Kym Blanchard

The Committee of the Whole meeting agenda covered several key discussion areas, including a review of the 14th Day Enrollment and Student Profile, and a discussion on the Return on Investment for Academic Program Support. Finance discussions involved reviewing Purchase Reports (A and B) and the Cash and Investment Report. Operations topics included a first reading of a Board Policy Manual update for Article 3 (Human Resources), the RVC/RVC Foundation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and updates on the Brightly / Capital Predictor Software, Downtown West, Classroom II Building (CLII), and Change Orders. The meeting also addressed the February 2026 Personnel Report. The board planned to adjourn to closed session to discuss employee employment and compensation matters, as well as collective negotiating matters.

Key discussions during the meeting included the presentation of the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Audit Report by Sikich LLP, which resulted in an unmodified opinion. A fee adjustment request from DKA Architects for the Downtown West project, due to scope expansion, was taken under advisement. Academic calendar revisions for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 were reviewed, alongside a Memorandum of Understanding with Hononegah Community High School District #207 concerning facility use. Enrollment updates showed positive trends for the Winterim and Spring sessions compared to budget goals. The lobbyist update focused on advancing community college baccalaureate goals and advocacy for the Downtown West project. Financial discussions covered purchase reports for FY2026 amendments and purchases, the FY2025 audit confirmation, and a $9.9 million capital projects request for FY2027, including vehicle replacement and infrastructure upgrades. Fund transfers totaling $15 million from operating funds were requested. Operations discussions centered on a Foundation proposal to fund a new Manager of Fund Development position, updates on the Downtown West project highlighting schedule pressure, and a review of design options for the failing Classroom Building II. Change orders resulting in capital fund credits were reported, and a personnel report noted faculty appointments and departures.

Key discussions during the meeting involved the review of remodel design options for Classroom Building II (CLII), including financial considerations such as bond capacity and potential fund transfers. The State of the College report addressed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on job trends and RVC's efforts to integrate AI competencies, alongside discussions on enrollment trends and institutional trust improvement efforts. A 10-Year Financial Forecast was presented, noting its conservative nature and potential sensitivity to budget impasses or Equalized Assessed Value decreases. Action items included the approval of the December 2025 Claims Sheet, Purchase Reports A and B for FY2026 Amendments and Purchases, acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit, approval of Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Project Requests, a major fund transfer request, and approval of the Academic Calendars for 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. Furthermore, the Board approved the MOU with Hononegah High School District #207 and an increased annual funding request for the RVC Foundation. A Lobbying Service Agreement was also approved. Crucially, the Board voted to approve Remodel Design Option Four for Classroom Building II (CLII), valued at approximately $9.1 million, and authorized the securing of bonds to cover the increased cost. A resolution expressing intent to reimburse capital expenditures related to the CLII project was also approved. Updates were provided on campus projects, including focusing on the Downtown West campus project, and various administrative and leadership reports were shared.

The meeting included a team-building exercise, an update on the Strategic Plan where it was noted the 2022-2027 Strategic Plan will be refreshed by year-end, and a review of the enrollment process, data from the CRM system, and a SWOT analysis projecting flat to modest growth in future enrollment. The bank and investment strategy was reviewed, prioritizing safety, liquidity, and yield, with recommendations including annual review of the Investment Policy and competitive banking RFPs. A legislative update was provided covering federal priorities for ACCT and AACC, as well as Illinois-specific priorities from the ICCTA, such as pursuing community college baccalaureate degrees and enhancing transfer policies. Key takeaways emphasized alignment of presentations to the Strategic Plan, the role of the Strategic Enrollment Management plan, and upcoming lobby days. A final action item involved approving Board Report #8354, subject to a written amendment regarding the contract with DKA architects for the Downtown West construction project, following attorney review.

The agenda for the meeting included a call to order, roll call, communications, and recognition of visitors, including the introduction of newly tenured faculty. The Board planned to adjourn to a closed session to discuss employment matters and collective negotiating, followed by reconvening in open session. Key items for action included approving the Claims Sheet for January 2026, approving various Purchase Reports (A, B, and C for FY2026), approving a resolution calling for a public hearing regarding the intent to sell Working Cash Fund Bonds not to exceed $7,900,000, and approving a Fund Transfer Request. Updates and reports covered the President's Update, Leadership Team Update, ICCTA Report, Trustee Comments, Student Trustee Report, RVC Foundation Liaison Report, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Report.