April 21, 2026 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Jay K. McCracken, Chair

Angela M. Stevenson, Vice Chair

Maureen O. Rebholz, Secretary

Everett J. Solon

Rebecca Donna

William F. Hunt

Lynda Marlene Moshage

Danica E. Scoma, 2025-2026 Student Trustee

Jacy L. Miller, 2026-2027 Student Trustee

Members Virtually Present

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Tracy Morris, President

Kathy Ross, Vice President for Business Services and Finance

Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services

Vicki Trier, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

 

MOMENT OF SILENCE

A moment of silence was held to remember George Cullinan, former Mayor of Oglesby; Keith Cain, former Mayor of Princeton; retired Illinois Eastern Community College President/CEO Terry Bruce; and Ronald Bird, former employee of the Dislocated Workers Center.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the agenda.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

RECOGNITION OF EMERITUS/EMERITA STATUS RECIPIENTS

Dr. Morris was pleased to recognize and read the resolutions of those who were approved by the Board in February 2026 for Emeritus/Emerita status. Recipients in attendance were Lincoln Frost, Adjunct Faculty Emeritus; Ron Groleau, Administrator Emeritus; Carole Caresio Hass Swanson, Administrator Emerita; Diane Kreiser, Staff Emerita; Gilbert Meyer, Faculty Emeritus; Randy Rambo, Faculty Emeritus; Robert Schott, Faculty Emeritus; and Richard Vicich, Staff Emeritus. Dean Capponi, Faculty Emeritus; Michael Sankovich, Faculty Emeritus; and Emily Vescogni, Administrator Emerita, were not able to attend.

PUBLIC COMMENT

IVCC student, Sunshine’s Flourish, brought forth a concern about the showing of Matt Walsh’s movie “What is a Woman?’ by the College Republicans student organization. It was requested the Board of Trustees stop the showing of the movie. Documents with signatures to support this request were submitted.

INTRODUCTION OF 2026-2027 STUDENT TRUSTEE

Dr. Morris introduced Jacy Miller as the newly elected Student Trustee. Jacy stated she attended Ottawa Township High School and served as president of her senior class. She is working towards an associate in arts and an associate in science degree at IVCC and is studying political science. Jacy never doubted attending IVCC and she feels safe and confident on campus. Both of her parents attended IVCC and two of her siblings are currently attending. Jacy feels she can be here for those students who want their voices heard.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – March 16, 2026 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $2,618,008.77

Education Fund - $1,118,400.31; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $639,515.98; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $370,231.35; Auxiliary Fund - $411,998.47; Restricted Fund - $21,562.18; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $56,300.48.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending March 7, 2026 and March 21, 2026.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Scoma stated current campus activities include a Student Government Association (SGA) Ping Pong Tournament; the Annual Student Academic Awards Banquet; the Art Awards Banquet, and the International Club Culture Fair on April 23^rd. The SGA will host the Annual Spring picnic on April 29^th in the courtyard.

The SGA held sophomore elections on April 9^th and 10^th. Elected were Jacy Miller, Student Trustee; Jorge Delao, President; Kaitlyn Anderson, Vice President; Grace Pecchio, Treasurer; Izzy Pecchio, Secretary; Jenna Setchell, Sophomore Representative; and Leo Bruins and McKinzie Tarbox, Sophomore Programming.

Community College Advocacy Day was held on April 16^th in Springfield. Ten IVCC students met with state leaders including Martin Torres, Sue Rezin, Li Arellano, Jr., Amy Murri Briel, Ryan Spain, and Bradley Fritts. Issues discussed with state leaders were expanding financial support, TRIO program backup funding, mental health services, support for student parents, the transfer process, internships, and baccalaureate opportunities.

Peer Mentors hosted an Aromatherapy event offering a calm space for bracelet making, meeting people, and giveaways. Information on an event for Mental Health Awareness Month for May will be coming soon.

Ms. Scoma thanked the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to accept her PTK awards by travelling for the PTK Catalyst in Baltimore; the AACC Conference in Seattle, and the PTK dinner in Springfield.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris highlighted construction progress on the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center and Microbiology classroom and lab. The Assessment Center has officially moved into their new space.

Explore IVCC was held on March 31^st and the number of IVCC students engaged in the event was tremendous. Students participating were from the Student Ambassadors, Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs, and the Computer Networking program. Explore Ag was held on April 17^th with approximately 60 students in attendance and the students and area professionals led the interactive sessions.

IVCC students Autumn Gremal, Hayden Martin, Jorge Delao, Kevin Rynke, McKinzie Tarbox, Pete Wilcox, Sunshine’s Flourish, Tracy Foreman, and Zach Quick participated in Illinois Community College Advocacy Day on Thursday, April 16 with a trip to the Capitol in Springfield. Kudos to Mike Phillips for accompanying the students to Springfield. The students met with Illinois Deputy Governor Martin Torres, State Senators Sue Rezin and Li Arelleno, and State Representatives Amy “Murri” Briel, Ryan Spain, and Bradley Fritts.

Congressman LaHood visited campus and met with students who answered and asked questions. The Congressman also received a tour of site of the new Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center. Dr. Morris recently held a session with students on legislative priorities, how to advocate and how to write letters to legislators that included sample writings.

The Student Academic Awards Banquet was held on April 15^th. Dr. Jonathan Hubbell, recipient of the 2026 Stephen Charry Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence, was the speaker. Mark Grzybowski, Danielle Bell, and Crystal Credi did a tremendous job organizing the event.

Continuing Education and Business Services received a certification from LERN, the leading association in lifelong learning programming, serving over 1,000 organizations. They are also collaborating with OSF to launch a new community partnership program, Baby American Sign Language (ASL), beginning in May. Planning and coordinating summer programming is underway, including the Scrubs Camp and a second in-person EKG Technician cohort at the Ottawa Center.

Other events highlighted were the Student Nurses Association candle fundraiser which raised money for two local organizations; Ottawa High School Career and College Fair with great representation from students, faculty, and staff; Sci Fest and a Welding Competition were held on April 17^th and both provided a great experience for participants; the Red Cross Blood Drive collected 28 units with 10 first time donors and 84 lives saved. Kudos to LeeAnn Johnson who has served the College so well as the club advisor; the Art show is showcasing amazing high school and college work; Kate Struckman-Johnson, Public Services Librarian, conducted a workshop of cross stitching.

The Foundation 50^th Celebration was amazing and raised more than $40,000. Over $18,000 was raised in direct scholarships. Kudos to the Foundation planning team for this event.

The Employee Recognition event held on April 16^th was wonderful with honorees, employees, retirees, Board of Trustees, and Foundation Directors in attendance. Employees were honored for years of service and Emeritus/Emerita recipients, retirees, and retirees, and faculty and support staff award winners were recognized.

Gordon Duguid, IVCC alumni, visited campus to speak on his most recent book Counter Narrative and his career. He is currently a visiting professor at Illinois State University.

Theatre production, 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, completed its final show on Sunday and our students were fantastic in this musical.

Thank you to the volunteers who scored the record number of Foundation scholarships submitted this year. Those who scored were comprised of Foundation Board members, a Board of Trustee member, employees, and community members.

Midland Bank employees have stepped up to volunteer in our food bank once a month.

Lift-Her, a leadership event for women, was sponsored by the Illinois Valley Area Chamber on March 12^th. IVCC had one of the largest numbers of participants and it was a great leadership opportunity for our employees.

Monthly updates included enrollment for summer 2026. There is an increase of 19.63% in headcount and an increase of 13.62% in credit hours compared to Summer 2025. We are at 85.69% of budgeted hours and 81.04% of actual prior 10^th day hours. The total annual budgeted credit hours is at 7.7%.

Enrollment for fall shows an increase of 50.22% in headcount and an increase of 42.21% in credit hours compared to Fall 2025. We are at 37.89% of budgeted credit hours and 37.49% of actual prior 10^th day hours. The total annual budgeted credit hours is at 25.6%.

Federal legislative updates include monitoring higher education funding for Pell Grants, CCAMPIS, and SCCTG. Notification received on a one-year extension for the ADA Accessibility Guidance. TRIO not included in FY27 budget but grant applications are out.

State legislative updates include the Community College Baccalaureate was referred to the Rules Committee; PATH Grant Funding may be impacted/cut; the Adult Education Funding bill was referred to assignments; Student Supports/Wraparound Services has no specific bill was on the SAC agenda for Advocacy Day; and HB 4363 seeking to expand the oversight board to include community college representative(s) was referred to the Rules Committee.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Dr. Morris stated the Closed Session Minutes Committee met today prior to the Board meeting.

APPROVAL – RESOLUTION HONORING STUDENT TRUSTEE DANICA SCOMA

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the resolution, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

RESOLUTION AMENDING CERTAIN AMOUNTS AS STATED IN THE RESOLUTION REVISING THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THE PROCEEDS OF THE DEBT CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2011, MAY BE USED

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt to adopt the resolution as presented to authorize the remaining proceeds of the Debt Certificates, Series 2011 to assist with financing the cost of building the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

PURCHASE REQUEST – DARKTRACE SECURITY RENEWAL

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve the renewal and expansion of the Darktrace MDR platform, including Email and DLP services, with a prorated FY2026 cost of $6,773.54 and an annual renewal cost of $45,717 beginning September 1, 2026, for the remainder of the term, for a total cost of $189,641.54.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried. 

PURCHASE REQUEST – INSTRUCTURE DIPLOMA SERVICES

It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Donna to authorize the purchase of Instructure for diploma services as described above for a total of $31,560 over three years. This purchase will be funded out of the Enrollment Services operational budget.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

PURCHASE REQUEST – SLATE RENEWAL

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the renewal of the Technolutions Slate system for a five-year term at an annual cost of $50,000, to be funded through the IT budget across the applicable fiscal years.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

APPROVAL – PROPOSED EXTENSION OF VILLAGE OF SENECA TIF-1

It was moved by Ms. Scoma and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve support for the Village of Seneca related to the Old Stage Road Business Development Park TIF, as presented. This approval would authorize the administration to send letters of support to the Village and to the appropriate state legislators, upon request.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

APPROVAL – PROPOSED EXTENSION OF VILLAGE OF SENECA TIF-2

It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Steveson to approve support for the Village of Seneca related to the Shipyard Road Business Development Park TIF, as presented. This approval would authorize the administration to send letters of support to the Village and to the appropriate state legislators, upon request.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. McCracken pointed out the information items on pages 49-55 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Mr. Solon stated a student taking an Adult Education class online indicated it was a very good class and looks forward to taking more classes.

Dr. Rebholz thanked the Board for their support during her illness and kindness makes a difference.

Mr. McCracken welcomed Dr. Donna and Dr. Rebholz back to the meeting as in-person attendees.

Ms. Moshage stated she attended the ICCTA meeting in March at Moraine Valley Community College. Roundtable discussions were on Funding Shortfalls and AI: Beyond the Hype.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. McCracken requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:53 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 2) pending or imminent litigation; 3) collective bargaining; and 4) closed session minutes. 

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

The Board entered closed session at 5:57 p.m.

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Moshage to return to the regular meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:52 p.m.

POSSIBLE BOARD ACTION ON GRIEVANCE

Mr. McCracken stated there will be no action taken this evening.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the March 16, 2026 Board Meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 8:53 p.m.