December 12, 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, December 12, 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
Jane E. Goetz
Maureen O. Rebholz
Emma J. Garretson, Student Trustee
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
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
Rebecca Donna
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Nancy Cotter of Princeton, who is the mother of Truck Driver Training instructor Mark Cotter; Donna Marie Schmidt of Nora Springs, Iowa, who is the grandmother of Kim Herout, Administrative Assistant for the Workforce Development Division; Cathy Bangert of Ottawa, who retired from IVCC after 18 years of service in multiple roles including Director of Institutional Research; Milton Highhouse of Belleville, father-in-law of assistant softball coach Scott Shirley; and R. William Clement of Peshtigo, Wisconsin, grandfather of Director of Enrollment Services Tom Quigley.
PUBLIC HEARING ON 2024 TAX LEVY
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to suspend rules temporarily to allow for public hearing on the 2024 Tax Levy.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON 2024 TAX LEVY
None
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
A motion was made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Garretson to return to regular session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
AUDIT PRESENTATION
The comprehensive annual financial report for the fiscal year ending June 20, 2024 was highlighted by Mr. Anthony Cervini from Sikich LLP. Mr. Cervini commended IVCC for investing the time and resources in preparing an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, which goes above and beyond the required report responsibilities, and congratulated the College on receiving the Certificate of Achievement in Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Financial Officers Association. Mr. Cervini reported Sikich LLP issued a clean, unmodified opinion on the College’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The Independent Auditors Report on internal control over financial reporting no instances of non-compliance and no material weaknesses in the internal control. The Single Audit Report is a culmination of the aggregation and reporting of the College’s federal awards. An unmodified opinion was awarded on the financial statements as well as the student financial aid cluster. A significant deficiency was given on the late return of Title IV Financial Aid for 5 of 25 students tested. An instance of non-compliance was given for two students out of 40 who did not student loan exit counseling documentation in their files. The College has already put action plans in place for both issues.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – November 12, 2024 Audit Finance Committee Meeting and November 14, 2024 Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $1,324,615.93
Education Fund - $972,690.71; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $78,457.10; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $25,420.40; Auxiliary Fund - $116,779.85; Restricted Fund - $74,043.86; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $56,866.15; Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $357.86.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending November 2, 2024 and November 16, 2024, and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for November 2024.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson highlighted that over 50 student-athletes have participated in the city parades in Spring Valley and LaSalle, and more will participate in the Oglesby parade on December 14. Members of the IVCC Chem Club will be visiting Fermilab in Batavia next week. Fermilab is America's particle physics and accelerator lab. The facility is 6,800 acres in size, and they work on the world's most advanced particle accelerators and dig down to the smallest building elements of matter. IVCC and Marquette Academy are sponsoring a blood drive in Ottawa on Tuesday, December 17 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Students had the opportunity to destress by enjoying some hot cocoa, jewelry beading, coloring, and neurography art to induce calming. Final exams started this week, and the campus will be closed December 20 - January 1. Spring classes begin Thursday, January 9. Ms. Garretson and her family hosted three international student-athletes in their home for Thanksgiving.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted the Inspiration Tree located near the nursing lab where students can write their success, worries, and challenges. The Ottawa Center did a puzzle as part of their destressing and made it part of their decor. Several different holiday displays are in the Student Life Space and throughout campus.
Students participated in cookie decorating and bake sales this month. Project Success hosted a Friendsgiving event; the Art Club held a fundraiser for a trip to Chicago; the Peer Mentors held activities for stress relief; Project Success had smoothies and treats for their student during finals, and the winners of the first Eagles Run, sponsored by our cross country team, were highlighted.
Highlighted events on campus including the Marketing and Communications team open house and the Adult Ed teachers, staff, and volunteers holiday celebration. Continuing Education escorted approximately 300 community members on various bus trips this fall. Eighteen students completed the non-credit surgical tech program and another 8 scheduled to complete the program on December 9. The first ever dual credit Ag class will be held at L-P High School this Spring and the first ever Dual Credit Advisory Committee meeting was held on campus.
Concerts were held earlier this month for the Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble, and Choir. The Kumar Family created a $20,000 scholarship for our nursing program. IVAC Cornerstone recipients included retired President Jerry Corcoran; Director of Adult Education Sara Escatel; Board of Trustees Vice Chair Jay McCracken; and IVCC Foundation Board Member OJ Stoutner. The Red Cross Club and Marquette Academy are sponsoring a blood drive on December 17 at the Trinity Luther Church in Ottawa.
A retirement celebration was held for Valery Calvetti, part-time counselor, at the Ottawa Center. Tom Nestler, Director of Truck Driver Training, participated in all three of the area holiday parades. Forever Plaid shows were held and included audience involvement.
Other events on campus included Explore IVCC; a U of I Extension event for agriculture; Chief White Winnebago, Gerald Savage presented for Native American History Month; Comedian Amy Nico Schwartz from the LGBTQ+ community promoted disability awareness on campus; Feed the Need collected 253 donations which stayed in our food bank; and Employee Giving Week resulted in a total of 110 employees donating over $25,000 to the IVCC Foundation.
Monthly updates included Spring 2025 enrollment, at day -15 for a year-to-year comparison, shows an increase of 7.76% in credit hours and a decrease of 5.56% in headcount compared to Spring 2024. We are at 95.32% of budgeted hours, 95.91% of actual prior 10th day hours, and 101.7% of the total annual budgeted credit hours. Drop for non-payment was completed this morning. As of 2:00 pm on December 11, 263 students were on this list to be dropped. Efforts are underway to reach those students to re-enroll. Key legislative initiatives being worked on by the Illinois Council for Community College Presidents (ICCCP) includes applied bachelor’s degree; dual credit; articulation and transfer; authority for local control; and workforce ecosystem. ICCCP legislative guiding principles include funding for community college operations; protecting local control; equity in higher education; and funding for capital construction projects.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Mr. McCracken stated the Audit Finance Committee meeting last month highlighted the great work done by Kathy Ross and her team on the audit as well as updates on our financial situation and planning for this coming year.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – STEPHEN ALVIN, FACULTY EMERITUS
A motion was made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve Stephen Alvin for the designation of Faculty Emeritus, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – DR. ROSE MARIE LYNCH, FACULTY EMERITA
A motion was made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve Dr. Rose Marie Lynch for the designation of Faculty Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – DANIEL O’CONNOR, FACULTY EMERITUS
A motion was made by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve Daniel O’Connor for the designation of Faculty Emeritus, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – DR. JANE SACK, FACULTY EMERITA
A motion was made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve Dr. Jane Sack for the designation of Faculty Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – JAMES STEVENSON, FACULTY EMERITUS
A motion was made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve James Stevenson for the designation of Faculty Emeritus, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – LINDA HAWKINS, STAFF EMERITA
A motion was made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve Linda Hawkins for the designation of Staff Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – BONNIE CAMPBELL, ADMINISTRATOR EMERITA
A motion was made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve Bonnie Campbell for the designation of Administrator Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – SUE ISERMANN, ADMINISTRATOR EMERITA
A motion was made by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve Sue Isermann for the designation of Administrator Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – DR. ROBERT P. MARSHALL, ADMINISTRATOR EMERITUS
A motion was made by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve Dr. Robert P. Marshall for the designation of Administrator Emeritus, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
2024 TAX LEVY
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to adopt the Tax Levy Resolution, Certificate of Tax Levy, Resolution of Intent, Notice of Intent to Increase Tax Levy, and Certificate of Compliance with the Truth and Taxation Act, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR 2025
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the dates as presented for 2025 and will provide public notice of this schedule. All meetings will take place at the designated time in Room C-307 (the Board Room) on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College at 815 Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 05.04 USE OF CAMPUS AND NETWORK COMPUTING RESOURCES
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD PROCEDURE 06.20 NAME OPTIONS FOR STUDENTS AND EMPLOYEES
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD PROCEDURE 01.15.00 BOARD TRAVEL, CONFERENCE, AND MEETING EXPENSE
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the Board Procedure, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
FACULTY APPOINTMENT – DR. SAMMY KUMAR, CNA INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve, contingent on the post-offer background check, the appointment of Dr. Sammy Kumar as CNA Instructor effective January 6, 2025 at Step G-8, an annualized salary of $70,142 on the 2024/2025 faculty salary schedule (Collective Bargaining Agreement 2022 – 2026, Article XII).
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris stated IVCC is fortunate to have someone with the credentials of Dr. Kumar. Through his career paths has discovered community colleges is where he wants to be.
Dr. Kumar thanked the Board of Trustees for approving his appointment. He also thanked the search committee, Dr. Morris, staff, and Mary Beth Herron for all their time and effort.
FACULTY RETIREMENT – CHRISTINE BLAYDES, CNA INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Garretson to accept the retirement of Christine Blaydes, CNA Instructor/Program Coordinator, effective December 31, 2024.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 76-81 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Ms. Goetz stated she will miss the holiday breakfast this year but wished everyone happy holidays.
Mr. Solon thanked Kathy Ross for helping him to better understand the request related to the tax levy and clear up his concerns.
Mr. McCracken stated we have a great team and agreed with Mr. Solon’s comment. He thanked Dr. Morris and Kathy for meeting with them on more than on occasion to go over the tax levy and he believes this is a balanced approach.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:27 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) collective bargaining; 3) pending or imminent litigation; and 4) closed session minutes.
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 6:29 p.m.
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:48 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Ms. Garretson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the November 14, 2024 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
Dr. Morris informed the Board interviews are currently underway for the full-time English faculty. As done previously, we will send to you with our Board materials and ask for a confirmation of the appointment if an individual selected is to start in January.
Dr. Morris stated Mr. Zukowski has been working on two tax objections dealing with Hall High School. One partners with Spring Valley Elementary Schools, and one partners with Ladd School. Mr. Zukowski attended the Board of Review hearings on two parcels of land in Spring Valley. The first is St. Margaret’s Hospital and the second is the Spring Valley Industrial Park. An update was provided on the status at this item, with decisions pending.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 7:01 p.m.