June 10, 2021 Minutes of Regular Meeting

The Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513 convened a regular session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 10, 2021 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.

Members Physically Present

Everett J. Solon, Chair

Jay K. McCracken, Vice Chair

Angela M. Stevenson, Secretary

Amy L. Boyles

Jane E. Goetz

Maureen O. Rebholz

Members Virtually Present

David O. Mallery

Madison N. Miranda, Student Trustee

Members Telephonically Present

Members Absent

Others Physically Present

Jerry Corcoran, President

Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Matthew Seaton, Vice President for Business Services & Finance

Chris Dunlap, Director of Information Technology Services

Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

Deborah Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mark Grzybowski Vice President for Student Services

Bonnie Campbell, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Leslie Hofer, Director of Human Resources

Mr. Solon informed of the following items: 1) The provisions related to the Open Meetings Act allowing for Board meetings to be virtual continue due to Governor Pritzker’s most recent disaster proclamation and 2) it is the custom and practice of the college to record Board meetings and the meeting was being recorded both audio and video.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Martin Rue, Jr., Eric Soderholm and Larry Smith, representatives of YANA (You Are Not Alone), requested in advance to address the Board. They were followed by many speakers on both sides of an issue involving the use of three questions on a spring IVCC political science exam. The questions concerned the Electoral College, right-wing media and the 2020 Presidential election that were shared via a Facebook post.

Martin Rue, Jr. commented that the questions on the instructor’s exam were worded in a way to deny rights to the students. Mr. Rue noted that the questions led the student to choices of a) either believe that the information provided by the instructor is indisputable and ignore any contradictory evidence or b) answer what the student believes to be true and can support with evidence, even if it is contrary to the instructor’s premise and risk a penalty for exercising free speech. The political bias of an instructor should never impact the grade of any student with opposing beliefs.

Eric Soderholm related that his sons were students at IVCC. He thanked all for that opportunity and noted the value that IVCC brings to the community. Mr. Soderholm expressed that we should not be thrusting ideals on students but rather teaching them how to think and not what to think. He noted that education has lost sight of its role and it should be about the students first. If students know an instructor’s political leanings, then that instructor has failed the students.

Mr. Smith, YANA co-founder and La Salle County Republican Party chair, noted that the exam questions were inappropriate and politically biased. He suggested tasks and tactics be employed to stop this kind of bias such as a community-based ongoing review process of transfer program curriculum. Mr. Smith concluded by saying that he was impressed with the professionalism that he had met at the College and thought that this was something we all need to work on together.

Tracy Lee, President of AFT Local 1810, commented that the union thanked the administration for its consistent support on the issue and it has been handled in a way that has prioritized the needs of the students and the faculty it serves.

Mr. McCracken thanked everyone for speaking and doing a fine job. He informed that the Board is still gathering information at this stage and that everyone’s thoughts are appreciated. Mr. McCracken noted that there are many, many fine faculty and outstanding educators at IVCC so do not paint us with too broad of a stroke.

Dr. Corcoran thanked the speakers for their feedback and said that the college welcomes every opportunity to improve programs and services. Dr. Corcoran cited the Board’s longstanding Academic Freedom Policy allowing faculty the freedom of research in their discipline and freedom in the classroom to discuss their subject. He added that this freedom includes advocacy of the faculty member’s point of view, as well as the presentation of representative views within the discipline. Dr. Corcoran noted that he stands behind the collective bargaining agreement between the Board and faculty union and that he fully understands the union’s position that a faculty member’s test questions are considered intellectual property. Dr. Corcoran informed that course curriculum is consistent with requirements set by the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI). He added that faculty work with Deans before submitting proposals to our Curriculum Committee. That committee’s responsibility is to ensure consistency with IAI requirements and content rigor. Curriculum is then submitted to the IVCC Board and for state approval. Further, each course is reviewed by an IAI compliance panel every four years. Regarding the demand for a community review of transfer course content, Dr. Corcoran noted that the College would explore such a process in the fall but noted that he is unaware of any other Illinois community college with an external advising body for transfer curriculum.

Mr. Mallery addressed academic freedom which he noted should be owned and shared by faculty and students. He referenced ISU’s academic freedom policy which includes: Student freedom to learn and faculty freedom to teach are inseparable facets of academic freedom. Speaking as a university instructor of many years and as a former student, Mr. Mallery noted that our responsibility as educators is to ensure balance of perspective and diversity of thought in our classroom. It is our responsibility if we see or view something to investigate it further. It is a student’s right as well. He added that he hoped that the student would not be punished for bringing the situation to light as the student was placed in what appears to be an impossible situation of choosing between two wrong decisions. The student may have been placed in that position.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the consent agenda, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – May 3, 2021 Audit Finance Committee Meeting; May 3, 2021 Special Board Meeting; and May 13, 2021 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $972,157.48

Education Fund - $765.836.28; Operations & Maintenance Fund - $81,911.91; Auxiliary Fund - $28,350.31; Restricted Fund - $23,323.26; and Liability, Protection & Settlement Fund - $72,735.72.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending April 24, 2021; May 8, 2021; and May 22, 2021 & Part-time Faculty and Staff Appointments May 2021.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corcoran reported that as we have stated in the past, the college’s student athletes understand the importance of being students first and to underscore that point, Cory Tomasson and Mark Grzybowski are happy to report that the spring 2021 athletic department overall GPA was 3.04. Across 10 sports, the men’s GPA was 2.98 and the women were at 3.09. Dr. Corcoran offered congratulations to our students, coaches and staff on a job well done. Dr. Corcoran thanked Trustees Dr. Maureen Rebholz and Jane Goetz for attending ICCTA events in Normal, Illinois at the end of last week. He noted that both should be commended for participating in four hours of training on the topics of open meetings law, freedom of information law, labor law, contract law, ethics, sexual violence on campus, financial oversight, audits and fiduciary responsibilities of a trustee. Dr. Corcoran informed that Friday evening on June 4th was also the annual awards banquet where Dr. Rebholz was recognized as our nominee for the statewide distinguished alumnus award. Dr. Corcoran noted that he was happy that Dr. Rebholz was able to join us and proud to see other attendees marvel at her success. He added that although instructors Dr. Kim Radek Hall and Chrissy Boughton were unable to attend, programs describing their achievements and medallions they received in recognition of their work as full- and part-time instructors respectfully were brought home to our campus so that we could pass them along to Kim and Chrissy. Dr. Corcoran offered congratulations to all three of our honorees for their recognition. He noted that we are proud to have you as representatives of IVCC. Dr. Corcoran reported that based on the governor’s plan to have us move into Phase 5 of the Restore Illinois plan, here are a few of our new-and-positive changes to the college’s operations and safety plan:

  1. Students and staff who are not fully vaccinated will be expected to continue wearing face masks and practice social distancing.
  2. Our plan is for a full menu of Student Services to be offered on campus.
  3. The daily sanitizing of high-touch areas will continue.
  4. Temperature-monitoring devices will remain in place through the summer.
  5. Contact-tracing will continue being a coordinated effort between local health department, Student Services and HR officials.
  1. Based on current demand, it looks like 74% of our fall semester course offerings will be face-to-face.

Dr. Corcoran thanked everyone who made our virtual nurse pinning and commencement programs first-class. He noted that the recognition Dr. Promise Yong has received from his heartfelt and inspirational address to graduates was sensational.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Solon noted that the Audit Finance Committee meeting minutes were in the Board Book.

INSURANCE RENEWALS

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to accept the quote from Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) for workers’ compensation insurance at a premium of $67,389, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

FY23 RAMP CAPITAL REQUESTS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve submittal of the Library/Student Success Center RAMP for a total cost of $5,567,800 with local funding of $1,391,900.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve submittal of the Professional Development Center RAMP for a total cost of $3,083,200 with local funding of $770,800.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Mr. McCracken and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve submittal of the Agriculture Center RAMP for a total cost of $4,426,500 with local funding of $1,106,700.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

SECURITY SERVICES CONTRACT EXTENSION

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the extension to the security services contract with G4S Secure Solutions for three more years, ending June 30, 2024.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS – CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD TRUST ACCOUNT

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to approve the transfer of $539,063 to the Capital Development Board trust account at Midland States Bank to cover anticipated costs for Project No. 810-046-020 to begin the project specifications.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, and Mr. Mallery.  “Nay” – none.  Abstain – Mr. Solon. Motion carried.

AUTHORIZATION TO CONTINUE PAYMENT FOR STANDARD OPERATING EXPENDITURES

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to authorize to continue the operation of the College by making those expenditures required for normal operations, including salaries, approved contract, utilities, maintenance, supplies, and regular activities for the period July 1, 2021 through budget adoption.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

APPROVAL OF AAS DEGREE: DENTAL HYGIENE

It was moved by Dr. Boyles and seconded by Mr. Mallery to approve the Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene, as presented.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.  Dr. Boyles extended kudos to Dr. Shane Lange, Heather Seghi and Katie Henkel for their fine work on this degree. She noted that the AAS Degree in Dental Hygiene is an important addition to the college’s curriculum.

VICE PRESIDENTS CONTRACTS

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the FY22 employment contract for Ms. Cheryl Roelfsema, Vice President for Business Services and Finance, with a 2.5 percent increase for FY2022, resulting in an annualized salary of $12,262 and duties, benefits and other conditions as outlined in her contract.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the FY22 employment contract for Dr. Deborah Anderson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, with a 2.5 percent increase for FY2022, resulting in an annualized salary of $64,583 and duties, benefits and other conditions as outlined in her contract.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the FY22 employment contract for Mr. Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services, with a 2.5 percent increase for FY2022, resulting in an annualized salary of $95,078 and duties, benefits and other conditions as outlined in her contract.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 52-63 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Dr. Boyles thanked the administration for putting together the information shared with the Board to keep the members up-to-speed so we would be prepared but still come to the meeting with an open mind. Dr. Boyles noted that all the conversations that we heard this evening were relevant and important and we are always willing to listen to others’ views and perspectives and all presentations were appreciated.  She noted that it is important that we hedge against giving equal weight to misinformation, disinformation and unproven conspiracy theories as truth, but instead we go in the direction of addressing the reality and discussing objective views and objective facts.

Ms. Miranda noted that from a student’s viewpoint, she appreciated the discussions on academic freedom and critical thinking that were shared in the public comment.

Ms. Stevenson commented that the IVCC Commencement was fantastic. Kudos to Fran Brolley and Matt Klein for putting the virtual event together. Ms. Stevenson added that Dr. Promise Yong was awesome as Commencement speaker.

Dr. Rebholz thanked Dr. Corcoran and Ms. Goetz for attending the ICCTA Annual Conference and noted that Dr. Corcoran did a great job as well.

Ms. Goetz thanked Ms. Cheryl Roelfsema for the amazing work that she has done for many years as Vice President of Business Services and Finance for the College and the Board.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 8:10 p.m. to enter into a closed session to discuss: 1) pending or imminent litigation; 2) complaint lodged against an official or employee of the public body; 3) the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body; 4) collective negotiations; and 5) closed session minutes.  Motion made by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to enter into a closed session.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The Board immediately entered closed session at 8:12 p.m.

Motion made by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Boyles to return to the regular meeting.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 10:12 p.m.

COMPENSATION FY22 – EMPLOYEES NOT AFFECTED BY A NEGOTIATED LABOR AGREEMENT

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve a 2.50 percent increase for employees not affected by a negotiated labor agreement, contingent upon evaluations and grant support in FY22 and to approve the special salary adjustments for employees identified as warranting such an increase in FY22.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve and retain the closed session minutes of May 13, 2021.

Student Advisory Vote: – “Aye” – Ms. Miranda.  Roll Call Vote: “Ayes”– Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Mallery and Mr. Solon.  “Nay” – none.  Motion carried.

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.