Solon noted that this is very special and attributed it to the college’s fine business and finance department which is part of the administrative team. The auditors advised that IVCC is one of the very few community colleges in Illinois that is debt-free. Mr. Solon noted that this goes to the IVCC leadership and to everyone working together at the college to provide quality education while utilizing the financial resources so well. Good job everyone.

Mr. McCracken commented that he wanted to once again express his appreciation for the positive support and cooperation of the faculty, staff and administration at the college. Speaking as a superintendent, Mr. McCracken noted that IVCC is truly an asset to the community and he could not thank everyone enough.

CLOSED SESSION

Ms. Goetz requested a motion and a roll call vote at 7:01 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) imminent or pending litigation; 2) complaint lodged against an official or employee of the public body; 3) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 4) collective negotiations; and 5) closed session minutes. Motion made by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 7:05 p.m.

Motion made by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 8:04 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve and retain the closed session minutes of October 8, 2020.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Mr. Galindo. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Mr. Solon and Ms. Goetz. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

OTHER

Ms. Goetz encouraged everyone to support the IVCC Foundation.

ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Goetz declared the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m.