February 2025 Board Report
Members Physically Present
Everett J. Solon, Chair
Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair
Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary
Amy L. Boyles
Maureen O. Rebholz
Emma J. Garretson, Student Trustee
Members Virtually Present
Rebecca Donna
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
Mike Zywica, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Carina Kapraun of Astoria, who was an Ameren employee who had been assisting with the annexation of the Ag building; Jerome “Jerry” Baness of New Mexico, who was a former instructor, Business Department Chair, and golf coach; Linda Olivero of Springfield, sister of Luke Olivero from our Adult Education program; Tony Ajster of LaSalle, former welding instructor for the Area Vocational Center and IVCC; Jeff Hayden of Peru, husband of retired Executive Assistant to the President Jeanne Hayden; Robert “Bob” Kessel, uncle of Steve Mazzorana from the IT department; Robin Sienkiewicz of LaSalle, mother of Sara Legrenzi, nursing faculty; and John Karr of Batavia, father of IT Support Lead Kyle Carr.
Trustee Rebecca Donna was determined to be eligible to participate in tonight’s meeting electronically in accordance with the Open Meetings Act and Board Policy.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz 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
TENURE RECOMMENDATION – DR. JONATHAN HUBBELL, CRIMINAL JUSTICE
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the tenure recommendation for Dr. Jonathan Hubbell, Criminal Justice Instructor, 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.
TENURE RECOMMENDATION – SARA LEGRENZI, NURSING INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the tenure recommendation for Sara Legrenzi, Nursing Instructor, 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.
TENURE RECOMMENDATION – DR. CAMDEN PARKS, CHEMISTRY INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Ms. Garretson and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the tenure recommendation for Dr. Camden Parks, Chemistry Instructor, 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.
TENURE RECOMMENDATION – SHANNON SLAIGHT-BROWN, ART INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the tenure recommendation for Shannon Slaight-Brown, Art Instructor, 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.
TENURE RECOMMENDATION – DR. JENNIFER TIMMERS, AGRICULTURE INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the tenure recommendation for Dr. Jennifer Timmers, Agriculture Instructor, 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.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 4:49 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 Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson 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 4:51 p.m.
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles 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 5:12 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken 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.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – January 15, 2025 Board Meeting and Planning Committee Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $1,997,196.84
Education Fund - $1,641,901.80; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $115,339.77; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $79,821.32; Auxiliary Fund - $59,951.70; Restricted Fund - $24,120.28; Audit Fund - $7,333.00; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $68,311.74; Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $417.23.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending January 11, 2025, January 25, 2025 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for January 2025.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson highlighted Black History Month events including “How Hip Hop and Rap Made It to the Suburbs”; The Chicago Black Renaissance History; the annual Soul Food Buffet; and Race and Racism in Baseball. The Art Club hosted a Valentine’s Day art sale with handmade items by art students and faculty. A Board Candidate Forum is scheduled on March 5 and candidates Bill Hunt, Marlene Moshage, and Todd Volker will participate. The softball team hosted its annual softball clinic with 136 participants from 2nd to 8th grade. Student Activities and Career Services will host the annual Etiquette Dinner on Monday, February 24.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted the great work done by our Facilities team keeping the parking lots and sidewalks clear during bad weather. The next phase of branding in the gym and the Dental Health Center are underway.
Danica Scoma was awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which pays undergraduates up to $5,000 to covers costs of studying abroad. Ron Groleau recently retired with a campus reception held in his honor.
Welding Information Sessions are underway; scholarship applications are now open, using the new software; Colleague migration is in progress; the IVCC Wind Ensemble was invited to perform as a special guest at the Mendota Symphony Concert, and a Junior High Band Festival, led by Phil Whaley, was held on February 16.
Food bank deliveries now come directly to campus and quarter 2 data shows 536 visits, 196 unduplicated households, 551 children in the households, and the total number in the households was 2,039. The Medical Assisting program received its initial accreditation. The Open Pathway Quality Initiative Report received for the work done by the Student Success Academy. IVCC received a $6,000 grant from the Illinois Fabricator’s Association to offset the costs of summer teen career exploration camps.
Dr. Morris highlighted the documentary by Reid Tomasson, IVCC alumni, entitled “Thank You Jim Jewell for the Use of Your Piano” and rehearsals for the Spring theatre production of “Hello Dolly” are underway.
Monthly updates included the final Spring 2025 enrollment update showing a headcount increase of .80% and 10.39% in credit hours compared to Spring 2024. We are at 111.46 % of budgeted hours and 112.14% of actual prior 10th day hours. We are at 109.3% of the total annual budgeted credit hours. The Edible Car Contest will be held on February 26. The Hispanic Partnership Council is sponsoring Immigration Attorney Sara Dady, who will speak about immigration rights tomorrow evening at Mendota High School. Dr. Morris provided a follow-up from the ACCT Legislative Summit she recently attended. Highlights included key takeaways and legislative priorities for the ACCT. Highlights of State legislative priorities included Applied Bachelor’s Degrees (Senate Bill 2482 and House Bill 3717); Dual Credit (House Bill 3516); and common course numbering. Other bills to watch include Open Meeting Act (House Bill 26) and Veterans Grant (Senate Bill 1353).
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE FISCAL YEAR
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Garretson to adopt the resolution designating the fiscal year be from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
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.
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve the budget calendar, 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.
TUITION ADJUSTMENT
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve an increase to tuition and fees by $6.00, from $140.00 to $146.00 per credit hour beginning with the summer 2025 semester.
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. McCracken stated the work done by Ms. Ross and her team was very thorough and a balanced approach. Dr. Rebholz stated there has been great communication with the Board during the process. Ms. Stevenson noted IVCC’s tuition is still lower than 5 of the 6 in our peer group.
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the dual credit rate structure of 75 percent of the approved tuition rate for IVCC instructors, $30.00 for high school instructor-led courses and waiver programs as listed.
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.
COURSE FEES/ADJUSTMENTS
It was moved by Ms. Garretson and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve changing 182 course fees: 164 increases, 4 decreases, 13 new course fees, and reinstatement of 1 course fee after an Early Childhood Education “ECACE” Grant is no longer available to cover the course fee.
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.
APPROVAL – AGENCY RELATIONSHIP CERTIFICATE RESOLUTION
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Agency Relationship Certificate and the included resolution, 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. Zukowski left the meeting at 5:40 p.m.
APPROVAL – TRANSFER OF FUNDS TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD TRUST ACCOUNT
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve transferring $378,225 to a Capital Development Board trust account at Midland States Bank to cover anticipated costs for Project No. 810-045-021 to begin the project specifications.
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 – TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING SIMULATION LAB EQUIPMENT
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize the purchase of simulators, training programs and support/extended warranty services for the Truck Driver Training program from Virage Simulation, using the Taking Back the Trades Grant through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Group at a cost of $291,621.40
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 – REPLACEMENT OF VARIOUS TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the proposal from the IT Department for purchase of the above listed equipment at a cost of $186,200 plus any imposed tariffs. It will be funded out the FY2025 IT budget.
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.
APPROVAL – DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – MARY SUE MYERS, FACULTY EMERITA
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve Mary Sue Myers for the designation of Faculty Emerita, 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.
APPROVAL – DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – DR. MARY MARGARET WEEG, FACULTY EMERITA
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg for the designation of Faculty Emerita, 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.
APPROVAL – DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – GENE MONTGOMERY, ADJUNCT FACULTY EMERITUS
It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve Gene Montgomery for the designation of Adjunct Faculty Emeritus, 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.
APPROVAL – DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – JEANNE HAYDEN, STAFF EMERITA
It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve Jeanne Hayden for the designation of Staff Emerita, 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.
APPROVAL – DESIGNATION OF EMERITUS STATUS – LOU BORIO, ADMINISTRATOR EMERITUS
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve Lou Borio for the designation of Administrator Emeritus, 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.
APPROVAL – BOARD PROCEDURE 01.15.00 BOARD TRAVEL, CONFERENCE, AND MEETING EXPENSES
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Board Procedure, 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.
FACULTY APPOINTMENT – KETURAH HAFERKAMP, ENGLISH INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve the appointment of Keturah Haferkamp as English Instructor effective August 14, 2025 at Step D-10, an annualized salary of $66,620.00 on the 2025/2026 faculty salary scale.
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 103-119 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Dr. Boyles thanked Dr. Morris for her efforts and for being proactive with potential changes at the federal level. Dr. Boyles stated we need to be proactive but not panic as any changes will take time.
Mr. McCracken expressed his appreciation to Dr. Morris for taking the initiative to go to the ACCT conference and taking part in the discussions with legislators.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the January 15, 2025 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 5:55 p.m.