Sylvia Russell

The Board conducted a regular meeting covering several critical governance and operational items. The assembly approved an employment agreement for the incoming college President and authorized the fiscal year 2027 budget and the FY28 Resource Allocation and Management Plan. Strategic planning initiatives, including information technology and enrollment management, were adopted, alongside the introduction of new degree programs in diagnostic medical and cardiovascular sonography. Further discussions included updates on faculty inservice preparations, enrollment growth metrics, athletic department fundraising and endowment progress, and a comprehensive operations reorganization.

The meeting was convened to enter into a closed session for the purpose of self-evaluation, reviewing practices and procedures, and discussing professional ethics with a representative from the ICCTA, as permitted under Section 2(c)(16) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Following the closed session, the board reconvened in open session before formally adjourning.

The board convened to address the appointment of a new treasurer and the formal approval of the treasurer's surety bonds. No public comments were presented during the meeting.

The Board of Trustees meeting covered several key agenda items, starting with an audit presentation by Scheffel Boyle covering the college's financial statements, federal expenditures, and the student financial aid cluster. The board received an enrollment update, noting challenges with retention between the fall and spring semesters, and discussed strategies for improvement. Additionally, the first annual Information Security Board report was presented, highlighting achievements in cybersecurity foundation, the absence of major incidents, and ongoing efforts to mitigate threats like phishing and insider activity. Action items included approval of the 2026 ICCTA Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Member Award nominee, fiscal year 2027 budget preparations, and an amendment to the location for a future meeting. Informational reports were provided on capital projects, including updates on the main complex renovation and deferred maintenance, as well as leadership reports on future grant opportunities and curriculum consortium initiatives.

The Board of Trustees held a meeting that included a public comment session highlighting a donation of play features for local dog parks. The Board conducted a tax levy hearing and reviewed departmental updates regarding enrollment, curriculum expansion in aviation, phlebotomy, and industrial electricity, as well as internal stakeholder engagement and advancements in technology and cybersecurity. Action items included the approval of closed session minutes, the Career and Technical Education Program Advisory Committee Handbook, the tax levy, a revised holiday school calendar, and the creation of a full-time executive director position for the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center, while approving the elimination of the part-time equivalent and the River Watch program. The session concluded with leadership reports and recognitions of staff members.