Dawn Graveline

The Board of Trustees meeting included a presentation by the Director of Athletics regarding the Annual Cash Bash event. Key actions taken included the approval of tuition/course reimbursements for three staff members, acceptance of a grant award from the Illinois Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program amounting to $957,820, and the approval and adoption of the Board of Trustees Policy Manual, effective January 20, 2026. The Board also approved travel reimbursement rates for calendar year 2026 and authorized the purchase of computers from Apple and Dell Direct, not to exceed $265,000. Furthermore, approval was granted to proceed with architectural services for Athletic Locker Room Renovations and to solicit bids for North Patio Lights. The modernization of the L-Building East Elevator was approved. A significant action involved the transfer of $6,000,000 in operating funds to the Operations and Maintenance Restricted fund. Financial reports, including the Reconciled Cash Report for November 30, 2025, and the Investment and Financial Summary Report for December 31, 2025, were accepted subject to audit, and bills totaling $1,031,939.34 were approved. The Board convened briefly into closed session to discuss personnel matters and probable/pending litigation before approving related consent agenda items.

The key topics discussed were the approval of various financial reports, including reconciled cash by fund as of December 31, 2025, across multiple funds such as Education, Operations & Maintenance, Bond & Interest, Auxiliary, and Working Cash. An investment summary as of January 31, 2026, detailing holdings by institution and fund, was also presented for approval. Furthermore, the administration recommended the Board approve the summarized bills, covering various funds and categories like operating accounts, payroll, and special bills issued in January 2026. A list of Purchase Order Requisitions exceeding $10,000 was also reviewed.

The agenda for the meeting included several action items requiring approval, such as the adoption of the KCC Board of Trustees Policy Manual Restricted Fund, approval of 2026 Travel Reimbursement Rates, approval for the purchase of computers from Apple and Dell Direct, approval to proceed with architectural services for Athletic Locker Room Renovations, a request to bid on North Patio Lights, approval to proceed with Elevator Modernization, and approval of an Operating Funds Transfer to Operations and Maintenance. Financial items included the approval of Financial Reports (Reconciled Cash By Fund for November 30, 2025, and Investment and Financial Summary for December 31, 2025) and the approval of the Bill Summary and Travel Expenses. The agenda also included provisions for convening to and reconvening from a closed session to discuss personnel matters and probable or pending litigation.

The Board meeting included several key agenda items. Under the consent agenda, approvals were granted for tuition/course reimbursement for one employee, travel reimbursement requests exceeding policy maximums, and acceptance of grant awards, including one from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Board adopted the proposed 2025 tax levy, which is estimated to be at 41.87 cents. Revisions to the KCC Board of Trustees Policy Manual were accepted for a first reading. Resolutions were approved to abate the working cash fund and to honor full-time retirees John Shivers and Karen Slager. A Public Right of Way Easement was granted to the Village of Bradley for landscaping enhancements. A lease agreement with Catholic Charities Diocese of Joliet for the North Extension Center was also approved. Information items included a KCC Foundation update, reports on secured grant awards and legislative agendas, an update on the Post-Issuance Tax Compliance Report, an annual update on the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), a proposal to rename the physical plant department to Campus Operations, and an update on Economic Impact Studies being conducted in partnership with Lightcast. Financial reports for October and November 2025 were accepted subject to audit, and the bill summary and payments were approved. The Board also convened to closed session to discuss personnel and probable or pending litigation, followed by the approval of several consent agenda items related to employment matters and contracts discussed in closed session.

The meeting commenced with the reaffirmation of the college's mission, vision, core values, and philosophy. Key information items reviewed included the final debt service on bonds and financial projections for FY27-29, alongside a progress report on the Strategic Plan 2020-2025 covering goals related to census day increases, retention, equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives such as ADA web accessibility and pilot purchasing projects. Updates were provided on campus projects including the Fitness Center and MTA timeline, and the Board reviewed current Foundation Board rosters and marketing efforts. The Board also reviewed suggested revisions to the Board of Trustees Policy Manual, with proposed changes scheduled for a first reading at a subsequent meeting. The session included a closed session to discuss matters of personnel, litigation, and self-evaluation.