Illinois Community College Board

The meeting agenda includes an appointment to the Illinois Community College System Foundation Board, an Executive Director report, and a spotlight on Lake Land College. It features reports from various advisory organizations and committees covering academic, workforce, student support, and financial matters, including a review of the Governor's fiscal year 2027 budget recommendations. Additional items include updates on the Economic Impact Study, approval of new units of instruction, recognition of specific community colleges, and a consent agenda addressing meeting dates, a recognition manual, and administrative rule amendments. The board will also review fiscal year 2026 financial statements, literacy reports, enrollment data, and conduct an executive session regarding employment and appointment matters.

The meeting included an executive director's report, a spotlight presentation on Lake Land College's correctional education programs, and reports from advisory organizations and committees. Key business included the approval of new academic units of instruction across various community colleges, a fiscal year budget update, and an economic impact study update. Administrative items addressed included the adoption of meeting dates, recognition manuals, and contracts, as well as an executive session regarding employment matters.

The board received an update on the Economic Impact Study (EIS) for the Illinois community college system. The discussion covered the definition and purpose of the study, the history of previous system-wide studies, the selection of Lightcast as the research partner, and the collaborative involvement of various state educational organizations. Key aspects of the project workflow, including data collection and modeling, were detailed, along with an overview of deliverables such as technical reports, executive summaries, and communication tools. The meeting also addressed the strategy for the upcoming public statewide release of the study results.

This document presents an update from the Technical Modeling Working Group regarding adequacy and equity in community college funding. It outlines five primary recommendations: conducting comprehensive analyses for data-informed solutions; establishing a base funding amount for foundational operational support; allocating targeted resources based on student demographics and institutional needs to enhance student success; revising the equalization grant formula for reduced volatility and predictable resource distribution; and evaluating existing dual credit funding mechanisms to alleviate financial strain on districts. The document details the current status and timeline for the Base Operating, Equalization, and Dual Credit modeling groups, guided by principles such as 'Do No Harm' and the effective use of new funding.

This document outlines the annual Area Planning Council (APC) Plan for adult education programs, focusing on the development and coordination of services for eligible populations. Key objectives include identifying existing services, planning for their continuation, and addressing service gaps related to populations, instruction, support, and geographic coverage. The plan emphasizes alignment with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), fostering partnerships with Local Workforce Innovation Boards (LWIBs) and WIOA Core partners, and improving transitions to post-secondary education or employment. It also requires detailed reporting on sites, services, comprehensive one-stop coordination, and reflection on prior fiscal year performance to enhance overall service delivery.