Angelica Alvarado

The Board of Trustees reviewed and approved multiple financial and operational items, including accounts payable, payroll, budget transfers, the Monthly Budget Report, and the Treasurer's Report. The agenda also included approval of a benefits package, investment guidelines, designated depositories, curriculum changes, and an adjunct collective bargaining agreement. Additionally, the Board considered budgets for equipment leases, printing services, software licensing, and IT infrastructure services. Further actions involved approving an internship agreement with the City of Berwyn, multiple facility use permits, and an insurance brokerage services agreement. The Board also conducted first readings of numerous college policies regarding staff conduct, health and safety, ethics, and information technology, among others, and approved the termination of several outdated policies.

The meeting featured a report from the Student Trustee regarding recent student activities and organizational growth. Key topics included successful fundraising efforts by the Honor Society and the Nursing Club, a community-engaging event organized by the Campus Activities Board, a professional development session hosted by the STEM Club, and the establishment of several new student organizations through the Student Government Association.

The meeting featured reports on the FY2025 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, revealing an unmodified opinion with strong internal controls. Updates were provided on the Health Sciences division, noting significant improvements in pass rates for Paramedic, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Nursing programs. The Board approved the consent agenda, which included budget reports, various service agreements, facility use permits, employment actions, and curriculum changes. Additionally, the Board approved updated policies and continued employment for several instructors. Citizen comments addressed opportunities for apprenticeship partnerships, career program coordination with local school districts, and concerns regarding the Morton College Foundation's scholarship fund distribution.

The meeting proceedings included the official call to order, the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the approval of a trustee's virtual participation, the appointment of an interim secretary, a roll call of members, and an invitation for citizen comments, of which there were none.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda included standard components such as Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Roll Call, and Citizen Comments. Key discussion items under the Consent Agenda involved the approval and ratification of accounts payable and payroll for January 2026, approval of budget transfers for January 2026, and the presentation of the Monthly Budget Report for the fiscal year to date ending in January 2026. The Board also considered the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for FY25, curriculum changes, and adjunct faculty employment reports for Spring 2026. Approvals were sought for various items including out-of-state and out-of-country travel requests, a temporary salary increase for a Preschool Substitute Teacher, services contracts for network infrastructure, marketing/social media, and electrical services. Furthermore, approvals were required for instructional supply purchases, partnership agreements, an internship agreement, a memorandum of understanding with the Classified Staff Federation, and various Facility Use Permits. The agenda also covered employment status changes and approval for full-time employment, followed by a Closed Session to discuss personnel matters and pending litigation. A significant portion of the meeting involved the first reading and approval of numerous updated Board Policies covering topics like conduct of meetings, business travel, purchasing, and curriculum development. Finally, the Board approved the termination of the Classified Personnel Policy 4.2.