Southern Illinois News

Kaskaskia Community College District #501 Board of Trustees met Oct. 28.

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, October 28, 2024, 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, Laura Wedekemper, and Student Trustee Connor Wademan.

Kevin Noll, Legal Counsel from Robbins Schwartz attended the meeting in person.

College staff members attending in person were George Evans, Michael Christensen, Cary Day, Cynthia Field, Travis Field, Joy Fitts, Sara Hanks, Chris Holloway, Darrell Johnson, George Kriss, Traci Masau, Julie Obermark, Karol Potter, Shawn Richards, Lisa Ring, Craig Roper, Jeff Thomas, Nathan Wilkins, and Amy Zanton.

Media attending in person was Steven Stilt of WJBD radio.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

Chair Hawley led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

RECOGNITION 

President Evans welcomed everyone and introduced new employees Jeff Thomas, Director of Purchasing and Darrell Johnson, Assistant Professor of Residential/ Commercial Electrical Technology.

President Evans then welcomed and introduced Mayor Rick Gottman of the City of Vandalia and Cynthia Field, EMT/Paramedicine Program Facilitator and Travis Field, Healthcare Simulation Lab Technician/AHA Coordinator who were present to represent the Paramedicine Program. Mayor Gottman presented a check in the amount of $50,000 to go toward the costs of relocating the Paramedicine Program from the Main Campus to the Vandalia Education Center. Mayor Gottman presented the check on behalf of an anonymous donor who wished to partner with the College to bring a program to the Vandalia Campus. The need for trained emergency services personnel in the Vandalia area identified the opportunity to move the Paramedicine Program to the Vandalia Education Center.

RESOLUTION 24-47 

Motion by Mr. Beasley to adopt Resolution 24-47 recognizing the value of Registered Apprenticeship as an effective earn-and-learn model for students, workers, and employers; and supporting the partnership between industry, workforce development, and career and technical education during the 10th anniversary of National Apprenticeship Week: November 17, 2024, through November 23, 2024.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

PUBLIC COMMENT 

None

CONSENT AGENDA 

Items on the Consent Agenda included

September 23, 2024 Budget Hearing Minutes

September 23, 2024 Regular Meeting Minutes

Ratification and approval of disbursements and payrolls for September 2024 which includes travel reimbursements for board members and College employees if any requested reimbursement exceeds maximum allowable costs, Treasurer Report, Budget Report, Personnel Report, Kaskaskia College Foundation Report, and Kaskaskia College Friends of Fine Arts Report. Administrative Reports include the Executive Services Report, Administrative Services Report, Institutional Support and Technology Services Report, Instructional Services Report, and Student Services Report.

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to accept the Consent Agenda.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

OLD UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

None

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 are as follows:

The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or specific volunteers of the public body or legal counsel for the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee, a specific individual who serves as an independent contractor in a park, recreational, or educational setting, or a volunteer of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity; 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), and

Student disciplinary cases; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(9), and

Litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the particular public body has been filed and is pending before a court or administrative tribunal, or when the public body finds that an action is probable or imminent, in which case the basis for the finding shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the closed meeting; 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11);

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved and the meeting entered closed session at 6:52 p.m. Motion by Mr. Beasley 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    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved and closed session ended, and open session resumed at 7:14 p.m.

RESOLUTION 24-48 

RESOLUTION ON INTENT TO LEVY AN EQUITY TAX PURSUANT TO SECTION 3- 14.3 OF THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE ACT 

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 24-48 approving the intent to levy an equity tax for purposes of a combined educational and operations and maintenance rate of 28.72 cents per $100 of assessed valuation in accordance with the provisions of Section 3-14.3, which represents an equity rate of 3.72 cents as stipulated in the terms set forth in the letter of eligibility.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 24-49 

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PROTECTION, HEALTH AND SAFETY (PHS) PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026 

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 24-49 approving the recommended Protection, Health, and Safety Project for Fiscal Year 2026 for repair and alteration as follows:

Gymnasium Addition Project	$1,240,876
TOTAL	$1,240,876

President Evans clarified that the project involves the tying-in of the new facility with the existing Gymnasium and Fitness Center.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 24-50 

RESOLUTION TO RENAME THE KASKASKIA COLLEGE ART STUDIO TO THE VIOLET HOLLENBERG ART STUDIO 

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 24-50 wholeheartedly approving the renaming of the Kaskaskia College Art Studio to the Violet Hollenberg Art Studio in recognition of her remarkable legacy of service and for her enduring contributions to the arts.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 24-51 

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT 

Motion by Linda Stover to adopt Resolution 24-51 declaring the equipment listed be declared as “no longer needed for College purposes” and that the College Administration dispose of such equipment in accordance with College Policy #2.6001.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF 2025 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING CALENDAR Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting Calendar as presented.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF NEW STUDENT CLUB CHARTER - CHEM THE SCIENCE CLUB Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the charter and formation of Chem the Science Club.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF NEW STUDENT CLUB CHARTER – ESPORTS CLUB Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the charter and formation of the Esports Club.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER FY25 SMART START WORKFORCE GRANT – WAGE INCREASE 

Motion by Linda Stover to approve the retroactive hourly pay increase for the Child Care Teachers at the Children’s Learning Center from $18.23 an hour to $18.25 an hour effective October 1, 2024, for fiscal year 2025. This adjustment meets the wage floor required by the Smart Start Workforce Grant.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF STUDENT SERVICES RESTRUCTURE 

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the Student Services Restructure as recommended with an effective date of January 2, 2025, to include:

• Revised Job Description for the Dean of Enrollment Services at a salary of $106,541.43.

• Addition of International Student Liaison internal job posting at a supplemental contract of $2,600.

• Restructure of Director of Retention and Support Services to Dean of Student Success at a salary of $89,844.86.

• Addition of ACE Manager internal job posting at a supplemental contract of $4,000.

• Elimination of the Regional Director of Education Center position.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT OF ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY Motion by Bryan Holthaus to accept with regrets the resignation of Jay Garrett as the Associate Professor of Psychology effective May 31, 2025.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

Approved 12/02/24

APPROVAL OF RESIGNATION OF CNA PROGRAM COORDINATOR Motion by Bryan Holthaus to accept the resignation of Mandy Wollin as the CNA Program Coordinator effective October 30, 2024.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF CNA PROGRAM COORDINATOR (REPLACEMENT POSITION) 

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the hire of Amanda Krydynski into the CNA Program Facilitator position, at a base salary of $58,656 with eligibility for fringe benefits and a start date of November 18, 2024.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

FINAL READING AND APPROVAL – REVISED PROHIBITING SEX DISCRIMINATION POLICY 5.1001 

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the final reading of the revised Prohibiting Sex Based Misconduct Policy 5.1001 to include the renaming of the policy as the “Prohibiting Sex Discrimination Policy”.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes         Louis Kalert yes

Craig Finke yes          Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes           Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes    Connor Wademan yes

Motion was approved.

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS 

A. Approval of Bids to Repair Nashville Education Center

B. Approval of Bids to Repair Roof at Trenton Education Center

C. Contractor for Storage Shelter (100% Community Project Funding/Congressional Directed Spending Grant)

D. Approval of Employment of Instructional Services Precision Agriculture Facilitator

E. Resolution to Approve the 2024 Tax Levy – Fiscal Year 2026 (November)

F. Resolution to Abate the Tax Levy for Series 2018 General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source) for 2024 Levy, Fiscal Year 2026 (November)

G. Resolution for Approval of Commercial Property, Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance Coverages

TRUSTEE AND PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS AND REPORTS 

STUDENT TRUSTEE REPORT 

Student Trustee Connor Wademan presented an oral report to the Board which summarized the following:

• On October 1, 2024, Kaskaskia College hosted the annual Kaskaskia College Grade School Cross Country Meet on the main campus. Both the junior varsity and varsity teams from local grade schools in the area competed in the event.

• The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Pinning was held on October 9, 2024.

• President Evans held a Student Forum on October 10, 2024. Students reported there was good discussion amongst students present and President Evens. The students complimented the food that was provided at the forum.

• The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Student Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting was held virtually on October 18, 2024. Student Trustees collaborated regarding the issues affecting community college students on their respective campus. The group also discussed the “Feed the Need Drive” which is a food drive being held across all participating community colleges in the State of Illinois to collectively address the food insecurity of community college students.

• Registration for the Spring 2025 semester opened October 21, 2024.

• The College will be hosting a Halloween Bash on October 31, 2024.

• The High School Career Fair will be held on May 1, 2024.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS 

• The Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) Fall Enrollment Report was very positive for community colleges across Illinois. The College will be issuing a press release to highlight the successes as reported by ICCB. President Evans noted that while increased enrollment is great, the success of students in industry and the workforce is equally a contributing factor to the positive report outcomes.

• Enduring Freedom is scheduled for November 6, 2024. The guest speaker will be Angie Zahn whose spouse suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Angie is a PTSD spousal support advocate and works with families on coping mechanisms. The documentary film Trauma Comes Home – Hope for the Warrior Family will be shown in the Auditorium at 11:00 a.m. and again at 6:00 p.m. On Thursday training will be provided free of charge to family members of individuals suffering with PTSD and veterans.

• President Evans held a student forum on October 10, 2024. Over 100 students completed the survey. Students were very complimentary of their experiences at the College.

• President Evans advised the Board of a change to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) which requires institutions pay a certain threshold wage to an individual or make the individual eligible for overtime. The Senior Leadership Team is reviewing positions and job descriptions and making necessary changes to meet the FLSA requirements.

• The annual gala sponsored by the Kaskaskia College Foundation is scheduled for November 16, 2024, in the Lifelong Learning Center. Funds raised at the gala help fund KC Now programs and provide scholarships to students with financial need.

ADJOURNMENT 

Motion by Jim Beasley to adjourn. All members voted yes by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.

https://www.kaskaskia.edu/media/web-assets/documents/board-minutes-amp-agendas/october/10-28-24-APPROVED-Board-of-Trustees-Minutes-w-Resolutions.pdf