Southern Illinois News

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees met April 22.

Here are the minutes provided by the board

1. Call to Order & Roll Call - Chairman Gary Carter called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. and directed Board Secretary Sonja Wease to call the roll.

Susan Batchelor: Present

John Brooks: Present

Roger Browning: Present

Gary Carter: Present

Brenda Culver: Present

Jan Ridgely: Present

Barbara Shimer: Present

Present: 7, Absent: 0.

2. Welcome from the Chair - Chairman Carter welcomed all who were present for the meeting.

3. Recognition of Visitors and Guests

3.A. Visitors and Guests - Courtney Crawford, Leslie Burtis, Bree Holdren, Debra Brooks, Cassandra Goldman, Amber Malone, Alex Cline, Nixie Hnetkovsky, Steve Hnetkovsky, Linda Monge, Jody Peach, Danielle Trapp, Tracy Smith, Kristina Isaac, Doug Robb, and Chase Bramlet.

3.B. IECCEA Representative - Nixie Hnetkovsky was present to support the vote for the Collective Bargaining Agreement and discuss the importance and intent of the Memorandums of Agreement being presented.

4. Public Comments - None

5. Reports

5.A. Trustees

5.A.i. Recognition of Trustee John Brooks - Chairman Carter and Chancellor Gower recognized and appreciated outgoing Trustee John Brooks for nearly two decades of service to the district.

5.B. Chancellor

5.B.i. Recognition of Chief Information Officer Alex Cline - Chancellor Gower recognized and appreciated Alex Cline for 28 years of distinguished service to IECC.

6. Resolution of Results of April 1, 2025 Election

Motion to approve the adoption of the Resolution Declaring Election Results of the April 1, 2025 Election and declaring that candidates Susan Batchelor and John McLaughlin were duly elected to serve full terms as trustees and Roger Browning was duly elected to serve a two-year term as trustee. Document Registry 25-04-01. This motion, made by Brenda Culver and seconded by Barbara Shimer, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, John Brooks: Abstain, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0, Abstain: 0

7. Adjournment of Board- Sine Die

Motion to adjourn Sine Die and begin new business of the new board. This motion, made by Barbara Shimer and seconded by Jan Ridgely, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

Chancellor Assumes Chair: Ryan Gower, Chancellor, assumed the Chair for purposes of organization of the new Board of Trustees.

8. Organization of New Board - The Board of Trustees organized as follows:

8.A. Appointment of Temporary Secretary

Motion to appoint Brenda Culver as Temporary Secretary. This motion, made by Gary Carter and seconded by Susan Batchelor, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, John Brooks: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 6, Nay: 0

8.B. Oath of Office and Seating of Student Trustee and Trustees Elected April 1, 2025 - The oath of office was administered to Trustees Susan Batchelor, John McLaughlin, and Roger Browning.

"I hereby assume the office of Member of the Board of Trustees for Community College District #529 and that I will faithfully discharge the duties and obligations of this office and will support and defend the Constitution of the State of Illinois and the Constitution of the United States of America."

The oath of office was also administered to Ms. Mireya Rose, a student at Wabash Valley College

8.C. Roll Call - The Chair directed roll call of the new Board. The Secretary called the roll of members present and the following trustees answered to their names as called and were found to be present:

Susan Batchelor: Present

Roger Browning: Present

Gary Carter: Present

Brenda Culver: Present

John McLaughlin: Present

Jan Ridgely: Present

Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Present

Barbara Shimer: Present

Present: 7. Absent: 0.

(Note: In accordance with Board of Trustees Policy No. 100.4, the student trustee shall have an advisory vote, to be recorded in the Board Minutes. The advisory vote may not be counted in declaring a motion to have passed or failed.)

8.D. Election of Chairman - Chancellor Gower acting as Chair asked for nominations for Chairman.

Motion to elect Gary Carter as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. This motion, made by Brenda Culver and seconded by Roger Browning, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

8.E. Election of Vice-Chairman - Chairman Carter asked for nominations for Vice Chair. Motion to elect Brenda Culver as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. This motion, made by Susan Batchelor and seconded by Gary Carter, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea.

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

8.F. Election of Secretary Pro Tempore - Chairman Carter asked for nominations for Board Secretary.

Motion to elect Barbara Shimer as Secretary Pro Tempore. This motion, made by Brenda Culver and seconded by Susan Batchelor, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

8.G. Resolution for Adoption of Rules, Regulations, and Actions of Prior Boards Motion to approve the resolution to adopt all rules, regulations, policies, and actions of prior Boards of Trustees including any changes and revisions. Document Registry 25-04-02. This motion, made by Susan Batchelor and seconded by Barbara Shimer, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea.

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

8.H. Resolution for Time and Place of Board Meetings

Motion to adopt the resolution listing dates, times, and locations of regular monthly meetings for the remainder of the calendar year 2025. This motion made by Roger Browning and seconded by John McLaughlin, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

9. Appointment of Positions

Motion to approve the re-appointment of Ryan Hawkins as District Treasurer and Sonja Wease as Board Secretary and Ethics Officer. This motion, made by Susan Batchelor and seconded by Mireya Rose, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer:

Yea Yea: 7, Nay: 0

10. Approval of Consent Agenda

Motion to approve the consent agenda as presented. This motion, made by Susan Batchelor and seconded by Barbara Shimer, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

10.A. Disposition of Minutes - Open meeting minutes as prepared for the regular meeting held on March 18, 2025 and special meetings held on March 27, 2025 and April 3, 2025 were presented for approval.

10.B. Affiliation Agreements Chancellor recommend approval of the affiliation agreement with Haven of Bridgeport.

10.C. Revised 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting Schedule - A resolution listing the dates, times and locations of regular monthly meetings for the remainder of calendar year 2025. The meetings will continue to be held on the third Tuesday of each month 15 6:15 p.m., except for the May meeting which shall be on the fourth Tuesday and the December 2025 meeting, which will be held on the second Tuesday. Meeting location will rotate between the four colleges, as follows:

Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Frontier Community College

Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Lincoln Trail College

Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Olney Central College

Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Wabash Valley College

Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Frontier Community College

Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Lincoln Trail College

Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Olney Central College

Tuesday. December 9, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Wabash Valley College

11. Action on Items Removed from Consent Agenda - None

12. Policy First Reading (and Possible Approval)

12.A. Policy 200.2 Appropriate Use of IT Document Registry 25-04-03

Motion to waive a second reading and approve revisions to Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources Policy (200.2) to reinforce the use of IECC email accounts for professional correspondence. This motion, made by John McLaughlin and seconded by Roger Browning, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

13. Policy Second Reading - None

14. Staff Recommendations for Approval

14.A. Resolution setting forth and describing in detail claims heretofore authorized and allowed for proper community college purposes which are presently outstanding and unpaid, declaring the intention to avail of the provisions of Article 3A of the Public Community College Act of the State of Illinois, as amended, and to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $8,000,000 for the purpose of paying claims against the District, and directing that notice of such intention be published as provided by law. Document Registry 25-04-04 Motion to adopt a resolution of intent to issue bonds not to exceed $8,000,000 for the purpose of paying claims of the District, direct that notice of such intention to issue the bonds be given as provided by law, and defines the claims to be paid. This motion, made by Roger Browning and seconded by Susan Batchelor, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

14.B. Resolution expressing official intent regarding certain expenditures to be reimbursed from proceeds of an obligation to be issued by the District. Document Registry 25-04-05 Motion to adopt a resolution expressing official intent to reimburse the District. This motion, made by John McLaughlin and seconded by Barbara Shimer, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

14.C. Capital Project Budget Amendment Recommendation

Motion to authorize modifications to the construction budgets of both Capital Development Projects at Lincoln Trail College and a future athletic facility at Frontier Community College. Document Registry 25-04-06 This motion, made by Jan Ridgely and seconded by Susan Batchelor, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

15. Bid Committee Report - None

16. District Finance

16.A. Financial Report

16.B. Approval of Financial Obligations

Motion to approve payment of district obligations for April 2025 in the total amount of $1,710,670.41. This motion, made by Jan Ridgely and seconded by Roger Browning, Carried. Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

17. Executive Session

Motion to enter executive session under Open Meetings Act Exceptions 2(c)(1) Employment Matters; 2(c)(2) Collective Negotiating Matters; & 2(c)(12) Litigation at 6:57 p.m. This motion, made by Brenda Culver and seconded by Barbara Shimer, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

Motion to adjourn executive session Open Meetings Act Exceptions 2(c)(1) Employment Matters; 2(c)(2) Collective Negotiating Matters; & 2(c)(12) Litigation at 8:21 p.m. This motion, made by Brenda Culver and seconded by Susan Batchelor, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

18. Approval of Executive Session Minutes - None

19. Approval of Personnel Report

400.1 Employment of Personnel

A. Administrative

1. Dr. Cathy Robb, Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs effective May 19, 2025

2. Chief Information Officer, District Office

B. Professional Non-Faculty, Exempt

1. Daniel Shugars, Head Women's Basketball Coach, LTC effective June 1, 2025

2. Grayson Flittner, Head Men's Basketball Coach, OCC effective April 28, 2025

C. Classified, Non-Faculty, Non-Exempt

1. Tanara Ryden, TRIO Student Support Services Academic Advisor, OCC, Student

Affairs effective April 28, 2025

400.2 Approval of Contracts for College Presidents/Vice Chancellors

400.3 Change in Status

1. Sharmila Kakac, Dean of Business & Industry to FCC President/Vice Chancellor of Business & Industry effective July 1, 2025

400.4 Approval of Faculty Voluntary Separation Incentive Plan Agreement(s)

1. Curtis Allen Brown - Voluntary Separation effective May 8, 2025

2. Anne Hustad - Voluntary Separation effective July 31, 2025

3. Rob Mason - Voluntary Separation effective July 31, 2025

4. Anuradha Roy - Voluntary Separation effective July 31, 2025

5. Kristi Urfer - Voluntary Separation effective May 31, 2025

6. Juliana James - Voluntary Separation effective May 31, 2025

7. Reno Bemont - Voluntary Separation effective July 31, 2025

400.5 Resignation Ratification(s)

1. Luke Scheidecker, Head Women's Basketball Coach, WVC effective April 11, 2025

Motion to approve the personnel report as presented. This motion, made by Roger Browning and seconded by Barbara Shimer, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

20. Collective Bargaining

20.A. Approval of Three-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement with Bargaining Unit Faculty Motion to adopt the 2023-2026 Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement between the District and the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Education Association (ICCEA) as presented. Document Registry 25-05-07 This motion, made by Susan Batchelor and seconded by Barbara Shimer, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

20.B. Approval of the Joint Faculty Evaluation Committee Memorandum of Agreement An up/down vote was taken on the Joint Evaluation Committee Memorandum of Agreement as presented. Document Registry 25-05-08. Failed.

Susan Batchelor: Nay, Roger Browning: Nay, Gary Carter: Nay, Brenda Culver: Nay, John McLaughlin: Nay, Jan Ridgely: Nay, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Nay, Barbara Shimer:

Nay

Yea: 0, Nay: 7

20.C. Approval of Distance Learning Education Memorandum of Agreement

An up/down vote was taken on the Distance Learning Education Committee Memorandum of Agreement as presented. Document Registry 25-05-09 Failed.

Susan Batchelor: Nay, Roger Browning: Nay, Gary Carter: Nay, Brenda Culver: Nay, John McLaughlin: Nay, Jan Ridgely: Nay, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Nay, Barbara Shimer: Nay

Yea: 0, Nay: 7

21. Litigation - None

22. Other Items - None

23. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn at 8:43 p.m. This motion, made by Brenda Culver and seconded by Mireya Rose, Carried.

Susan Batchelor: Yea, Roger Browning: Yea, Gary Carter: Yea, Brenda Culver: Yea, John McLaughlin: Yea, Jan Ridgely: Yea, Mireya Rose (Student Trustee): Yea, Barbara Shimer: Yea

Yea: 7, Nay: 0

https://meetings.boardbook.org/Documents/CustomMinutesForMeeting/2652?meeting=685222