Brandi Ketcham

The board meeting agenda included honoring the outgoing student trustee and seating the new student trustee for the upcoming term. Key business items involved the authorization of monthly financial payments and the approval of a three-year contract with Wipfli, LLP for professional auditing services for both the College and the Spoon River College Foundation. The agenda also featured institutional reports on campus outreach, high school data, and various department updates, followed by a closed session to discuss personnel, collective negotiations, and real estate matters.

The Board of Trustees held a closed session to discuss matters related to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees. Following the session, the board discussed and officially approved the Presidential Search Profile, incorporating a finalized salary range of $175,000 to $225,000 for the position.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several agenda items, including reports from the ICCTA representative, the student government representative, and the Spoon River College Foundation. Business and finance items included the authorization of payroll and accounts payable payments and the approval of a bid for updating the Multipurpose Building sound system. Institutional planning included an update on the Havana Center, and the Board considered the approval of the 2026-2027 budget. Additionally, the Board held a closed session to discuss personnel matters, collective bargaining, and property acquisition.

The board received reports from the ICCTA representative regarding pending legislation and cybersecurity, an update from the student government representative on student activities and athletic achievements, and a status report from the Spoon River College Foundation. Additionally, the board authorized payments for the month of March, approved a bid for upgrading the Multipurpose Building sound system, reviewed the Havana Center report, discussed the presidential self-evaluation, and approved the 2026-2027 budget for the Board of Trustees. The board also adjourned to a closed session to discuss personnel and collective negotiating matters.

Key discussions included the election of several officer positions for both the Macomb and Canton branches, specifically Macomb SGA Vice President, Canton VP, and Macomb SGA Secretary. The group discussed participation in the 'Feed the Need' contest sponsored by the Illinois Community College Board, assigning donated goods to specific local food pantries. The association also approved participation in the annual Thanksgiving meal and canned food drive. Plans were finalized for separate 'Fall Game Day' events at both the Macomb and Canton campuses. Additionally, updates were provided regarding the upcoming Canton blood drive scheduling, discussions concerning a potential St. Louis Zoo and Botanical Gardens trip, and the status of spring blood drive scheduling for Macomb.