Joseph Dethrow

The meeting agenda included several new business items requiring a roll call vote: consideration of opening bank accounts for Bond & Debt Certificate Proceeds, approval of a Surety Bond, purchase of furniture for campus spaces and construction projects not to exceed $200,000, and approval of a one-year subscription and implementation costs for the YuJa Panorama and YuJa EqualGround Accessibility Governance Platform totaling $40,905.13. The Board also addressed Old Business concerning final action on Board Policy Revisions for Chronic Infectious Disease & Personal Hygiene, Policy Prohibiting Sex Discrimination, Sexual Misconduct, and Hazing, and Vacation Time accrual. A closed session was held to meet on Personnel Issues, and the Board reviewed the content of the Closed Session Minutes from November 25, 2025, approving them for internal review only.

The meeting included a program development presentation and various Board of Trustees reports. The Chairman's report highlighted upcoming events and plans to address campus survey results regarding board transparency. The Building, Grounds, and Safety Committee reported on construction progress for several projects, including elevator installation, HVAC building work, and the West Lobby Expansion. The Board Policy Committee reported significant progress on the review of the JALC Board Policy Manual, with several policies voted upon, including those concerning Student Trustee compliance, permanent closure framework, and identity theft protection. The Enrollment Committee announced a forthcoming meeting. The Student Trustee reported on ongoing student initiatives such as finalizing the Student Senate Food Access Proposal, revitalization of campus maps, and successful holiday drives. The President reported strong fall enrollment figures, noting increases across various student categories and placement on the shortlist for the prestigious Aspen Award. Construction updates on CTE buildings and the Front Entrance were provided. The Provost detailed activities in Arts & Sciences, including a record-breaking STEM Day, and various CTE/Workforce Education achievements, such as HVAC finishing a Habitat for Humanity home and training first responders on electric vehicle fires. Student Affairs announced receipt of an ICCB grant for mental health support, rebranding the Student Information Desk to the Welcome Center, and upcoming fairs and sign-up events. The CFO presented on the 2025 Tax Levy and initiated the process for issuing upcoming debt certificates. The Consent Agenda approved several expenditures, including HVAC equipment, a forklift, a Ford F-150 truck, roof and building envelope projects, software, email security renewal, and PHS projects. The Board also approved final action on Board Policy Revisions and a resolution abating the working cash fund. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss employee matters and pending litigation.

The meeting agenda included opportunity for public comments, presentations on Program Development, and various reports from Board Committees including Chairman's, Athletics Advisory, Building Grounds and Safety, Board Policy, Budget and Finance, Enrollment, Integrated Technology, ICCTA, Foundation, and Student Trustee. Executive Leadership reports were provided by the President, Provost, and VP for Business Services & CFO. Informational items covered Personnel and Funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which included details on a $126,471.25 Energy Transition Community Grant intended for a Smart Machine Maintenance Technician training program. The Consent Agenda involved approvals for HVAC instructional equipment and supplies, a forklift purchase (not to exceed $40,000), a Ford F-150 Pickup Truck purchase, the D-Wing Roof Replacement project (awarded to D7 Roofing LLC), the F-Wing Building Envelope & Insulation Project (awarded to Fager-McGee Commercial Construction, Inc.), and the purchase and implementation of Softdocs Etrieve Forms & Flow for $166,241. Old Business included Board Policy Revisions for Final Action and a resolution abating the working cash fund. New Business included Board Policy Revisions for First Reading and a resolution authorizing an Installment Purchase Agreement for debt certificates not to exceed $20,300,000.

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees addressed several operational and informational items. Key discussions included reports from various committees: the Athletics Advisory Committee noted the Volleyball team won the Great Rivers Athletics Championship, and upcoming Basketball season openers were detailed. The Building, Grounds, and Safety Committee provided updates on construction projects including the Glass Elevator replacement, CTC renovation, Welding/CNC Manufacturing Building foundation work, Vocational Building demolition, and Nursing 3rd Floor renovations. The Board Policy Committee prepared to take final action on approximately 40 policies, covering areas such as Treasurer's responsibilities, streaming Board meetings, support for unhoused students, and benefits. The Integrated Technology Committee reported on the launch of the ADP Recruiting module and ongoing door electrification work. Trustee reports also covered ICCTA activities, focusing on recruitment, retention, and data-driven board functioning, as well as John A. Logan College Foundation activities, including the successful annual Golf Classic. The President reported on various regional meetings, collaborations with other universities regarding transferability and the Common App, attendance at the ACCT Leadership Congress, and successful campus events like Hunting & Fishing Days and the Not-So-Scary Trick-or-Treat event. The Provost detailed academic events, including STEM Day participation, upcoming concerts, and the field trip for Art students. In Finance, the $7.3M bond issue was successfully closed, and plans for the next $20M issuance were outlined. The Consent Agenda included the approval of a three-year renewal for Cisco Duo Multi-Factor Authentication, a contract extension for Janitorial Services at extension centers, personnel actions, the September expenditure report, the August financial report, and the minutes of the September 22 meeting.

The Board of Trustees meeting included discussions and reports from various committees, including the Football Exploratory Committee, Athletics Advisory Committee, Building, Grounds, and Safety Committee, Board Policy Committee, Budget and Finance Committee, Enrollment Committee, Integrated Technology Committee, and the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA). The JALC Foundation reported on campus grants and upcoming fundraisers. The Student Trustee discussed the new "One Click College Admit" program. Executive Leadership reports covered legislative priorities, dual credit, community college baccalaureate degrees, and workforce education. The board also discussed personnel matters, approved consent agenda items, and addressed old and new business, including board policy revisions and underwriter selection for the District's Series Bonds.