Maria Ashton-Stebbings

This document presents the business plans for the auxiliary units of Elgin Community College for Fiscal Year 2027, detailing their purpose, current operations, and strategic objectives. Key priorities include ensuring financial sustainability and operational efficiency, enhancing student success and engagement through diverse programs and services, strengthening community partnerships, and expanding educational and cultural offerings to meet evolving needs. The plans aim to improve customer experience, support staff sustainability, and align with the college's overarching mission.

The committee reviewed internal audit reports, focusing on Title IV fund compliance and fraud mitigation strategies. Financial updates for fiscal year 2026 were presented, covering revenue status, expenditure tracking, and operational adjustments. Discussions on the fiscal year 2027 budget included revenue outlooks, expenditure pressures like healthcare and insurance costs, and long-term capital commitments. Updates were provided on capital projects, including scaled-back signage plans and facility progress. Additionally, the committee discussed the upcoming tax levy public hearing, performed an annual review of the college's investment policy, and received a status update on the insurance broker request for proposal process.

The board received presentations covering the MSE Division's student success initiatives, strategies for reducing textbook costs, and updates from the Marketing and Communications department. Construction status reports were provided for campus projects, including the Manufacturing and Technology Center, the new truck driving classroom building, disability services space remodeling, and exterior digital signage. The board reviewed upcoming agenda items regarding insurance brokerage services, fence and furniture purchases for Building T, and firewall network security renewals. Additionally, the session included an overview of professional growth items, board goal reviews, planning for a board retreat, and a discussion of institutional enrollment trends.

The agenda for the Regular Board Meeting outlines several key areas of discussion and action. The meeting will commence with a recess to Closed Session to discuss matters concerning meeting minutes, personnel employment/compensation, pending litigation, and collective negotiation matters. Upon reconvening the Open Session, preliminary matters, including the Pledge of Allegiance and the Board Purpose review, will be addressed, followed by the President's Report. Board reports will be presented by committee chairs and trustees covering Finance, Committee of the Whole, and various associations (ICCTA, ACCT), as well as Legislative updates and the ECC Foundation report. College Reports include Personnel (January, February), Treasurer (December, January), and Student reports (January-February), with other reports presented under separate cover. Major actions include consideration of ratifying an agreement with the Elgin Community College Faculty Association (ECCFA). The Consent Agenda covers approval of minutes from previous meetings (January 27, 2026, and January 14, 2026 special meeting), destruction of old audiotapes, ratification of expenses and trustee travel, approval concerning a memorandum of agreement regarding holiday schedules, approval of a settlement agreement with ECCFA, and various purchasing items including equipment, software renewals, and services. Personnel actions include granting tenure to several faculty members and a Resolution of Appreciation for the Dean of Adult Education. Old Business and New Business sections follow before adjournment.

This document outlines the College's strategic goals for Fiscal Year 2026, structured around four primary pillars: Learning Excellence, Lifelong Connections, ECC Experience, and Fortify Our Future. Key objectives include enhancing academic completion and learning mastery, increasing student enrollment and credit accumulation, and improving the overall student, employee, and community experience. The plan further aims to improve student affordability, ensure financial health, and boost operational efficiency.