September 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, September 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
Rebecca Donna
Maureen O. Rebholz
Emma J. Garretson, Student Trustee
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Jane E. Goetz
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 Murphy of LaSalle, who was the mayor of LaSalle from 1989-1997; Denise Mini of Dalzell, who is the aunt of Madonna Duncan, Director of Marketing and Communications; Doris “June” Freebarin of Utica, who was a member of our 21st Century Scholars Society; and Loretta Helson of LaSalle, who is the mother of Facilities staff member Cory Helson.
Trustee Donna entered the meeting at 5:32 p.m.
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. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Mr. Solon commented that the enrollment continues to go up and complimented everyone in the room on the great work.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes –August 15, 2024 Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $1,843,404.00
Education Fund - $1,281,505.61; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $107,685.08; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $33,735.50; Auxiliary Fund - $161,387.68; Restricted Fund - $129,301.95; Audit Fund - $7,333.00; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $111,221.18; Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $11,234.00.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending August 10, 2024 and August 24, 2024, and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for August 2024.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted Ag Field Day attended by local community members, IVCC Ag students, the U of I Extension, and IVCC faculty. The event included discussions on corn and soybean traits, insect pests, soil health, and industrial hemp. Kora Jones, new dental assisting faculty, collaborated with Cathy Lenkaitis, nursing faculty, on a combined lab so dental hygiene students could experience simulations.
Dr. Morris spotlighted interactions with successful alumni in the community including Bill Zens, Executive Director of IVAC; two computer networking graduates who have started their own business and hope to utilize IVCC interns in the future; and Katie Huss, a former two-sport athlete for IVCC, is back in the community teaching at Serena High School. Recognized the first ever dental hygiene class. The Scholarship Ceremony was a great event and more information will be shared in the Student Trustee’s report.
Continuing Education and Business Training Services highlights include partnerships being developed with the Ottawa YMCA and IVAR; contract training in progress with Walmart Distribution, Carus, and Marquis Energy; and fall registration is underway with 100 new students enrolling in the first two weeks. Theatre highlights include the costume sale underway; auditions for the fall show Forever Plaid; and the one night only Halloween show.
Completing on campus security reports including the Clery and the Biennial Drug and Alcohol Review report. EthicsPoint, a reporting function for ethics and sexual discrimination, is being implemented. Professor Mike Phillips was a guest on NPR radio to talk bout sinkholes related to mining history. A Lily Pads partnership allows students in need to get a voucher to get items. New Employee Luncheon is returning to find out how things are going for new employees and a way to gather information to help build our comprehensive new employee onboarding. Career Expo will be back in March 2025.
Dr. Morris introduced Heather Hammitt, who is interning at IVCC as she pursues her Doctor of Education Administration program at Bradley University. Dr. Maureen Dunn, national bestselling author of the Neurodiversity Edge, will give a presentation on October 3rd at the L-P High School Auditorium. The event is sponsored by the IVCC One Book One College program and the Donald E. Fike Family Foundation. A group from IVCC visited the grand opening of the IBEW Training Facility in Joliet today. Upcoming events and happenings were shared with the Board, including the Board Retreat on October 16.
Fall enrollment shows across-the-board increases of 5.76% in headcount and 7.44% in credit hours compared to Fall 2023. Strategic Planning input sessions were held in August with approximately 40 participants; SLPC reviewed the tentative plan, tentative goals and objectives; the target is to bring the plan, goals, and objectives to the Board in October meeting or retreat; and conversations with students related to goal and objectives continue.
Adult Education received an excellent review report. The report highlighted enrollment of 313 NRS reportable students (target 300); achieved a measurable skill gains rate of 47.81% (target 37.1%); and met the required post-testing goal with a 64.54% rate and it further indicated that excluding NRS level 6 would increase the rate to 69.11%. The program was also commended in the following areas: successful WIOA partnerships; holistic student support services; professional development for instructors; and the Bridge and ICAPS programming offered each semester.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson highlighted the 28th Annual Scholarship Recognition Ceremony held on August 29th. Over 260 students were awarded scholarships totaling $370,000 and had the opportunity to meet with their donors at this event. Spirit Day was held yesterday, September 11th, and the courtyard was full of fun activities, games, prizes, food and smiles. Forty booths provided students with activities, information, and food. Student organizations and clubs were able to recruit students who are interested in getting involved. Student Government elections for freshman will be held on September 26th and 27th from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Life Space.
Fall sports are underway with cross country off to a strong start. Freshman Dagen Setchell led the team with a 6th place finish at the season opener race. Men’s soccer ended their pre-season undefeated at 4-0. They started the season with a 2-1-1 record. Women’s soccer picked up two wins against Triton and Joliet Junior College. Women’s Volleyball are working hard for their first win with two regular season games and a two-day tournament scheduled for next week. Women’s tennis aims to have a successful season and the roster is made up solely of players from LaSalle County.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
APPROVAL OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES – PROJECT SUCCESS – LOCAL MATCH
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the annual $10,000 transfer from the Education Fund (Fund 01) to Restricted Funds (Fund 06) for the Student Support Services (TRiO) grant for FY2024.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – COPIER LEASE
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the acceptance of the agreement from Marco Technologies, LLC, St. Cloud, MN for copier rentals through the Sourcewell purchasing cooperative consortium pricing for a 60-month rental lease agreement at an estimated annual cost of $31,035.84.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – zSPACE LEARNING STATIONS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the purchase of zSpace Learning Stations form Advanced Technologies Consultants, Plymouth, MI at an estimated cost of $59,752.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris noted the purchase is fully funded by the ATOMAT grant.
BOARD POLICY 02.04 ACCESS TO AND CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 02.14 HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ENROLLMENT
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 02.20 REFUND OF TUITION AND FEES
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD POLICY 03.21 MEDICAL-OCCUPATIONAL EXAMINATION
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. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
Dr. Morris clarified that this was presented last month, however a motion to approve the procedure was requested. It is being brought forward again to formally approve the change to the policy.
PURCHASE REQUEST – BUSHUE HR, INC. RENEWAL
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize the renewal of the Bushue HR, Inc. renewal in the amount of $15,300.00 per year for a three-year total of $45,900.00.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 53-68 of the Board book.
Dr. Morris highlighted the summer graduation with 171 students earning 200 degrees and certificates.
Dr. Donna asked about 02.23 Residency Requirements and if it still affects split district students. Dr. Morris noted the original partnership agreements are being pulled and will be revisited.
Dr. Morris noted Dental Hygiene received accreditation by CODA and she thanked the Board for approving the emergency boiler repairs in accordance with Board policy 04.11.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Mr. McCracken welcomed Todd Volker, a recently announced candidate for the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Donna asked when the Dean of Natural Sciences and Business position will be posted. Dr. Trier has collected comments from the faculty in the division and hopefully the position will be posted sometime next week.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 6:10 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; 3) student disciplinary cases; 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” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 6:12 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” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:09 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the August 15, 2024 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
None
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.