Liz Brown

The board discussed progress on the Downtown West construction project, including a request for additional funds due to insurance and bid costs. Action items included approval of the monthly claims sheet, various purchase reports for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, and several dual credit and running start agreements with local school districts. The meeting also featured updates from the administration regarding enrollment data, athletic achievements, and college construction projects. The board moved into a closed session to discuss personnel, collective negotiations, and security procedures before adjourning.

The meeting included a presentation on organizational culture and leadership metrics, as well as an update on the transition of the Enterprise Resource Planning system to a cloud environment. The Board discussed various intergovernmental agreements related to student programs, reached a consensus to cease further investment in the existing technology bus in favor of exploring future mobile training units, and received reports on enrollment trends and legislative lobbying efforts. Financial updates were provided concerning the third-quarter vital signs, cash and investment standing, and approval of various purchase reports. Additionally, the Board reviewed progress on the classroom building project and received an events calendar overview, concluded with an executive session to discuss personnel and negotiation matters.

The board meeting included a public budget hearing for the fiscal year 2027 and a regular meeting agenda. Key discussion topics featured an update on the Strategic Plan regarding adult learner enrollment and retention, purchase report approvals, fund transfer requests, and final budget approval for fiscal year 2027. Additionally, the board discussed compensation adjustments for non-represented employees, curriculum certificate approval, and received updates from the president, leadership team, and student trustee. The board also reviewed construction project updates for the Downtown West campus and discussed potential revenue-generating models for future mobile training units.

This document outlines the President's priorities for calendar year 2026, focusing on key operational, technological, and strategic initiatives. Key areas include the opening of the Downtown West Campus, expansion of the RVC Foundation and project management teams, and critical IT upgrades such as Ellucian SaaS testing and comprehensive cybersecurity enhancements aligned with NIST standards. The goals also encompass advancing the institution's strategic plan through a refresh process, implementing a Strategic Enrollment Management Plan for adult learners, and reviewing the mission, vision, and core values. Furthermore, the plan details the implementation of an ADA Transition and Prioritization Plan, and the execution of Phase II of the RVC Institutional AI Taskforce, including the development and implementation of an Institutional AI plan and the exploration of an AI Center for Excellence.

The Committee of the Whole discussed several key initiatives including the permanent approval of the Career and Technical Education Curriculum and Certificate in Family and Domestic Violence, an adult learner student profile, and a lobbying update. Finance discussions covered purchase reports, a significant fund transfer, the final budget for the upcoming fiscal year, compensation adjustments, and cash and investment reports. Operational updates included the progress of the Downtown West project, the Classroom II Building construction, and change orders. Additionally, the committee addressed various student and personnel reports, including updates on enrollment and athletic events.