Stacy Arning

The meeting included a Roll Call, the Pledge of Allegiance, and recognition of guests, including a resolution in recognition of National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. The Consent Agenda covered the ratification and approval of disbursements and payrolls for January 2026, totaling $2,711,673, along with foundation and administrative reports. New Business addressed an executive session for discussions concerning employee performance/hiring and collective negotiating matters. Key resolutions proposed for approval included establishing tuition and fee rates for the 2026-2027 Academic Year, authorizing the purchase of a used cargo van, and approving renewals for scholarship selection and anti-virus software. The agenda also included approvals for a new Nursing Faculty position, the retirement of an Administrative Assistant, reclassification of a Buildings & Grounds position, employment of a Buildings & Grounds Technician, and a wage adjustment recommendation for Buildings & Grounds Technicians.

The Board meeting included several key agenda items following the Pledge of Allegiance and recognition of a college club. Discussions covered approving the charter for the Turning Point USA student club and changes to lab fees for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. Multiple resolutions were adopted, including Resolution 26-01 to name the new gymnasium basketball court 'Bill Hawley Court'. Additionally, the Board ratified emergency purchases, including circuit breakers for the Main Campus, and approved the purchase of a refurbished medical ultrasound system. Other actions included ratifying the purchase of a used skid steer, authorizing the renewal of VMware licensing, approving the purchase of Title II/ADA compliance software, and declaring certain college property as no longer needed for College purposes. Employment actions included accepting a resignation and approving the hire of a new Workforce Partnership Coordinator.

The regular meeting addressed several key items. Discussions included an update on the Master Facilities and Improvement Plan (MFIP), noting a minimum 5-6 week delay in the opening of the new Gymnasium due to floor damage, which is being covered by contractors. Informational review was provided for proposed lab fee changes for 2026-2027, which will be presented for approval in January 2026. Resolutions were approved for faculty status changes (probationary to second-year, second-year to third-year, third-year to tenured, and continued employment for tenured faculty), the sale and transfer of college property including a wireless spectrum license for $225,000, and premium changes for excess earthquake and additional cyber security insurance coverage totaling a premium increase of $13,704. The renewal of CollegeNET 25Live software was approved. The Board also approved the reclassification of two Culinary Services Assistant positions from 30 to 40 hours effective January 1, 2026, and the hiring of a replacement Culinary Services Assistant. Final readings were approved for the new Campus Safety & Trespass Policy 2.2000 and the new Right to Protest Policy 2.2001. Future agenda items were noted, including equipment purchases.

The agenda for the Board of Trustees Meeting covered several areas. The Consent Agenda included ratification and approval of disbursements and payrolls for December 2025, totaling $3,239,042 across various funds, along with reports from the Kaskaskia College Friends of Fine Arts and administrative reports covering Executive Services (including Public Safety, Legislative Update, and Strategic Plan Update), Administrative Services (Grants and State Payments), Institutional Support & Technology, Instructional Services (Division Update and Marketing), and Student Services (Division Update and Enrollment). New Business items included the approval of a New Student Club Charter (Turning Point USA), approval of Lab Fee Changes for 2026-2027, and several resolutions: naming the basketball court 'Bill Hawley Court,' ratifying the emergency purchase of circuit breakers, approving the purchase of a refurbished medical ultrasound system (PATH Grant Funded), ratifying the purchase of a used skid steer, approving the renewal of VMWare, approving the purchase of Title II/ADA Software, and approval for the disposition of college property. The board also addressed the approval of a resignation and subsequent employment for the WEI Workforce Partnership Coordinator position. Future agenda items noted the planned approval for the purchase of a Plasma Table and the establishment of Tuition and Fee Rates for Academic Year 2026-2027.

The regular meeting included recognition segments where representatives from PMA Securities presented information regarding the College's Moody's Credit Upgrade, and the Leadership Council of Southwest Illinois discussed the College's regional importance. The Consent Agenda approved reports for October 2025, including financial reports and disbursements, as well as November 2025 personnel and various administrative reports. New business focused primarily on several resolutions: Resolution 25-62 adopted the Calendar Year 2025 Tax Levy request totaling $14,674,438 for Fiscal Year 2027 allocations; Resolution 25-63 abated the tax levy for Series 2018 General Obligation Refunding Bonds; Resolution 25-64 approved commercial property and casualty, workers' compensation, and excess earthquake coverage renewals for the period of December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026, at a total cost of $583,785; and Resolution 25-65 approved the purchase of a Reach Lift Truck Personal Simulator for $53,898.00. Additionally, the Board approved the restructure of a staff position to Director of Workforce Empowerment Initiative and the employment of a Nashville Education Center Coordinator. The Board also heard the first readings of new Campus Safety & Trespass Policy 2.2000 and Right to Protest Policy 2.2001, and approved the second reading and final revision of the Clubs and Organizations Budget Policy 5.4401.