Southern Illinois News

Kaskaskia Community College District #501 Board of Trustees met May 19.

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, May 19, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Vandalia Education Center.

APPOINTMENT OF PRO-TEMPORE SECRETARY

Chair Bill Hawley appointed Bryan Holthaus as Pro-Tempore Secretary until the arrival of Laura Wedekemper. Mrs. Wedekemper arrived at 6:45 p.m. just prior to Closed Session and assumed the duties of Secretary.

Trustees present at the meeting in person were Jim Beasley, Bill Hawley, Bryan Holthaus, Louis Kalert, Linda Stover, Laura Wedekemper, and Student Trustee Meagan Mahlandt. Trustee Craig Finke was absent.

College staff members attending in person were George Evans, Cary Day, Sara Hanks, Chris Holloway, George Kriss, Julie Obermark, Staci Palm, Karol Potter, Lisa Ring, Jeff Thomas, and Amy Zanton.

Members of the public present were Rick Gottman, former Mayor of Vandalia and Danny Stover.

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

RESOLUTION 25-23

RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MAYOR RICK GOTTMAN

Motion by Jim Beasley to adopt Resolution 25-23 honoring and commending Rick Gottman for his exceptional service and dedication to the City of Vandalia and Kaskaskia College and extending heartfelt gratitude for his friendship, leadership, vision, and steadfast commitment to both the College and the community he has served.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper not present

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES FOR 2025-2026

Chair Hawley made the following appointments:

ICCTA Representative – Jim Beasley

Alternate ICCTA Representative – Laura Wedekemper

Foundation Trustee & Director Representative – Craig Finke

Friends of Fine Arts Representative – Linda Stover

Alumni and Friends Representative – Louis Kalert

KCSA Representative – Bryan Holthaus

CONSENT AGENDA

Items on the Consent Agenda included

April 28, 2025 Regular Meeting Minutes

Ratification and approval of disbursements and payrolls for April 2025 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 Jim Beasley to accept the Consent Agenda.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper not present

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

OLD UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

CLOSED SESSION

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to enter Closed Session in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, and pursuant to Section 2(c) of the Act with the specific reason for conducting a Closed Session meeting being 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).

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved and the meeting entered closed session at 6:46 p.m. Motion by Jim Beasley to end closed session and resume open session.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

Motion was approved and closed session ended, and open session resumed at 6:59 p.m.

RESOLUTION 25-24

RESOLUTION ABATING A PORTION OF MONIES FROM THE WORKING CASH FUND TO THE PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY FUND

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 25-24 approving the resolution abating a portion of monies from the Working Cash Fund to the Protection, Health, and Safety Fund as presented to the Board of Trustees in the May 19, 2025 board materials as a temporary transfer to be replenished when anticipated revenues are received.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 25-25

APPROVAL OF PHASE III: 2023 WAGE ANALYSIS STUDY AND APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 25-25 thereby approving base salary adjustments of 4% for all non-collective bargaining employees for the fiscal year July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026; approving the 2024-2025 $500 incentive payment, based upon the College’s achievement of 64,750 reimbursable credit hours; approving the implementation of Phase III wage classification adjustments; and approving President Evans to discuss compensation adjustments and memorandums of agreement with collective bargaining unit representatives. 

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF REVISED 2026 SUMMER ACADEMIC CALENDAR

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve revisions to the 2026 Summer Academic Calendar as presented.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 25-26

RESOLUTION ON REAPPOINTMENT OF FIRST-YEAR PROBATIONARY FACULTY TO SECOND YEAR STATUS, SECOND-YEAR PROBATIONARY FACULTY TO THIRD-YEAR STATUS, THIRD YEAR PROBATIONARY FACULTY TO TENURE STATUS

Motion by Linda Stover to adopt Resolution 25-26 approving the following recommendations of Mrs. Julie Obermark, Provost & Vice President of Instructional Services and Mr. George Evans, President of Kaskaskia College effective with the 2025-2026 academic year, which begins August 13, 2025:

First-year probationary faculty members recommended for second-year probationary employment.

• Arts and Sciences

o Marcus Abston

o Nathan Young

• Career and Technical Education

o Darrell Johnson

• Health Sciences

o Tori Lueke

Second-year probationary faculty members recommended for third-year probationary employment.

• Arts and Sciences

o Cody Paul

• Health Sciences

o Mary Beth Suedmeyer

Third-year probationary faculty members recommended for tenured employment.

• Arts and Sciences

o Josie Spihlmann

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 25-27

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE ATHLETIC SCOREBOARDS AND SOUND SYSTEM (100% WORKING CASH ABATEMENT FUNDING WITH REPAYMENT FROM FUTURE ADVERTISING AGREEMENTS)

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 25-27 approving the purchase and installation of athletic scoreboards and sound system from Nevco Sports LLC in Greenville, IL in the amount of $303,717.00.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 25-28

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF THE NEW GYMNASIUM FURNITURE (100% COLLEGE INSTITUTIONAL FUNDS RETURNED FROM THE CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD WEST PARKING LOT PROJECT HELD IN THE PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY FUND)

Motion by Louis Kalert to adopt Resolution 25-28 approving the purchase of the new Gymnasium Furniture Package from K.I. Furniture in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in the amount of $30,581.56.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 25-29

RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT DONATION OF EQUIPMENT TO THE WELDING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT THE HARRY L. CRISP MANUFACTURING & TRADES CENTER Motion by Linda Stover to adopt Resolution 25-29 accepting the donation of the .35 and .45 welding wire from Intermountain Electronics and extending sincere appreciation to Intermountain Electronics for the donation.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 25-30

RESOLUTION TO RATIFY THE PURCHASE OF A USED TESLA MODEL Y ELECTRIC VEHICLE Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 25-30 ratifying the purchase of a used 2023 Tesla Model Y electric vehicle at a cost of $32,972 from Jansen Ford of Breese, IL.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

RESOLUTION 25-31

RESOLUTION FOR DISPOSITION OF COLLEGE PROPERTY

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to adopt Resolution 25-31 declaring the equipment listed 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 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES PRECISION AGRICULTURE FACILITATOR (25% IBT GRANT FUNDED THROUGH DECEMBER 2025)

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to approve the employment of David Stine as the Instructional Services Precision Agriculture Facilitator, effective upon approval by the Board of Trustees and completion of a background check, at an annual salary of $62,500. The Illinois Bridge and Transition (IBT) Grant will cover 25 percent of Mr. Stine’s salary from June 2025 through December 2025.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT OF ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY Motion by Jim Beasley to accept with regrets the retirement of Chuck DeBernardi as the Assistant Professor of Automotive Technology effective May 31, 2026.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT OF PROFESSOR RESPIRATORY THERAPY

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to accept the retirement of Sharon (Beth) Urban as Professor of Respiratory Therapy effective May 20, 2026.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

APPROVAL OF RETIREMENT OF ACE SPECIALIST

Motion by Bryan Holthaus to accept the retirement of Michele Hill as the ACE Specialist effective July 31, 2025.

Roll call:

Jim Beasley yes 

Linda Stover yes

Bill Hawley yes 

Laura Wedekemper yes

Bryan Holthaus yes 

Meagan Mahlandt yes

Louis Kalert yes

Motion was approved.

FIRST READING – REVISIONS TO GUARANTEE OF COMPETENCY FOR OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAMS POLICY 6.1104

The First Reading of revisions to Guarantee of Competency for Occupational Programs Policy 6.1104 was presented. The final reading and approval will be at the June 2025 meeting.

FIRST READING – REVISIONS TO GUARANTEE OF COURSE TRANSFERABILITY FOR ASSOCIATE IN ARTS AND ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE POLICY 6.1105.

The First Reading of revisions to Guarantee of Course Transferability for Associate in Arts and Associate in Science Degree Policy 6.1105 was presented. The final reading and approval will be at the June 2025 meeting.

FIRST READING – REVISIONS TO AND RENAMING OF VOLUNTARY SEPARATION OF EMPLOYMENT POLICY 4.5200

The First Reading of revisions to and renaming of Voluntary Separation of Employment Policy 4.5200 was presented. The final reading and approval will be at the June 2025 meeting.

FIRST READING – REVISIONS TO DISTANCE LEARNING ENGAGEMENT POLICY 6.0801 The First Reading of revisions to Distance Learning Engagement Policy 6.0801 was presented. The final reading and approval will be at the June 2025 meeting.

Approved 06/23/25

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

A. Approval of Repairs to Nashville Education Center

B. Emergency Repairs at Salem Education Center Due to Flood Damage

C. Approval of Restructure of Human Resources Department

D. Approval of Prairie Creek Apartment Agreement (June)

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:

• On May 6, 2025, the Aspirations in Manufacturing (AIM) Program hosted their student showcase at the Harry L. Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center. Students showcased the work they completed in the program and shared what they had learned with family and representatives from local community industries who were present.

• On May 7, 2025, a spring picnic was held at the Harry L. Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center. Students enjoyed a day outside with pizza and games.

• The Adult Education & Literacy Program Graduation was held on May 8, 2025.

• The Engineering Club had a blast as they finished their t-shirt cannon and hosted a study party before finals the week of May 12, 2025.

• Connor Wademan was the 2025 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) James D. Price Sponsorship recipient.

• The Vandalia Education Center campus celebrated EMS Week by having an open house, community CPR night, and a First Responder Fun Fest the week of May 12, 2025.

• The Allied Health Pinning ceremony was held on June 5, 2025, followed by graduation on June 16, 2025.

• Students completed finals the week of May 12, 2025. Summer classes start in two weeks on June 9, 2025.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

• Discussions are ongoing between the College and Travis Simpson, with a renewal of the agreement with Prairie Creek Apartments anticipated in June.

• A settlement offer has been submitted to the contractor and architect involved in the Nashville Education Center renovation project. The objective is to finalize the renovations in time for the return of students at the beginning of the Fall semester. There are substantial partnership opportunities with universities, including at least one institution that intends to tour the Center. Although progress is being made, it is occurring slowly.

• President Evans reminded the Board that Linda Stover was nominated for the Ray Harstein Award and will be recognized for her nomination at the ICCTA Awards Banquet on June 7, 2025.

• President Evans expressed that the graduation was wonderful, noting that after a 45-minute shelter-in-place due to storms, the sun came out. This year's event was exceptional, with numerous volunteers and staff directing attendees. The College received compliments for its cleanliness and organization of the event. Overall, there was

a positive atmosphere, providing a meaningful opportunity to recognize graduates and honor the descendants of Joseph Heimann.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Jim Beasley to adjourn. All members voted yes by voice vote. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

https://www.kaskaskia.edu/media/web-assets/documents/board-minutes-amp-agendas/may/05-19-25-APPROVED-Minutes-w-Resolutions-for-Posting.pdf