August 2023 Board Report

Following a public hearing, the Illinois Valley Community College board gave final approval Thursday to a $39 million budget, including a $25.8 million balanced operating budget for fiscal year 2024.  

At the end of July there was a 10 percent increase in credit hours for summer and a percent increase in fall. Investment income continues to outpace the budget.  

IVCC President Dr. Tracy Morris highlighted the updates to the campus, including the completion of the Medical Assisting lab and the Nursing Simulation spaces. She also lauded student success in register nursing passage rates and pinning ceremonies in the month of July. The newly opened food bank on campus was introduced and the continuing education camps for the community continue to reach out to students in the community. The Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity grant continues to provide for updates to the facilities and curriculum for the Early Childhood Education program, which have made a positive impact in this program area. 

IVCC has joined several purchasing consortia with the state of Illinois, the Illinois Community College System and other higher education institutions for the purpose of purchasing items that have already been through a bidding process by the consortia. The board approved elevator maintenance services from ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corp., Peoria, through the National Joint Powers Alliance at an annual cost of $32,637. 

The board approved an estimated $50,000 for fuel for the IVCC Truck Driver Training Program. Fuel is purchased at the pump and doesn’t lend well to a bidding process. The college continues to use WEX, Inc. to supply fuel cards for all of their vehicles, earning a 1.05 percent credit rebate for purchases.  

In other business, the board authorized:

  • The renewal of the Microsoft Software Maintenance and Support Agreement in the amount of $37,797 from Computer Discount Warehouse. 
  • The renewal of the Ferrilli Core System Service providing application support and maintenance for Colleague Environment for continued efficiency in managing operations, streamlining workflows and enhancing the college’s ability to serve students and stakeholders in the amount of $70,380. 
  • The purchase of the DarkTrace MDR solution for a three-year contract term to further increase the college’s network security to act within seconds with AI Analysis and automated response for immediate threats such as ransomware, malware and unsecured devices for a total of $73,500 over the life of the contract. 
  • The renewal of the CourseDog, IVCC’s course and room scheduling platform including Event Scheduler, Class Scheduler and Demand Analytics paid out of the fiscal year 2024 budget in the amount of $60,637. 
  • The purchase of the Trauma HAL adult simulator package, through Gaumard Simulators for Health Care Education, to enhance the learning experiences for the Paramedic and Emergency Medical Technician students at a cost of $71,540. This purchase, including a simulator with associated software, a three-year service warranty, installation and in-service training will be funded through the Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce grant. 
  • The purchase of furniture for one of the college’s largest classrooms, D-228, from Henricksen, Peoria, funded by the Early Childhood Access Consortium grant, through the OMNIA Partners and NCPA purchasing cooperatives at a cost not to exceed $37,620. 
  • Engineering design services for a salt shed through Chamlin and Associates for a cost of $24,000. 
  • The appointment of Greg Whightsil as the industrial maintenance and electricity instructor effective Aug. 14. 

Trustees learned:

  • Of the cancelation of the women’s basketball season due to a lack of players and coach resignation.
  • Of Illinois Community College Board’s summary feedback report to President Morris with recommendations from fiscal year 2021 for suggested incorporation into the college’s ongoing reviews.
  • That Admissions and Records appointed Meagan O’Boyle as administrative assistant and Karina Delgado resigned as information specialist.
  • The extension of roles for Mary Beth Herron, Michelle Carboni and Nikki VanNielen in the office of Business Service and Finance for additional duties following the resignation of Matt Seaton through Sept. 28. Jim Carlson will extend his support of two days a week to transition all facility projects through Aug. 31.
  • With the closure of St. Margaret’s Health, IVCC will formally solicit a quote for athletic training services for the 2023-2024 academic year. Bridge services will be contracted by the former athletic trainer, Kayla Olson until a provider agreement is signed.
  • To better align with the general student body code of conduct, amendments were made to the Student Athlete Code of Conduct as related to academic dishonesty.
  • This summer, there were 161 graduates earning a total of 206 degrees and certificates with 18 licensed practical nurse graduates.