May 19, 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, May 19, 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

Jacy L. Miller, 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

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 Michael T. Roberson, a current student-athlete at Lincolnland Community College; Marcella Mott, grandmother of Ag faculty member and program coordinator Willard Mott; Nancy Stuart, sister-in-law of Executive Assistant Sandy Beard; and Jean Elizabeth Mueller, who established a Foundation scholarship with her son and is the grandmother of Liz Grzybowski.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Volker stated he still believes dances on campus are a good idea to promote social engagement. He stated many communities are planning for the nation’s 250th birthday and hoped IVCC has something planned.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – April 21, 2026 Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting, April 21, 2026 Board Meeting, and May 4, 2026 Board Special Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $1,685,017.36

Education Fund - $1,387,831.79; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $70,183.51; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $8,465.00; Auxiliary Fund - $83,597.10; Restricted Fund - $21,976.28; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $112,250.23; Grants, Loans, and Scholarships - $731.45.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending April 4, 2026 and April 18, 2026.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Miller stated the Spring Picnic was held with several activities and food. The weather kept attendance low but all had a good time. Ms. Miller will be a Student Ambassador for the upcoming academic year and will be assisting at events and giving tours of the campus. She attended the attended the ambassador luncheon and was able to meet other ambassadors. Commencement went very well and her favorite part was when graduate Judy Loder crossed the stage. It was special to be able to hug her brother as he crossed the stage. Ms. Miller shared photos of her brother’s engagement last year.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris highlighted construction progress on the Dr. Alfred E. Wisgoski Agricultural Education Center, the Microbiology classroom and lab are open for Summer classes, and the Library and Peer Tutoring staff have been relocated and construction has begun on Phase I of the Academic Support Center project.

Nurse Pinning was fantastic and this was the first year with the Nurse Honor Guard, including Trustee Rebholz, participating in the ceremony and it was very special. Commencement was wonderful with over 260 students signed up to participate. Zulma Guzman did a great job as the speaker. Eighteen high school students earned certificates and Judy Loder, 84 years young, received her degree.

The Area Career Center Signing Day celebrated students from the Center whether they are going to college, the workforce, or the military. Approximately 60 students committed to IVCC at the event.  Student Nurses Week was held during final exam week with several fun activities. Dr. Morris highlighted the Spirit Award received by student worker Raul Campos, who was nominated by three employees for the award.

Students have been very busy with campus clean up, the Spring Picnic, and the Ag Plant Sale fundraising. Project Success End of Year banquet was held with food and awards.

William and Dian Taylor scholarships were awarded to four IVCC graduates. The NIU STEM scholarships for $10,000 each were awarded to Nathan Hansen and Melanie Kaminski and the NIU Accounting Scholarships for $10,000 each were awarded to Ethan Askeland and Bria Frey.

Dr. Morris and Dr. Trier had the opportunity to meet with Keith King, Microbiology Instructor, and the students who participated in the Faculty-Student Collaborative Project Grant. They shared results of the tests from soil samples from across the area. Dr. Morris gave kudos to the Commencement Planning Team for their hard work over the last six months.

Midland States Bank, who volunteers in our food bank, donated two carts of personal items. The International Fair, revitalized by Doris Burke, allowed individuals to tell about their heritage or country. A retirement celebration was held for upcoming retirees LeeAnn Johnson, Vince Brolley, Betsy Klopcic, Larry Ault, and Angela Dunlap.

Cornerstone and 40 under 40 included IVCC retirees Fran Brolley and Ron Groleau, Foundation Board member Edgar Lucero Castillo, Board of Trustee Marlene Moshage, and IVCC employee Diane Scoma. Dr. Morris highlighted that she attended the Ottawa Chamber Annual Dinner, Starved Rock Foundation started a scholarship, and Jack Cantlin retired from the Foundation Board. A Small Business Financing panel was held for small business owners. Earnest Whiteman, Native American speaker and tribesman, presented on campus and spoke about Native Americans in media. A Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s display was up for April and May.

Monthly updates included enrollment for summer 2026. There is an increase of 1.67% in headcount and an increase of .73% in credit hours compared to Summer 2025. We are at 101.58% of budgeted hours and 96.07% of actual prior 10th day hours. The total annual budgeted credit hours is at 9.2%.

Enrollment for fall shows an increase of 9.86% in headcount and an increase of 5.17% in credit hours compared to Fall 2025. We are at 58.44% of budgeted credit hours and 57.83% of actual prior 10th day hours. The total annual budgeted credit hours is at 36.8%.

Strategic Plan update included Quarter 3 measures and what action items will move off the plan; and what will roll over into the final year of the plan, pending voting by SLPC. More information and discussion to come next month. Work on the next Strategic Plan will begin in November or December.

Campus updates included the DERA Grant has been officially approved with a revised amount of $35,820; awarded over $25,000 of ATOMAT student support funds to CTE students this semester; Summer Ed’Venture registration is underway with classes for kids starting the week of June 8; Resume workshop, “Hungry for Success,” held on April 22 with Matt Rockwell from Anjimoto Foods presenting to 9 students, 2 faculty members, and 1 administrator; IVCC was 3rd in the state as top IAI course submitters this season; April 17th CAN hosted a Special Education Roundtable with 15 special education teachers from area high schools and IVCC faculty/support staff to discuss student readiness and transition to IVCC; the 28th Faculty Summer Institute will be held in CETLA May 20 and May 21st; and National Library Week was April 19-25 and the theme was “Finding Your Joy” and events included poetry readings, a Zine creation workshop, and the wrap up of the Library Spring Reading Challenge.

Accreditation updates highlighted work done by the Steering Committee. They finalized the FY27 budget proposal; celebrated Criterion Leads with a Spirit Award; attended the HLC Conference; reviewed outlines and provided criterion group feedback as necessary; and attended Demonstrating Quality: An Assurance Argument Virtual Workshop for HLC advice on the editing process and setting priorities.

Dr. Morris attended Lobby Day in April. She was able to make contact with several legislators and other community college presidents.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

FACULTY RESIGNATION – DAVID GARRISON, MATH LAB INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to accept the resignation of David Garrison, Math Lab Instructor, with the conclusion of Summer Session B, effective August 5, 2026.

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

APPROVAL – WORKING CASH TRANSFER

It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the transfer of $214,708 from the Working Cash Fund to the Education Fund to cover expenses listed.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – 2025 F-750 DIESEL REGULAR CAB BASE (F7D)

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the purchase of a 2025 F-750 Diesel Regular Cab Base (F7D) from Morrow Brothers Ford of Greenfield, Illinois at a cost of $125,363 with funding from the IBT Grant using the State Contract Number 21-416-P-29479 through the State of Illinois Central Management Services.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – CAMERA FIBER CABLING

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the proposal from JB Contracting for the camera fiber cabling repair in the amount of $26,220.00 to be paid from Operations and Maintenance.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – TESLA MODEL 3 PREMIUM AWD ELECTRIC VEHICLE

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to proceed with the purchase of a Tesla Model 3 Premium AWD for the Automotive Technology program using the REV UP EV Grant through the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Group at a cost of $49,101.

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

APPROVAL – twin city energy services, inc. proposal of electricity purchase

It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve a 60-month contract with Constellation for the purchase of electricity at Day Ahead Index Adder variable rate per kilowatt-hour. The rate previously provided was subsequently updated May 19th to $0.00264 per kilowatt-hour.

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

APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.17 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES SALES

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Board Policy, as presented.

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

APPROVAL – PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT ADDENDUM

It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the addendum to the employment contract for President Dr. Tracy Morris. The President’s annual salary for the period of July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027 shall be increased by 3.5%, which is in alignment with all employees for the fiscal year, to $227,836.00 per annum, as well as benefits and other conditions presented in the original contract. This increase will be made in alignment with institutional processes.

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

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. McCracken pointed out the information items on pages 46-49 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Ms. Stevenson stated she was told by staff that a student came in and items at the food pantry and thanked them for not letting him to hungry this semester. It’s a reminder of how important this is. Ms. Stevenson toured the food pantry and stated it was very well stocked including the donation form Midland States Bank.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. McCracken requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:22 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. Rebholz to enter into a closed session.

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

The Board entered closed session at 5:24 p.m.

It was moved by Ms. Steveson and seconded by Dr. Donna to return to the regular meeting.

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

The regular meeting resumed at 6:16 p.m.

POSSIBLE APPROVAL – COMPENSATION FY27 – EMPLOYEES NOT AFFECTED BY A NEGOTIATED LABOR AGREEMENT

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve a 3.50% increase for employees not affected by a negotiated labor agreement, contingent upon evaluations and grant support in FY2027 and special salary adjustment for employee identified as warranting such an increase in FY2027.

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

POSSIBLE APPROVAL – VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS SERVICES AND FINANCE CONTRACT ADDENDUM

It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the addendum to the employment contract for Vice President for Business Services and Finance, Ms. Kathryn Ross, as presented. This results in an annualized salary for the fiscal year which shall be increased at 3.5%, which is in alignment with employees for a total of $124,476.00 and duties, benefits, and other conditions as outlined in the original contract.

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

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Miller and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the April 21, 2026 Board Meeting.

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

SPECIAL MEETING CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Ms. Miller and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the May 4, 2026 Special Board meeting.

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

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.