North Egypt News

Illinois Community College District No. 521 Board of Trustees met Dec. 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER Chairman Larry Manning called the regular Board of Trustees meeting to order at 6:27PM in the Rend Lake College Event Center – Warrior Lounge.

ROLL CALL Mr. Jeff Jones, Secretary, called the roll.

Those present were:

Mr. Jeff Jones

Mr. Larry Manning

Mr. Ron Daniels

Mr. Tony Wielt

Dr. David Asbery

Mr. Joe Coy

Ms. Maggie Stacey (Student Trustee)

Those absent were:

Mr. Brian Dorris

Others present were:

Mr. Terry Wilkerson, Mr. Chad Copple, Mr. John Gulley, Mrs. Kim Wilkerson, Mr. Henry “Buster” Leeck, Mr. Kent McKown, Mrs. Jena Jensik, Mr. Donnie Millenbine, Mr. Nathan Wheeler, Mrs. Amy Epplin, Ms. Megan McKinley, Mrs. Vickie Schulte, Mrs. Andrea Banach, Mrs. Shari Carpenter, Mrs. Mallory Howell, Ms. Ashley Norton (Kemper CPA), Chris Sink, Chris Edwards, 2 Civics students from McLeansboro high school

AUDIT PRESENTATION – Ms. Ashley Norton, representative of the auditing firm Kemper CPA Group LLC, provided an overview of the draft fiscal year 2023 audit results. Ms. Norton presented 3 audit reports: Independent Auditor’s Report, Independent Auditor’s Report on Internal Control, and Independent Auditor’s Report on Compliance for Each Major Federal Program. The college received a clean opinion with no findings.

The audit will be finalized upon receipt of the FY23 Community Provider Federal Funds Summary from the Illinois Department of Human Services.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Thursday, December, 2023; 6:00 pm

Adult Education Celebration

Event Center

2. Friday, December 15, 2023; 6:00pm

Culinary Trivia Night

PDA

3. Friday, January 5, 2024; 8AM-3PM

STUDENT SUCCESS DAY

Learning Resource Center and PDA

4. Saturday, January 13, 2024; 9 am registration

ARCHERY BAGS TOURNAMENT

Event Center

5. Wednesday, February 7, 2024; 4pm

RLC Open House

Event Center

6. Wednesday, February 7 & 14, 2024; 8am-3pm

ACES 2024 Competition

Event Center

7. Tuesday February 20, 2024; 8am-3pm

In-service

RLC Ina Campus

8. Thursday, February 29, 2024; 5:30pm

Annual RLC Foundation Scholarship Dinner

Event Center

9. Friday, March 1, 2024; 8:00am

Kickstart Your Journey

Event Center

10.Thursday, March 7, 2024; 8am

Transition Summit

Event Center

11.Tuesday, March 19, 2024; 5:00pm

Advisory Committee Meetings

Event Center and Breakout Rooms

MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION N/A

RESUME OPEN MEETING N/A

CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Wilkerson recommended approving the Consent Agenda, which included the following items:

1. Approval of Minutes of the November 10, 2023 Special Executive Meeting Minutes*;

2. Approval of Minutes of November 11, 2023 Retreat Meeting Minutes8*;

3. Approval of Minutes of the November 14, 2023 Executive Meeting Minutes*;

4. Approval of Minutes of November 14, 2023 Meeting Minutes*;

5. Approval of Course/Curriculum Approvals*;

6. Approval of Revisions to Job Descriptions*

Dr. Asbery made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as recommend; seconded by Mr. Coy.

On a roll call vote, all present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes. Those items marked with an asterisk (*) are a part of these minutes.

NEW BUSINESS

APPROVAL OF REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALENDAR YEAR 2024 MEETING SCHEDULE Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the schedule of meetings of the Rend Lake College Board of

Trustees for calendar year 2024, as presented.

As recommended, Mr. Coy made a motion to grant permission to approve the schedule of meetings of the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees for calendar year 2024, as presented. This motion was seconded by Mr. Wielt. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

ACCEPTANCE OF FISCAL YEAR 2023 AUDIT AND ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept the fiscal year

2023 audit and annual comprehensive financial report, pending DHS letter.

As recommended, Mr. Coy made a motion to accept the fiscal year 2023 audit and annual comprehensive financial report, pending DHS letter.. This motion was seconded by Mr. Daniels. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

APPROVAL OF 2024-2025; 2025-2026; 2026-2027

ACADEMIC CALENDARS

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 Academic Calendars as presented.

As recommended, Mr. Daniels made a motion to approve the 2024-2025, 2025-2026 and 2026-2027

Academic Calendars as presented.. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.

APPROVAL OF 2024 – 2025 REND LAKE COLLEGE CATALOG (TO BE PROVIDED)

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the 2024-2025 Rend Lake College Catalog as provided and to authorize addendum as needed.

As recommended, Mr. Coy made a motion to approve the 2024-2025 Rend Lake College Catalog as provided and to authorize addendum as needed. This motion was seconded by Mr. Daniels. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

PERMISSION TO ACCEPT BID FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF SOLAR PANEL ARRAY Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept the bid from Sunvolt Solar for the base bid in the amount of $2.056 per watt DC for a total cost of $125,000 to purchase and install a second Solar Panel Array and system in accordance with the award from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN).

As recommended, Mr. Wielt made a motion to accept the bid from Sunvolt Solar for the base bid in the amount of $2.056 per watt DC for a total cost of $125,000 to purchase and install a second Solar Panel Array and system in accordance with the award from the Illinois Green Economy Network (IGEN). This motion was seconded by Mr. Daniels. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

PERMISSION TO SEEK APPROVAL FROM HLC TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS AS COMPETENCY-BASED EDUCATION

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to seek approval from the Higher Learning Commission to develop and implement instruction programs as competent-based education.

As recommended, Mr. Jones made a motion to seek approval from the Higher Learning Commission to develop and implement instruction programs as competent- based education. This motion was seconded by Dr. Asbery, on a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

APPROVAL OF PROGRAM PURCHASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN REND LAKE COLLEGE AND EAB GLOBAL, INC

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the Program Purchase Agreement between Rend Lake College and EAB Global, Inc., as presented, effective December 12, 2023.

As recommended, Mr. Coy a motion to approve the Program Purchase Agreement between Rend Lake College and EAB Global, Inc., as presented, effective December 12, 2023. This motion was seconded by Dr. Asbery, on a roll call vote, those present voted yes.

Student trustee voted yes.

PERMISSION TO AWARD BID FOR WEBSITE REDSIGN

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to award the bid from Mole Street LLC in the amount of $97,500 for the development of Rend Lake College’s new website, effective December 12, 2023.

As recommended, Mr. Jones made a motion to award the bid from Mole Street LLC in the amount of $97,500 for the development of Rend Lake College’s new website, effective December 12, 2023. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy, on a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

PERMISSION TO APPROVE STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED SHAWNEE NATIONAL PARK AND CLIMATE PRESERVE

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the Statement of Support for the Proposed Shawnee National Park and Climate Preserve, as presented effective December 12, 2023.

As recommended, Ms. Stacey made a motion to approve the Statement of Support for the Proposed Shawnee National Park and Climate Preserve, as presented effective December 12, 2023. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy, on a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

PERSONNEL APPROVAL OF RENEWAL OF PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to renew the contract of Mr. Terry Wilkerson as President of Rend Lake College at the terms and length agreed upon between the President and the Board of Trustees per 110 ILCS 805/3-65. The contract represents a one-year extension to June 30, 2025. Per 110 ILCS 805/3-70, the contract in its entirety is attached for review, as presented effective December 12, 2023.

As recommended, Dr. Asbery made a motion to renew the contract of Mr. Terry Wilkerson as President of Rend Lake College at the terms and length agreed upon between the President and the Board of Trustees per 110 ILCS 805/3-65. The contract represents a one year extension to June 30, 2025. Per 110 ILCS 805/3- 70, the contract in its entirety is attached for review, as presented effective December 12, 2023. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones on a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

RATIFY RESIGNATION WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALISTS

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept with regret the resignation of Mrs. Lynsey Sims, Web & Social Media Specialist, effective December 31, 2023.

As recommended, Mr. Wielt made a motion to accept with regret the resignation of Mrs. Lynsey Sims, Web & Social Media Specialist, effective December 31, 2023.

This motion was seconded by Mr. Daniels. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

RETIREMENT RESIGNATION - PRESIDENT

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept the retirement resignation of Mr. Terry Wilkerson, President, and effective June 30, 2025.

As recommended, Mr. Coy made a motion to accept the retirement resignation of Mr. Terry Wilkerson, President, effective June 30, 2025. This motion was seconded by Dr. Asbery. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

RATIFY APPOINTMENT OF RLCF LEAD INFANT ROOM TEACHER

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify the appointment of Ms. Tommy Hall as Lead Teacher Infant Room for the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center on a Full-time, 50-week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $35,000, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, effective November 20, 2023.

As recommended, Mr. Daniels made a motion to ratify the appointment of Ms. Tommy Hall as Lead Teacher Infant Room for the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center on a Full-time, 50-week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $35,000, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, effective November 20, 2023. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones.

On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF COORDINATOR- SPECIAL PROJECTS

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the appointment of Ms. Emily DeForest as Coordinator Special Projects on a full- time, 49- week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $39,000, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, effective January 1, 2024.

As recommended, Mr. Wielt made a motion to approve the appointments of Ms. Emily DeForest as Coordinator- Special Projects on a full- time, 49- week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $39,000, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, effective January 1, 2024. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

APPOINTMENT OF COORDINATOR- DIGITAL MEDIA & MARKETING

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to appoint Mr. Jared Roberts as Coordinator – Digital Media & Marketing on a full-time, 50 week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $45,000, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, pending a successful background check, effective December 13, 2023.

As recommended, Mr. Wielt made a motion to appoint Mr. Jared Roberts as Coordinator – Digital Media & Marketing on a full-time, 50 week, non-tenure track contract at an annual salary of $45,000, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, pending a successful background check, effective December 13, 2023. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR- LAND OF LINCOLN AMERICORPS

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the appointment of Mr. Justin (Dean) Mandrell as Director of Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, on a full-time, 50-week, non-tenure track, grant funded contract at an annual salary of $38,500, prorated for the remainder of the grant year, pending a successful background check, effective December 13, 2023.

As recommended, Dr. Asbery made a motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Justin (Dean) Mandrell as Director of Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, on a full time, 50-week, non-tenure track, grant funded contract at an annual salary of $38,500, prorated for the remainder of the grant year, pending a successful background check effective December 13, 2023. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy, on a roll call vote, those present voted yes. Student trustee voted yes.

APPOINTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS & MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTOR (TO BE PROVIDED)

Tabled

PERMISSION TO TRANSFER VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTRUCTION & STUDENT AFFAIRS TO EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND REVISE JOB DESCRIPTION

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to grant permission to transfer Ms. Lori Ragland from Vice President of Instruction and Student Affairs to Executive Vice President, and revise job description, at an annual salary of $150,000 prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year. Ms. Ragland will not be eligible for a salary increase in FY 2025, effective January 1, 2024 As recommended, Mr. Coy made a motion to grant permission to transfer Ms. Lori Ragland from Vice President of Instruction and Student Affairs to Executive Vice President, and revise job description, at an annual salary of $150,000 prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year. Ms. Ragland will not be eligible for a salary increase in FY 2025, effective January 1, 2024. This motion was seconded Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, those presented voted yes. The student trustee voted yes.

NEW BUISNESS/ PERSONNEL APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO REND LAKE COLLEGE POLICY & PROCEDURE 1.5000- ORGANIZATIONAL CHART AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURE/ EXECUTIVE TRANSITION

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the organizational restructure/ executive transition of the administration, staff, and support staff of Rend Lake College. This recommendation includes the changes to organizational chart (Policy & Procedure 1.5000), promotion of staff, changes to titles and accompanying job descriptions, including those impacted by these changes, as well as respective salaries, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, effective January 01, 2024, as provided. These individuals are not eligible for salary increases in FY 2025.

As recommended, Mr. Jones made a motion to approve the organizational restructure/ executive transition of the administration, staff, and support staff of Rend Lake College. This recommendation includes the changes to organizational chart (Policy & Procedure 1.5000), promotion of staff, changes to titles and accompanying job descriptions, including those impacted by these changes, as well as respective salaries, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, effective January 01, 2024, as provided. These individuals are not eligible for salary increases in FY 2025. This motion was seconded Mr. Daniels. On a roll call vote, those presented voted yes.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION RATIFICATION OF THE PAYMENT OF COLLEGE EXPENSES INCLUDING TRAVEL EXPENSES REIMBURSEMENTS

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify the payment of college expenses including travel expense reimbursements as presented, effective December 12, 2023.

As recommended, Mr. Daniels made a motion to ratify the payment of college expenses including travel expense reimbursements as presented, effective December 12, 2023. This motion was seconded Mr. Wielt. On a roll call vote, those present voted yes.

REPORTS

ACADEMIC COUNCIL

Chair, Mr. Mark Jornd, reviewed course/curriculum changes from the meeting on November 30, 2023.

Approved were an online Geography course 1101 and an Early Childhood Skills class that is repeatable with the Adult Ed program. He also reported on a change of pre-requisite in the Business Finance certificate and math courses

ICCTA REPRESENTATIVE

No Report

REND LAKE COLLEGE FOUNDATION

Mr. Tony Wielt reported on the success of the Foundation Annual Dinner last week where Alumnus of the Year, Glenn Box, was honored. He applauded all the hard work and effort of all involved including all the work of the Marketing Team with video adjustments and social media pushes. He also reported the Game Plan was coming along nicely. The next Foundation meeting is Thursday, February 1st, 2024.

ACCREDITATION

Dr. Chad Copple reported the next step is to fill out the annual Institutional Update and complete our Quality Initiative proposal. Arrangements for the HLC Annual Conference in Chicago in April 2024 are in process.

ERP Dr. Chad Copple informed the group that we are about to begin payroll functions through Colleague. This week work is being done on the degree audits and accounts receivable then the engagements end for this year. A contract has been signed with ACI to be our new payment plan provider. Early next year, we will pick up more with HR and Financial Aid engagements.

OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT

Mr. Donnie Millenbine reported on some Dell computers that are being sold on the government website since they no longer meet the minimum requirements for Windows 11. He informed the group of computer tables and other items on the site for sale.

PUBLIC COMMENT None

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

President Wilkerson asked everyone to take time to read his retirement letter. He acknowledged a non exhaustive list of good hardworking people and good things happening here at Rend Lake College. He thanked the trustees for their trust in him and the vision for Rend Lake College, and he let them know their efforts and work have not gone unnoticed. President Wilkerson recognized that the place (Rend Lake) has been good to him, and he has always tried to be good to the place. He reassured everyone that he will be just as present and involved over the next 18-months in helping the administration transition towards his retirement.

Several of the Board members then thanked President Wilkerson for his commitment and service to Rend Lake College.

ADJOURNMENT

There being no other business, at 7:10PM all

Trustees present voted aye in favor of adjourning.

The motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Coy and seconded by Dr. Asbery.

https://www.rlc.edu/about-rlc/board-meeting-minutes