November 14, 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, November 14, 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

Maureen O. Rebholz

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

MOMENT OF SILENCE

A moment of silence was held to remember Paul Pescetto of Peru, who worked in the Dislocated Workers Center; Derek Baird of Spring Valley, a former student athlete and son-in-law of recently retired faculty member Margie Francisco; Marilona “Susie” Stoutner of Peru, a strong supporter of the IVCC Foundation along with her husband O.J.; Anna Marie Pietrolonardo, a retired world language faculty member; William Vlastnik of Peru, a member of the IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame; and Vanessa Robertson, mother-in-law of nursing faculty member Amber Robertson.

Trustee Maureen Rebholz was determined to be eligible to participate in tonight’s meeting virtually in accordance with the Open Meetings Act and Board Policy.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

STUDENT FALL/EMPLOYEE DEMOGRAPHIC REPORT

Mr. Grzybowski reported enrollment is holding steady with distribution, but the full-time student appears to be making a comeback, as that group realized a gain of +2%. The average credit hours taken per student by status for 2024 is 14 for full-time students and 6 for part-time students. Ottawa continues to have the largest number of enrolled students followed by Streator, Peru, and LaSalle. Comparative to 2023, increases in enrollment from Oglesby (29%), Marseilles (17%), Mendota (10%), Ottawa (8.5%), Streator (7.7%), Peru (6.5%), and Spring Valley (2.5%) while there were enrollment decreases from LaSalle (5%) and Princeton (4%). Enrollment by county shows the highest enrollments coming from LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties respectively. 90% of enrollment comes from these three counties. Fall 2024 10^th day enrollment was up 8.2% compared to Fall 2023 10^th day enrollment. Main campus enrollment increased by 2% while all other areas remained consistent. The total share of enrolled students who received any type of aid was 39%. The total enrolled FAFSA filers who received any type of aid was 85%. 28% of the total share of enrolled students and 72% of total enrolled FAFSA filers received Pell and Map grants.

Ms. Herron reported IVCC’s employee count as of 11/02/2024 is 374 with breakdown of 31% part-time faculty; 26% full-time support staff; 20% full-time faculty; 17% part-time support staff, and 6% administration. The employee count over the last five years shows consistency in full-time faculty; growth in 2022-2023 for part-time support staff and part-time faculty groups; and growth in 2023-2024 was largely for full-time support staff and administration groups.

Fall 2024 gender distribution of our employees was provided, which reflects the student population. Over half the employees fall between the ages of 41-60, while 21% of our employees are over age 60. According to SURS, 94 active employees qualify for SURS retirement by 12/31/2024. The average age of our students is 22.3 years old, compared to 22 in 2023. Race/Ethnicity distribution among students and employees continues to be predominantly White. The second highest for students is White, Hispanic for students and Hispanic for employees. Students and employees self-identify in this category.

A five-year look back at turnover shows 30 separations in CY2024 to date, which includes 24 resignations, 4 retirements, and the end of 2 temporary assignments. In FY2024, 22 employees transferred to new positions within the College and after four months in FY2025, 8 employees have taken advantage of new opportunities.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, 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 – October 10, 2024 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $2,384,906.50

Education Fund - $1,264,239.96; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $219,135.07; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $235,210.55; Auxiliary Fund - $443,710.47; Restricted Fund - $114,873.88; Audit Fund - $14,667.00; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $93,019.57; Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $50.00.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending October 5, 2024 and October 19, 2024, and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for October 2024.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Garretson highlighted the cross country teams are hosting the first IVCC Eagles Run on November 16^th for high school and junior high runners; the women’s soccer team will be working the LaSalle Celebration of Lights on November 27^th and will receive a portion of the donations for that evening; and over 50 IVCC student athletes from 8 different teams will be participating in 3 local holiday parades. The Art Club will be hosting a sale of members’ artwork in the front lobby on December 3^rd and 4^th. Student Activities will be providing “destressing” activities, as well as snacks and drinks during finals week. Members of the Student Government Association (SGA) met with the President and Vice Presidents to discuss the SGA goals for the year. Ms. Garretson announced new SGA members Pete Wilcox of Marseilles, who will serve as Freshman Representative; and Danica Scoma of Utica and Litzy Lopez of Peru, who will serve as Freshman Programming Board Representatives.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris highlighted student artwork decorations for Halloween by the Art Club, multiple campus visits in the last month, GSA bake sale, positive messaging by the Peer Mentors during Wellness Week, Student Government Goal Session with President’s Council, and her session with the Project Success Leadership Team on the importance of networking. The Day of the Dead closing celebration was held, the Women’s Soccer held a Donate While You Dine fundraiser at Culver’s, and the LPN pass rate was 100% for the second year in a row. Terror in the Aisles, written by a Texas-based writer and filmmaker, was held on October 26 and featured three original stories by a student a theater department faculty, and an alumnus. The production of Forever Plaid begins this evening.

Amanda Cook-Fesperman, Tina Hardy, and Jill Urban-Bollis for hosted our exchange visitors from the Netherlands. Amber Robertson was selected as the September nominee of Shaw Local Radio’s Teacher of the Year honor. Amber will be eligible for the top award at the end of the year. Kim Koehler was awarded the Innovation Award at the Illinois Council for Continuing Education and Training Conference for the partnership with the LaSalle County Historical Society on the development of an 8-session history series for community members.

To wrap up October, Pink Day was held. Ribbons were shared honoring and remembering those who have battled breast cancer. OSF was on campus to provide education and information. Recruitment events were held for Ag and Welding. Registration events include Express Registration held yesterday at the Ottawa Center and Explore IVCC scheduled for November 20 on main campus. Lighted Way students sold snacks during an Early Childhood Education Conference in October. The Flag Raising Ceremony was well attended and thank you to the Oglesby American Legion Post 237 for their continued participation. Manufacturing Expo was held on November 8. It was hosted by IVCC, North Central Regional Betterment Coalition, BEST, and SRAVTE. Twelve local companies participated with 170 students from 12 district high school in attendance.

IVCC is part of the Community Colleges Feed the Need 2024 Food Drive. 201 items have been donated with a couple more weeks left to donate. Donations can be dropped off outside the Counseling Center. This is a state-wide competition, but the food collected stays in our food bank. Hope for Tomorrow, A Community Response to Homelessness, was held on November 7 in partnership with IV Pads, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, and the Realtors Group. Wellness Week for students included healthy meal prep, positive messaging in the courtyard, board games, substance use and intervention techniques with Perfectly Flawed, and Day of the Dead sweetbread. Employee Giving Week events were held and as of yesterday, 88 employees have donated with almost $19,000 raised. The USDA was on campus to officially present us the $889,855 Distance Learning Grant and to tour our first classroom and the campus.

Monthly updates included Spring 2025 enrollment, at day -31 for a year-to-year comparison, shows an increase of 2.15% in credit hours and a decrease of 8.66% in headcount compared to Spring 2024. We are at 51.5% of budgeted hours, 51.82% of actual prior 10^th day hours, and 82.2% of the total annual budgeted credit hours. The Business Enterprise Program (BEP), which seeks to increase supplier diversity for minority-owned, female-owned, and disabled-owned businesses as well as a VBP certification for veteran-owned businesses, report was completed indicating in FY2024, IVCC spent $573,891 with certified BEP vendors. An IVCC team attended the Illinois Developmental Education Equity in Action (IDEEA) and Illinois Equity in Attainment Initiative (ILEA) statewide summit was held at the end of October. Totals for the food bank in quarter one of FY2025 included 351 visits, 128 unduplicated households, 286 children in the household, and 1,233 total people in the household. The blood drive held in October resulted in a total of 56 unit collected and several donors hit milestones. This was held in partnership with the American Red Cross, IVCC Red Cross Club, and the Student Nurses Association.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. McCracken stated the Audit/Finance Committee met on November 12^th with an informational session filled with great information. Kathy Ross and her team provided a thorough report on the tentative tax levy. He was impressed with the thought process that went into making sure we are doing this responsibly for our students and for our taxpayers.

2024 TENTATIVE TAX LEVY

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to adopt the resolution approving the Tentative Tax Levy and Tentative Certificate of Tax Levy, as presented and schedule a Truth-in-Taxation hearing before the December Board of Trustees meeting.

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

PROTECTION, HEALTH AND SAFETY (PHS) PROJECT FOR TAX YEAR 2024

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Protection, Health, and Safety project as presented for a cost of $2,191,370 and authorize the administration to include levy accordingly for the projects in coordination with the Tax Levy resolution.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – PALO ALTO FIREWALL RENEWAL

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Goetz to authorize the purchase of the Palo Alto PA-1410 firewalls for a three-year total of $68,896.

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

STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2027

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve the Strategic Plan for 2024-2027.

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

BOARD POLICY 02.26 WITHDRAWAL FROM CLASS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the Board Policy, as presented.

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

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – JULIANA DZURISIN, CNA INSTRUCTOR/PROGRAM COORDINATOR

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the appointment of Juliana Dzurisin as CNA Instructor/Program Coordinator effective November 18, 2024 at Step A-11 (+2%), an annualized salary of $59,947.00 on the 2024/2025 faculty salary scale.

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

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – MICHELE CHESHARECK, NURSING INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the appointment of Michele Cheshareck as Nursing Instructor effective November 18, 2024 at Step B-8 (+2%), an annualized salary of $57,838.00 on the 2024/2025 faculty salary scale.

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

APPROVAL – BASIC, INTERMEDIATE, AND ADVANCED ROBOTICS, MECHATRONICS AND AUTOMATION CERTIFICATES

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Robotics, Mechatronics and Automation – Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Certificates, as presented.

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

APPROVAL – CISCO/COMPTIA CERTIFICATE

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the CISCO/CompTIA Certificate, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, 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 86-107 of the Board book.

Dr. Donna felt the food allowance per day on procedure 03.04.00 is low. Ms. Ross noted they rates are per diem but can be revisited.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Donna asked if in the case of a separation, are HSA accounts prorated? Ms. Ross stated if the College knows an individual is leaving, it has been prorated.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:56 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. Boyles to enter into a closed session.

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

The Board entered closed session at 6:59 p.m.

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.

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

The regular meeting resumed at 7:37 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the October 10, 2024 Board Meeting and the closed session minutes of the October 16, 2024 Board Retreat.

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

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.