August 15, 2024 Minutes of Regular Meeting
The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 15, 2024 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present
Everett J. Solon, Chair
Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair
Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary
Amy L. Boyles
Rebecca Donna
Jane E. Goetz
Emma J. Garretson, Student Trustee
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Maureen O. Rebholz
Others Physically Present
Tracy Morris, President
Kathy Ross, Vice President for Business Services and Finance
Vicki Trier, Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services
Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Ralph Powell of Peru, who taught math for IVCC in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s; Charles Steinberg of Spring Valley, the father-in-law of adjunct faculty member Tony Ruda; and Glen Gerrard of Oglesby, who was active in our theatre program and later went on to establish a Gerrard Family Fine Arts Scholarship, where his family directed memorials.
PUBLIC HEARING ON FY2025 BUDGET
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to suspend rules temporarily to allow for public hearing on FY2025 budget.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON FY2025 BUDGET
None
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Donna to return to regular session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – July 11, 2024 Board Meeting and July 24, 2024 Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $2,639,278.48
Education Fund - $1,785,850.93; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $394,040.13; Auxiliary Fund - $78,384.29; Restricted Fund - $42,140.22; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $338,862.91.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending July 13, 2024 and July 27, 2024, and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for July 2024.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris stated the Get Set session ran from July 29 to August 2 with 17 participants. Kudos to Tina Hardy, Ashley Carls, and all who supported the program. 100% of participants would recommend the program to others. Dr. Morris shared photos of the recent Dental Pinning ceremony.
Dr. Morris announced Credit for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) graduates included 8 in AAS Paramedic for spring 2024. Tentative summer PLA graduates include 15 students in 6 different programs of study. Truck Driver Training has a 100% graduation rate for 2024 which includes 23 summer session CDL graduates. Dr. Morris reported we currently have 157 total athletes generating a minimum of 1,884 credits per semester. Two successful emergency management drills were held in July and included medical emergency procedure training for all employees to prepare for these events.
Dan Rice and Theresa Molln in our Welding Department were recognized by Horizon House for welding an ADA compliant wheelchair ramp railing for their new community building in LaSalle. Art instructor Shannon Slaight’s talent is on display at the Prairie Arts Center in Princeton in August. Continuing Education and Business Services employee, Jill Hejl, placed 6th in the quarterfinals of the Tate of Home Favorite Chef Competition.
Jenilyn Roether and the IVCC Choir have been invited to sing with the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra on December 14 in the Ottawa High School auditorium in celebration of the IVSO’s 75th anniversary. Professor Mike Phillips was named to the Adequacy Subcommittee for the ICCB Working Group focused on Adequacy and Equity in Community College Funding.
Kudos to the counselors, Kathy Hart, and Sarah Trager who assisted with pre-req checks to help our students say in their classes. There were 1,300 on the original list, with 186+ needing additional requisite checks. Also, great job by Peggy Schneider, Karsen Gromm, Mark Grzybowski, Cory Tomasson, and Shaw Media on the 100th anniversary publication.
As part of a “Keeping your Kids Safe, Back to School Series”, CBS News covered Continuing Education’s Cyber Crusaders Camp on August 8th and 9th for kids ages 8-12. On July 10th a CBS reporter and camera crew visited campus to interview camp instructor and IVCC Chief Information Security Officer, Brian Pichman.
Psychology faculty member Rick Mangold and Director of Admissions and Records Tom Quigley returned from their Netherlands exchange experiences in May. History faculty member Jeff Spanbauer and student/employee Meagan O’Boyle participated in archaeology expeditions this summer. A new Surgical Technician Program beginning fall 2024. This non-credit program offers 24 in-person sessions with hands-on training to prepare students for certification.
Holistic support for students includes the launch of HelpCompass in mid-August. This is an add-on to the YOU@IVCC portal purchased with funds from the Mental Health grant and is an anonymous way for students to be connected to emergency or non-emergency resources.
Dr. Morris participated in dunk tanks for the IV Sunrise Rotary which raised over $850 for PADS and for the Rock the Block (Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce) event. Black Bros. of Mendota donated $30,000 to help IVCC to expand and upgrade equipment in the computer aided design and manufacturing programs.
Fall enrollment year to year shows across-the-board increases of 13.9% in headcount and 11.2% in credit hours compared to Fall 2023. Financial Aid updates include IVCC receiving an ICCB grant of $5,000 to support FAFSA completion, hosting two completion events on main campus and the Ottawa Center, ISAC has a representative on-campus on Fridays to support student completion, and huge kudos to the Financial Aid team for all their hard work and persistence during this very difficult process. 215 students were dropped for non-payment from 583 courses. As of August 5th, 80 of those students (37%) had re-registered for their courses.
Dr. Morris reported lab safety issues for the microbiology lab are being addressed. Planning meetings for the micro lab will commence with the start of the Fall 2024 semester. The exact timeline for this will be developed as part of the planning process.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson stated today was the first day of classes. The NJCAA has announced the 2023-2024 All-Academic Teams, recognizing student athletes across the country for their dedication in the classroom. NJCAA All-Academic Team Honorees totaled 27 IVCC athletes. Eight were First Team Academic All American with an overall GPA of 4.0; eleven were Second Team All American with an overall GPA of 3.80-3.99; and eight were Third Team All American with an overall GPA of 3.60-3.79. The Softball, Women’s Tennis, and Volleyball were NJCAA Academic Team of the Year Nominees. Ms. Garretson highlighted IVCC Spirit Day, scheduled for Wednesday, September 11 from 9:30-1:00 in the Courtyard. Spirit Day is an annual event that has taken place over the past 30 years and has proven to be a successful way to recruit student organization members, highlight events and departments on campus, and provide a wide variety of interactive activities for students and staff.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
FY2025 BUDGET – RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE BUDGET
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the resolution to adopt the FY2025 Budget, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris thanked Kathy Ross, Eric Johnson and their team for the amount of work on this budget to make sure it was transparent, clear, and successful.
NEW HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN/HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS-CY2025
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna to authorize the contribution to employee Health Savings Plans for the CY2025 New Health Plan Offering as stated above for employees electing the High Deductible Plan-CY25 beginning January 1, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Donna to authorize the contribution to employee Health Savings Plans as stated above for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan-Current Plan beginning January 1, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Boyles to authorize the contribution to employee Health Reimbursement Accounts-Current Plan as stated above for employees electing the High Deductible Health Plan beginning January 1, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – MICROSOFT SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to authorize the renewal of the Microsoft A3 Software Maintenance and Support Agreement in the amount of $39,818.39 for the FY2025 budget year.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – COURSEDOG RENEWAL
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to authorize the renewal of the Coursedog Event Scheduler, Class Scheduler and Demand Analytics in the amount of $63,668.00.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST - FERRILLI CORE: SYSTEM ADMIN – ENHANCED RENEWAL
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to authorize the renewal of the Ferrilli Core: System Admin Agreement in the amount of $36,600 from Ferrilli. Doing so will ensure that we can continue to maintain our Colleague environment on premise, maintain operational continuity, and provide a seamless experience for our staff, faculty, and students.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
FOUNDATION DONOR EVENT
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the request by the Foundation to host the event on campus, which may include alcohol service in accordance with Board Policy 06.17, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Resolution Designating Date, Time, and Place for Filing Board of Trustee Nominating Petitions
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna to adopt the Resolution Designating Date, Time and Place for Filing Board of Trustee Nominating Petitions for the April 1, 2025 election, as presented and amended. Dr. Morris asked for an amendment striking the words Monday through Friday from Section 3 at the bottom of page 59.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 01.05 VACANCIES
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 03.24 NEPOTISM
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 03.31 DISCIPLINE
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Boyles commented the updated policy is more streamlined.
BOARD POLICY 04.13 INVESTMENTS
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 06.10 PREVAILING WAGE
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 06.13 SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, SEXUAL AND OTHER HARASSMENT
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
STAFF APPOINTMENT – MADONNA DUNCAN, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the appointment of Madonna Duncan as Director of Marketing and Communications at an annualized salary of $93,000, effective August 19, 2024.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris welcomed Ms. Duncan as a part of our team. She comes to us with a variety of experience in marketing and communication. Ms. Duncan and her family are joining us this evening.
Ms. Duncan thanked the Board for the opportunity. She is excited to be back in the community and to make an impactful, successful campaign at IVCC and to make an impact on our community.
FACULTY APPOINTMENT – REBECCA CALDWELL, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the appointment of Rebecca Caldwell as Early Childhood Education Instructor effective August 19, 2024 at Step E-6 (+ 2%), an annualized salary of $60,836.00 on the 2024/2025 faculty salary schedule.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris stated Rebecca comes to us with experience at three community colleges as well as at university and in the field.
Ms. Goetz entered the meeting at 6:14 p.m.
STAFF RETIREMENT – RON GROLEAU, DEAN OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND BUSINESS
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the retirement of Ron Groleau, Dean of Natural Sciences and Business, effective January 31, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris stated Ron has served this college for a very long time and she appreciates his service greatly.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 88-92 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Dr. Donna thanked Dr. Morris for getting the work done in the microbiology lab.
Ms. Goetz noted there were great articles in the newspaper about the start of the semester.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:20 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; 2) pending or imminent litigation; and 3) closed session minutes.
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 6:24 p.m.
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:44 p.m.
Mr. McCracken entered the meeting at 6:44 p.m.
POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF WORKMAN’S COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the workman’s compensation settlement agreement in the amount of $18,060 with a previous employee.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the July 11, 2024 Board Meeting and the closed session minutes of the July 24, 2024 Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m.