North Egypt News

John A. Logan College Board of Trustees met Feb. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Minutes of the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 530, Counties of Williamson, Jackson, Franklin, Perry, and Randolph, State of Illinois, held at Carterville, Illinois, on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, commencing at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was open to the public and available via Zoom.

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Bill Kilquist.

The Chairman directed the recording secretary to call the roll.

Rebecca Borgsmiller -- present

Brent Clark -- present via Zoom

Bill Kilquist -- present

Mandy Little -- present

Glenn Poshard -- present

Jake Rendleman -- present

Aaron R. Smith -- present

Jeremiah Brown -- present

Also present were President Kirk Overstreet, Legal Counsel Rhett Barke, Provost Melanie Pecord, Vice President Stacy Buckingham, Recording Secretary Susan May, and other College personnel.

Chairman Kilquist led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS

There were no public comments.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES REPORTS

A. Chairman's Report

No report.

B. Athletics Advisory Committee

Chairman Bill Kilquist reported that the John A. Logan College Men's Basketball would kick off the Region 24 Tournament play on March 6 at Rend Lake College. Trustee Little noted that the team was unranked at the beginning of the season and are now ranked second in the nation.

C. Building, Grounds, and Safety Committee

Trustee Rendleman reported that wayfinding signage had been installed in a large portion of C wing and will be installed in B Wing during the next phase. The signs have been well received and proven helpful for navigating campus. The C & E Wing renovation project is progressing well. The 50 percent design for this project has been submitted to the Capital Development Board. The scope of the Elevator and Mezzanine project has been reduced to meet the College's budget, and the College is waiting for a bid date from the Capital Development Board.

D. Board Policy Committee

Trustee Rebecca Borgsmiller reported that policies submitted for the first reading last month were included in tonight's agenda for final approval.

E. Budget and Finance Committee

No report.

F. Integrated Technology Committee

No report.

G. Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA)

Trustee Aaron Smith reported that he and Trustee Little attended the Legislative Congress in Washington, DC. They met with Senators Duckworth, Durbin, and Congressman Bost, who affirmed their support for John A. Logan College. The ICCTA Lobby Day will be held in Springfield on May 3, 2023.

H. John A. Logan College Foundation

Trustee Rendleman thanked everyone who supported the Foundation and reported that 328 people attended the Italian Dinner event. The Foundation Special Events Committee is planning a Trivia Night, and a Scholarship Information Session for students and parents will be held in O'Neil Auditorium on March 20.

The 2023 Distinguished Alumnus is Mr. Tim Miles, entrepreneur, bestselling author, public speaker, and international marketing consultant. His book, "Good Company," reached number one on Amazon's business chart. He is a marketing consultant and speaker who has helped hundreds of companies and thousands of people worldwide communicate more powerfully. He is an esteemed partner with the world-renowned Wizard of Ads partner group. Tim is also a philanthropist who has given himself, his time, and his income to help those in need, focusing on organizations providing research and resources for children diagnosed with Autism.

G. Student Trustee

Student Trustee Jeremiah Brown reported that Student Senate met with Krystal Reagan, associate dean of education technology, and Shannon Newman, associate director of purchasing and auxiliary services, to discuss the affordability and accessibility of textbooks for students.

FACULTY ASSOCIATION REPORTS

A. Faculty Association Report

Faculty Association President Jane Bryant reminded everyone of the Civic Leadership Academy events and reported that the first negotiating meeting was held with the administration. The Faculty Association Negotiation team consists of Jane Bryant, current president; Cheryl Thomas, chief negotiator; Tom Chandler, transfer faculty; and Joseph Roach and Roger Jeter, representing career faculty.

B. Adjunct Faculty Association – No report.

C. Logan Operational Staff Association Report – No report.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP REPORTS

College Debt Clarification

Vice President Stacy Buckingham clarified information regarding the debt repayment schedule in the audit, claiming that prior debt certificates had been paid and were dropped off the debt schedule. In the next audit, there will be a discussion of lease debt because of Government Accounting Standards Board requirements. We have a five-year operating lease with Konica Minolta for our copier fleet and a three year lease on a Bobcat for the Grounds Maintenance Department. These lease opportunities allow us to obtain new and improved equipment every five years or purchase the equipment at the conclusion of the lease period.

State Payments

Vice-President Stacy Buckingham reported that state payments were right on track. As of February; the College had received eight Base Operating payments totaling $2,156,683 and eight Equalization payments totaling $4,315,006. The College has also received $380,267 for the CTE Formula grant, which is 100 percent of the allocation.

Property Tax Payments

Vice President Buckingham reported that for the 2021 tax levy year, the College had received $14.87 million out of $15.8 million in expected taxes, or 94 percent collected.

Tuition and Fee Revenue

Tuition and Fee revenue was $9.8 million at the end of February, which is 10 percent better than this time last year. Through the end of January, operating expenses were running 3.6 percent under budget based on seven months recorded.

Pell Grant Awards

Vice-President Buckingham reported that as of February 28, 2023, the College had posted $2,178,475 in Pell awards to student accounts. Almost $610,000 went towards spring tuition and fee charges, approximately $178,000 went towards spring book charges, and nearly $1.4 million, or 64 percent of the total awards, were dispersed directly to students.

Counseling Services for Students

The College has entered into a contractual agreement with Integrated Health in Carterville to provide additional counseling services to our students. This agreement is funded through a grant that offers a social/emotional support component.

Sophomore Day

Provost Dr. Melanie Pecord reported that 400 students attended the first Sophomore Day offered to the district high schools. This event allowed sophomores to come on campus to review the different program areas, determine their pathway, and choose appropriate dual credit courses as they finish their high school career.

Career Closet

The Career Closet will open on March 1. This closet provides clothing at no cost for students prepping for job interviews.

President Overstreet

President Overstreet announced that award-winning author and journalist Jerry Mitchell and US Attorney Don Cochran would be on campus to discuss his book Race Against Time as part of the Humanities Day events scheduled for March 1.

Individuals will be attending various conferences this month including the Alliance for Innovation and Transformation (AFIT), American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), and the Higher Learning Commission.

Employee Forums

Employee forums were held this month for the Provost position. Three candidates were on campus to meet with the Hiring Committee and direct reports and were available for questions at the forum. Employee forums will also be held for the Vice-President for Business Services/CFO and Assistant Vice President for Human Resource positions.

Shared Governance

President Overstreet reported that the Shared Governance model is beginning to take shape. He thanked Dr. Sveda Webb for her work and is confident that this approach will help us become more transparent to the college community.

PRESIDENT'S CABINET REPORTS

Grant Initiatives

Assistant Provost Dr. Stephanie Chaney Hartford highlighted grant initiatives that have helped fund substantial purchases for the College. The Pipeline for the Advancement of Health Care Workers (PATH) grant from ICCB that has provided personnel to focus on removing social/emotional and economic barriers for students in Nursing, EMT, and Paramedic programs. Through this grant, the administration is requesting approval to purchase Virtual ATI Test Review Software to assist our Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing students in preparation for National Board exams. Statistically, students who move through this program have a 97 to 98 percent pass rate. This grant also helps with costs associated with the certification exam.

The Early Childhood Access Consortium grant provides many of the same types of assistance to remove barriers for individuals in the daycare industry and provide opportunities for them to upgrade their skills to receive high credentials.

Summer/Fall Registration

Dr. Hartford reported that summer and fall schedules would be published on March 13, that will include many flexible options for students. Summer and Fall registration begins on March 20.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

A. President Overstreet updated the Board on course fee changes effective in fall 2023.

B. President Overstreet accepted the retirement requests of Ms. Lora Hines, Professor of Accounting, effective August 1, 2025, and Ms. Robin Humphries, Learning Resources Clerk III, effective June 1, 2024.

President Overstreet accepted the resignation of Mr. J. R. Alongi, Campus Safety Law Enforcement Officer, effective March 1, 2023.

CONSENT AGENDA

Chairman Kilquist asked if there were any Consent Agenda items the Board would like to pull for further discussion or a separate vote. Trustee Glenn Poshard asked to remove Item G – Flooring Project for a separate vote. The remaining Consent Agenda items were presented for approval.

A. Hybrid Drive Train for Automotive Services Technician Program

Approved the purchase of a Cutaway Toyota Prius hybrid drive train from ConsuLab at $38,963 using FY23 Perkins Grant funds.

B. Dell Computer for Graphic Design and Manufacturing Technology Programs

Approved the purchase of 20 Dell Precision 3660 Towers for $32,000 with FY23 Perkins Grant funds.

C. ATI Test Review Software for the Practical Nursing Program

Approved the Virtual ATI Test Review software purchase for 100 Practical Nursing students, at $30,000, funded through the FY23 PATH Grant.

D. ATI Test Review Software for the Associate Degree Nursing Program

Approved the Virtual ATI Test Review software purchase for 85 Associate Degree Nursing students at $29,750, funded through the FY23 PATH Grant.

E. Personal Trainer Certificate

Approved a new Personal Trainer Certificate, effective Fall 2023.

F. Grounds Maintenance Truck

Authorized the Purchasing Office to order a new heavy-duty maintenance truck, not to exceed $60,000.

H. Personnel Action Items

Approved the employment and ratification of personnel as recommended by President Overstreet and included as Appendix A.

I. Expenditure Report

Approved the monthly Expenditure Report for the period ending January 31, 2023.

J. Treasurer's and Financial Report

Approved the Treasurer's and Financial report for the period ending December 31, 2022.

K. Minutes

Approved the minutes of the January 24, 2023, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees.

Jake Rendleman and Aaron Smith moved and seconded that the Board of Trustees approve Consent Agenda Items A – K as presented, with the exception of Item G.

Upon roll call, all members present voted Yes. Motion carried.

(Resolution #16-4296)

Item 8.G – Flooring Project (pulled from the Consent Agenda for a separate vote)

Trustee Poshard reported a change in the original recommendation to award the bid to Modern Tile & Carpet for $39,951. The revised recommendation presented tonight is to award the bid to Modern Tile & Carpet for $40,951, exactly $1,000 more. Trustee Poshard recommended that the revised recommendation be approved so the project can proceed.

Glenn Poshard and Jake Rendleman moved and seconded that the Board of Trustees approve the revised recommendation to award the bid for the flooring project to Modern Tile & Carpet, the lowest responsible bidder that included the base bid and all five alternates, for $40,951.

Upon roll call, all members present voted Yes. Motion carried.

(Resolution #16-4297)

NEW BUSINESS

A. Four County Highway Coalition

Chairman Kilquist noted that the College received a letter from Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens requesting support for the four-lane highway between Murphysboro and East St. Louis. Chairmen Kilquist commented that several individuals in southern Illinois strongly oppose this project. Trustee Poshard commented that Mayor Stephens, Chairman of the new regional economic group supporting this project, is seeking regional support to request funding under the current federal and state infrastructure program funding. The group is hopeful this project would be an economic benefit for the entire region.

Glenn Poshard and Aaron Smith moved and seconded that the Board of Trustees authorize President Overstreet to provide a letter of support to Mr. Will Stephens for the efforts of the Four-County Highway Coalition to seek grant funding for a rural expressway to the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

Upon roll call, all members present voted yes, with the exception of Chairman Bill Kilquist, who voted no. Motion carried.

(Resolution #16-4298)

OLD BUSINESS

A. Board Policy Revisions for First Reading

Trustee Borgsmiller reported that revisions to six policies recommended by the Board Policy Committee were presented for first reading on January 28, 2023, and made available to College employees for input.

5272 – Sick Leave

7180 – Debt Collection

7332 – Pre-Registration Tuition and Fees

7370 – Tuition Waivers

8239 – Early College (new)

8243 – Dual Credit

Trustee Brent Clark reported that he had recently received new input from affected school districts and would like to postpone the final vote on Policies 8239 and 8243. A meeting is set for March 8 to discuss the recent comments received, and he is hopeful of resolving concerns and bringing the policies back to the Board for a final vote at the next meeting. Trustee Borgsmiller commented that the policy revisions followed statutes and that the changes would not be punitive.

Brent Clark and Jake Rendleman moved and seconded that Board Policies 8239 and 8243 be pulled from consideration of a final vote.

Upon roll call, the following votes were recorded: Jake Rendleman – Yes; Aaron Smith – No; Becky Borgsmiller – No; Brent Clark – Yes; Mandy Little – No; Glenn Poshard – Yes; Jeremiah Brown – Yes; and Bill Kilquist – Yes. Motion carried.

(Resolution #16-4299)

Mandy Little and Glenn Poshard moved and seconded that the Board of Trustees approve revisions presented for the remainder of the Board Policies 5272, 7180, 7332, and 7370.

Upon roll call, all members present voted yes. Motion carried

(Resolution #16-4300)

EXECUTIVE SESSION – None.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Legal Counsel Rhett Barke reminded the Board that changes had been made to the Statement of Economic Interest forms and had documentation available to provide additional information.

ADJOURNMENT

Glenn Poshard and Mandy Little moved and seconded that the regular meeting of the Board of Trustees be adjourned.

Upon roll call, all members present voted Yes. Motion carried.

(Resolution #16-4301)

The meeting was duly adjourned at 7:12 p.m.

https://www.jalc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/MIN-02-28-23.pdf