North Egypt News

Illinois Community College District No. 521 Board of Trustees met Dec. 10.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

CALL TO ORDER 

Chairman Larry Manning called the regular Board of Trustees meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Rend Lake College Event Center

TRUTH IN TAXATION HEARING

Mr. John Gulley stated that the purpose of this public hearing is to comply with the Illinois Truth in Taxation Law. A Truth in Taxation notice was posted on November 6, 2024, on a page accessible through a direct link from Rend Lake College’s homepage and has been accessible for over 30 consecutive days, and a Truth in Taxation notice was published in the manner described in the Truth in Taxation law in The Southern Illinoisan in the November 30, 2024 edition. 

Mr. Gulley stated that this increase is necessary for the district’s tax rate to keep pace with recent increases in the district’s equalized assessed value. Rend Lake College is required by the Illinois Community College Board to levy no less than 95% of our maximum tax rate in order to remain eligible for equalization funding. No one contacted Mr. Gulley prior to the meeting desiring to appear and present testimony. Mr. Gulley opened the floor for public comment. No one came forward to speak. 

With no public comments, Chairman Larry Manning asked for a motion to close the public hearing; Mr. Wielt motioned; seconded by Mr. Coy. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

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

Those present were:

Mr. Ron Daniels

Mr. Brian Dorris

Mr. Jeff Jones

Mr. Larry Manning

Mr. Tony Wielt

Dr. David Asbery

Mr. Joe Coy

Mr. Wyatt Hamson (Student Trustee)

 Those absent were:

Mr. Brian Dorris

Others present were: 

Mr. Terry Wilkerson, Mr. Chad Copple, Mrs. Kim Wilkerson, Mr. Henry “Buster” Leeck, Mrs. Lori Ragland, Mr. John Gulley, Mr. Donnie Millenbine, Mrs. Mary Huggins, Mr. Nathan Wheeler, Mrs. Amy Epplin, Mrs. Bria Robinson, Mrs. Andrea Banach, Ms. Kendra Gregory, Mr. Kent McKown, Ms. Shari Carpenter, Mr. Chris Edwards, Mr. Greg Hollmann, Mrs. Vickie Schulte, Mrs. Jena Jensik, Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith, Ms. Taylor Wilburn, Mr. Jared Roberts, Mrs. Mallory Howell.

DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION 

Marketing Department, Mr. Nathan Wheeler, Ms. Kendra Gregory, Mr. Jared Roberts and Ms. Taylor Wilburn gave a presentation highlighting the new website with a more user-friendly atmosphere and clean layout. They also covered the blogs, interactive videos and search features within the new website. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Friday, January 10, 2025; 8am-3pm

Student Success Day

Learning Resource Center and PDA

2. Wednesday, February 5 or 12, 2025; 8am-3pm

 ACES 2024 Competition

 Event Center

3. Tuesday, February 18, 2025; 8am-3pm

In-Service

RLC Ina Campus

4. Tuesday, February 18, 2025; 4pm

RLC Open House

 Event Center

5. Thursday, February 27, 2025; 5:30pm

 Annual RLC Foundation Scholarship Dinner

 Event Center

6. Thursday, March 6, 2025; 8:00am

Transition Summit

Event Center

7. Thursday & Friday, March 10 & 11, 2025; 8:00am

 Kickstart Your Journey

 Event Center

8. Tuesday, March 18, 2025; 5:00pm

 Advisory Committee Meetings

 Event Center and Breakout Rooms

MOTION FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Chairman Larry Manning asked for a motion to move into Executive Session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1)(2)(5)(21). Mr. Daniels made a motion; seconded by Mr. Wielt. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. The Board went into executive session at 6:56 PM.

Dr. Asbery left meeting 7:47pm

RESUME OPEN MEETING 

Chairman Larry Manning asked for a motion to reopen the public meeting; Mr. Jones motioned; seconded by Mr. Wielt. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. At 7:50 PM, Chairman Manning reconvened the open session of tonight’s meeting. 

CONSENT AGENDA 

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

1. November 01, 2024 Special Executive Session*; 

2. November 02, 2024 Retreat Board of Trustee Meeting*; 

3. November 05, 2024 Regular Board of Trustee Meeting*; 

4. November 05, 2024 Decennial Committee Meeting*; 

5. November 05, 2024 Executive Session*; 

6. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 3.1110 - Computation of Hourly Rate of Pay for Part-Time Employees (SECOND READING) AMENDED*; 

7. Course/Curriculum*

Mr. Jones made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as recommend; seconded by Mr. Daniels. 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 3-YEAR AGREEMENT BETWEEN BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF REND LAKE COLLEGE, COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT NO. 521 AND REND LAKE COLLEGE FEDERATION OF TEACHERS, LOCAL NO. 3708 AFT, IFT, AFL-CIO

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve a 3-year Agreement (2024-2025; 2025-2026; 2026-2027) between Board of Trustees Rend Lake College, District No. 521 and Rend Lake College Federation of Teachers, Local No. 3708 AFT, IFT, AFL-CIO with 2 verbiage corrections on first paragraph of page 12 of contract, effective immediately upon Board approval. 

As recommended, Mr. Coy made a motion to approve a 3-year Agreement (2024-2025; 2025-2026; 2026-2027) between Board of Trustees Rend Lake College, District No. 521 and Rend Lake College Federation of Teachers, Local No. 3708 AFT, IFT, AFL-CIO with 2 verbiage corrections on first paragraph of page 12 of contract, effective immediately upon Board approval. This motion was seconded by Mr. Daniels. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

APPROVAL OF 2025-2025, 2026-2027 AND 2027-2028 ACADEMIC CALENDARS 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the 2025- 2026, 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 Academic Calendars as presented. 

As recommended, Mr. Hamson made a motion to approve the 2025-2026, 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 Academic Calendars as presented. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. 

APPROVAL OF 2025-2026 REND LAKE COLLEGE CATALOG (TO BE PROVIDED) 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the 2025- 2026 Rend Lake College Catalog as provided and to authorize addendum as needed. 

As recommended, Mr. Jones made a motion to approve the 2025-2026 Rend Lake College Catalog as provided and to authorize addendum as needed. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

APPROVAL OF REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES CALENDAR YEAR 25 MEETING SCHEDULE 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the schedule of meetings of the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees for calendar year 2025, as presented.

As recommended, Mr. Wielt made a motion to approve the schedule of meetings of the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees for calendar year 2025, as presented. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

DECOMISSION OF DECENNIAL COMMITTEE 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the decommission of the Rend Lake College Decennial Committee, effective December 10, 2024. 

As recommended Mr. Daniels made a motion to approve the decommission of the Rend Lake College Decennial Committee, effective December 10, 2024. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

RATIFY THE AGREEMENT TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE AT AUCTION, AND TO MAKE SUBSEQUENT PURCHASE OF PARCELS OF LAND LOCATED NEAR THE REND LAKE COLLEGE MARKETPLACE 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify the attached agreement to purchase real estate at auction, and to make subsequent purchase of parcels of land located near the Rend Lake College MarketPlace. The two tracts of land join the MarketPlace property to the west and northwest . . . one containing 3.42 acres and a storage building, while the second tract is approximately 10 acres described as vacant property at N. Davidson and Progress Drive. Total purchase price is $270,000 to be paid out of the college’s fund balance of Fund V. 

As recommended Mr. Wielt made a motion to ratify the attached agreement to purchase real estate at auction, and to make subsequent purchase of parcels of land located near the Rend Lake College MarketPlace. The two tracts of land join the MarketPlace property to the west and northwest . . . one containing 3.42 acres and a storage building, while the second tract is approximately 10 acres described as vacant property at N. Davidson and Progress Drive. Total purchase price is $270,000 to be paid out of the college’s fund balance of Fund V. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

PERSONNEL RATIFY ACCEPTANCE OF RETIREMENT RLC CHILDREN’S CENTER LEAD TODDLER ROOM TEACHER 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to accept with regret the resignation of Ms. Jacey Donoho, Lead Toddler Room Teacher at the RLC Children’s Center, effective December 20, 2024. 

As recommended, Mr. Daniels made a motion accept with regret the resignation of Ms. Jacey Donoho, Lead Toddler Room Teacher at the RLC Children’s Center, effective December 20, 2024. This motion was seconded by Mr. Coy. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

APPOINTMENT OF COSMETOLOGY & ESTHETICS INSTRUCTOR 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to appoint Ms. Andrea Jo Beltz as Cosmetology & Esthetics Instructor on a fulltime, 50-week, tenure track industrial contract at an annual salary of $57,260, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, pending a successful background check and successful completion of her AAS degree, effective January 06, 2025. 

As recommended Mr. Hamson made a motion to appoint Ms. Andrea Jo Beltz as Cosmetology & Esthetics Instructor on a full-time, 50-week, tenure track industrial contract at an annual salary of $57,260, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, pending a successful background check and successful completion of her AAS degree, effective January 06, 2025. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes

APPOINTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONICS INSTRUCTOR (TO BE PROVIDED) 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to appoint Mr. Johnnie Doolin as Industrial Electronics Instructor on a fulltime, 50-week tenure track industrial contract at an annual salary of $60,060, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, pending a successful background check, effective January 06,2025. 

As recommended Mr. Wielt made a motion to appoint Mr. Johnnie Doolin as Industrial Electronics Instructor on a full-time, 50-week tenure track industrial contract at an annual salary of $60,060, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year, pending a successful background check, effective January 06, 2025. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes.

PERMISSION TO CREATE POSITION OF DEANPINCKNEYVILLE CAMPUS ADVANCEMENT AND OUTREACH, APPROVE THE JOB DESCRIPTION, AND TRANSFER THE DEAN OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to grant permission to create the position of Dean – Pinckneyville Campus Advancement and Outreach, approve the job description, and transfer Mrs. Andrea Banach to the position, effective January 01, 2025. Mrs. Banach will retain her approved FY 2025 salary. 

As recommended Mr. Wielt made a motion to grant permission to create the position of Dean – Pinckneyville Campus Advancement and Outreach, approve the job description, and transfer Mrs. Andrea Banach to the position, effective January 01, 2025. Mrs. Banach will retain her approved FY 2025 salary. 

This motion was seconded by Mr. Daniels. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. 

NEW BUSINESS/ PERSONNEL 

APPROVAL OF REVISIONS TO REND LAKE COLLEGE POLICY & PROCEDURE 1.5000 – ORGANIZATIONAL CHART AND APPROVAL OF ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE REND LAKE COLLEGE FOUNDATION 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to approve the organizational structure of the Rend Lake College Foundation staff of Rend Lake College. This recommendation includes changes to organizational chart (Policy & Procedure 1.5000), changes to titles and accompanying job descriptions, as well as respective salaries, effective January 01, 2025. These individuals are not eligible for salary increases in FY 2026 

As recommended Mr. Daniels made a motion to approve the organizational structure of the Rend Lake College Foundation staff of Rend Lake College. This recommendation includes changes to organizational chart (Policy & Procedure 1.5000), changes to titles and accompanying job descriptions, as well as respective salaries, effective January 01, 2025. These individuals are not eligible for salary increases in FY 2026. This motion was seconded by Mr. Wielt. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. 

FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

RATIFICATION OF THE PAYMENT OF COLLEGE EXPENSES INCLUDING TRAVEL EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS 

Mr. Wilkerson recommended to ratify the payment of college expenses including travel expense reimbursements as presented, effective December, 10 2024.

As recommended Mr. Daniels made a motion to ratify the payment of college expenses including travel expense reimbursements as presented, effective December 10, 2024. This motion was seconded by Mr. Jones. On a roll call vote, all voted yes. Student Trustee voted yes. 

REPORTS 

ACADEMIC COUNCIL 

Mr. Greg Hollman reported their last meeting was on November 20th with the following changes/additions sent on to ICCB: a new nursing course; inactivating two computer programming courses; and a criminal justice and office technology assistant courses change that did not require reporting to ICCB. 

ICCTA REPRESENTATIVE 

No Report 

REND LAKE COLLEGE FOUNDATION President Terry Wilkerson reported that the Foundation Annual Dinner is this Thursday. Alumni of the Year, Jaci & Lee Wyatt, will be honored at the dinner. De’Vonna Boyd will be recognized as our student spotlight and talk about her journey at RLC in the Nursing Program, and several individuals will be honored for their commitment to The Game Plan. It should be a nice evening. The next Foundation Board of Director meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 6th, 2025. 

ACCREDITATION 

Dr. Chad Copple reported there has been no action yet on the Quality Initiative proposal. Mr. Copple also reported a group is being assembled to go to the HLC Annual Conference next April in Chicago. ERP Dr. Chad Copple reported the Colleague implementation project itself is coming to an end. We have one-off meetings on Payroll and Financial Aid yet this month, and for 10-98T processing and Business Office functions in January. The contract with BHA officially ended November 30th. Mr. Copple also reported of a few issues needing to be worked out with transcripts. We will be working with the Ellucian consultants and, if necessary, BHA to get these ironed out. BHA has offered a pool of 200 hours to be used over the course of the next year for any Colleague situation; these are time and materials hours, so if they are not used, we do not pay for them. 

OBSOLETE EQUIPMENT 

Mr. Donnie Millenbine reported an old auto lift ½ ton to be sold on deals.gov. 

PUBLIC COMMENT 

NONE 

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS 

President Terry Wilkerson gave a thank you to the Board Members and told everyone to enjoy the holidays. 

ADJOURNMENT 

There being no other business, at 8:11 PM all Trustees present voted aye in favor of adjourning. 

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

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