Kaskaskia Community College District #501 Board of Trustees met Feb. 23.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
ROLL CALL/ATTENDANCE
Chair Bill Hawley convened a regular meeting of the Board of Trustees (Board) on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the Kaskaskia College (College) main campus.
Trustees present at the meeting in person were Jim Beasley, Craig Finke, Bill Hawley, Bryan Holthaus, Louis Kalert, Linda Stover, and Laura Wedekemper. Student Trustee Meagan Mahlandt was present in person.
Kevin Noll, Legal Counsel from Robbins Schwartz attended the meeting in person.
College staff members attending in person were President George Evans, Madison Althoff, Cary Day, Steven Foutch, Sara Hanks, Kellie Henegar, Chris Holloway, Laura Huge, Traci Masau, Julie Obermark, Staci Palm, Karol Potter, Lisa Ring, Alexus Tate, Jeff Thomas, Kylee Williams, and Amy Zanton.
Media attending in person was Steven Stilt of WJBD radio.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Hawley led in the Pledge of Allegiance.
RECOGNITION
President Evans welcomed everyone present and introduced new employees Nashville Education Center Coordinator Madison Althoff and Workforce Empowerment Initiative Coach/Workforce Partnership Coordinator Alexus Tate.
RESOLUTION 26-08
RESOLUTION IN RECOGNITION AND SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) MONTH
Motion by Jim Beasley to adopt Resolution 26-08 to recognize the month of February 1-28, 2026 as “National CTE Month” and to remain committed to ensuring the role the institution plays in providing a qualified and thriving workforce to maintain a strong district economy.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Jim Beasley to accept the Consent Agenda which includes the February 3, 2026 regular meeting minutes; financial reports for the period ending January 31, 2026; disbursements and payroll reports for January 2026; and the personnel, Friends of Fine Arts, Kaskaskia College Foundation, and Administrative Reports for February 2026.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
OLD UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
CLOSED SESSION
Motion by Jim Beasley to enter Closed Session in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, and pursuant to Section 2(c) of the Act, the specific reasons for conducting an executive session meeting were as follows:
Discussions regarding performance, discipline, dismissal, or hiring of a specific named employee or legal counsel; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1); and
Collective negotiating matters between the public body and its employees or their representatives, or deliberations concerning salary schedules for one or more classes of employees; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(2)
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved and the meeting entered closed session at 6:35 p.m. Motion by Laura Wedekemper to end closed session and resume open session.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved, closed session ended, and open session resumed at 6:48 p.m.
RESOLUTION 26-09
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TUITION AND FEE RATES FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2026- 2027 (FISCAL YEAR 2027)
Motion by Linda Stover to adopt Resolution 26-09 approving tuition and fees rates for fiscal year 2026-2027 (beginning Summer 2026) as follows:
1. In-District Tuition will be maintained at $140.00 per credit hour with Mandatory fees at $26.00 per credit hour for a total in-district tuition and fee credit hour rate of $166.00.
2. Out-of-District Tuition be maintained at $239.00 per credit hour with Mandatory Fees at $26.00 per credit hour, for a total Out-of-District credit hour rate of $265.00.
3. Out-of-State and International Tuition be maintained at $399.00 per credit hour with Mandatory Fees at $26.00 per credit hour, for total Out-of-State and International credit hour rate of $425.00.
4. Out of district, out-of-state, and international online tuition will be $150.00 per credit hour with mandatory fees at $26.00 per credit hour for a total rate of $176.00.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
RESOLUTION 26-10
RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A USED CARGO VAN WITH PURCHASE TO BE RATIFIED AT A SUBSEQUENT BOARD MEETING (3-YEAR CAPITAL PLAN)
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 26-10 authorizing the purchase of a used cargo van at a price not to exceed $40,000 with the purchase to be ratified at a subsequent Board meeting.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
RESOLUTION 26-11
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF SCHOLARSHIP SELECTION SOFTWARE (100% INSTITUTIONALLY FUNDED)
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 26-11 authorizing the Information Technology Department renew the AwardSpring Scholarship Management Platform for a three-year contract from AwardSpring, Chicago, IL, in an amount not to exceed $30,144.30.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
RESOLUTION 26-12
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE (100% INSTITUTIONALLY FUNDED)
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 26-12 authorizing the Information Technology Department renew ThreatDown Anti-Virus Software for a one‑year term at a cost not to exceed $37,118.00, purchased from Insight Public Sector, Chandler, AZ.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
APPROVAL OF NEW POSITION OF NURSING FACULTY
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the advertising and recruitment of an Assistant Professor of Nursing at a base salary consistent with the KCFT salary scale. This position will be eligible for applicable fringe benefits.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to accept the retirement of Linda Still as Administrative Assistant Career & Technical Education effective June 30, 2026.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
APPROVAL OF RECLASSIFICATION OF VACANT BUILDINGS & GROUNDS POSITION FROM 30 HOURS TO 40 HOURS
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the replacement of a 30-hour Building and Grounds Technician position with a 40-hour position with an hourly wage of $17.42. This is a Carpenters union position and is eligible for fringe benefits.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF BUILDINGS & GROUNDS TECHNICIAN (REPLACEMENT POSITION)
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the employment of Robert Meyer for the position of Buildings & Grounds Technician at a rate of $17.42 per hour with a tentative start date of March 23, 2026, pending reference and background checks. This position is a Carpenters’ union position and is eligible for fringe benefits.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
APPROVAL OF WAGE ADJUSTMENT RECOMMENDATION FOR BUILDINGS & GROUNDS TECHNICIANS
Motion by Bryan Holthaus to increase the Buildings & Grounds Technician pay to $17.42/hour effective March 23, 2026, for the following employees: Janelle Lyons and Cameron Meredith to a new base salary from $17.22/hour to $17.42/hour and Jeff Howe and Geonesa Yaco-Lange to a new base salary from $16.72/hour to $17.42/hour. These full-time positions are members of the Carpenter’s Union and are eligible for fringe benefits.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
APPROVAL OF RESIGNATION OF PROBATIONARY FACULTY MEMBER Motion by Bryan Holthaus to accept the resignation of Marcus Abston as Assistant Professor of Biology effective May 18, 2026.
Roll call:
Jim Beasley yes Louis Kalert yes
Craig Finke yes Linda Stover yes
Bill Hawley yes Laura Wedekemper yes
Bryan Holthaus yes Meagan Mahlandt yes
Motion was approved.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
A. Resolution to Approve the Purchase of Plasma Table (100% Perkins Leadership Grant Funded) (March)
B. Restructure of Professor of Construction Occupations Position
TRUSTEE AND PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS AND REPORTS
STUDENT TRUSTEE REPORT
Student Trustee Meagan Mahlandt presented an oral report to the Board which summarized the following:
• A free welcome back breakfast with various clubs setting up tables to help students connect and get involved was held on February 12, 2026.
• A Mental Health and Wellness Student Huddle was held on February 17, 2026. Attendees were provided with information on campus mental health resources and access to the counselor.
• A High School Art Show where students showcased their projects to the public was held on February 19, 2026.
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted a free praise concert featuring a performance by The 618 on February 22, 2026.
• Phi Theta Kappa and the Standing Ovation Society are collaborating on a joint fundraiser benefiting the Bond County Humane Society.
• During Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Week, FBLA students hosted Carlyle High School FBLA for a session featuring President Evans as the speaker.
• The Ag Club attended the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Conference in Peoria on February 6–7, 2026 participating in breakout sessions, networking, and leadership development.
• The dental assisting program attended a midwinter dental convention in Chicago and organized a fundraising raffle during the welcome breakfast.
• The welding department has begun practice sessions for the annual high school building competition.
• Multiple students received awards at the Spring Illinois PAS Conference at Heartland Community College.
• Students are excited to propose a new Ecology Club which would develop ideas to enhance campus scenery and create ideas for the campus ecological system.
• The Turning Point USA Club kicks off its club activities with a watch party for the State of the Union address on February 24, 2026.
• Explore KC Day is scheduled for February 27, 2026. High school students and prospective students are invited to main campus for information sessions, a complimentary lunch, and guided campus tours.
• Student Trustee Mahlandt attended the National Legislative Summit in Washington D.C. at the beginning of February. Student Trustees met and discussed problems facing college students on both the state and national legislative level. Ms. Mahlandt will share key takeaways at the next Student Congress meeting.
PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS
• President Evans thanked Vice President of Student Services Amy Zanton and Student Trustee Meagan Mahlandt for representing Kaskaskia College at the National Legislative Summit in Washington D.C.
• The soft opening of the new Gymnasium was held on February 21, 2026, with both the Blue Angels and the Blue Devils basketball teams celebrating their first games in the new facility. The ribbon cutting and grand opening will be held sometime in March or April.
• Referring to the summary of Governor Pritzker’s State of the Budget address, President Evans noted that community college funding rose by only 1% over last year. This increase applies to the College’s operating budget only. The College will continue directing efforts toward student enrollment to maximize reimbursable credit hours.
• Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) will be entering into a new partnership designed to expand access to affordable, high quality agricultural bachelor’s degrees to students at Kaskaskia College. The institutions will be signing a celebratory agreement on February 24, 2026. The degree program courses will be taught by SIUC faculty on the Kaskaskia College main campus and online. The new partnership allows students to transfer to SIUC classes offered at Kaskaskia College while remaining in district and maintaining current employment.
• Explore KC Day scheduled for February 27, 2026 is a 5-year-old initiative that offers prospective students and their families the opportunity to visit the main campus, have lunch, tour the campus, and meet faculty and staff.
• President Evans commended the administrative team for navigating tough financial times and uncertainty, delivering a zero percent increase in tuition and fees. This stands as a testament to the College’s commitment to keeping costs affordable for students.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Jim Beasley to adjourn. All members voted yes by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
https://www.kaskaskia.edu/media/web-assets/documents/board-minutes-amp-agendas/february/02-23-26-APPROVED-Board-Minutes-w-Resolutions-for-Posting.pdf
