December 16, 2025 Minutes of Regular Meeting

Members Physically Present

• Jay K. McCracken, Chair
• Angela M. Stevenson, Vice Chair
• Maureen O. Rebholz, Secretary
• Everett J. Solon
• William F. Hunt
• Lynda Marlene Moshage
• Danica E. Scoma, 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
• Walt Zukowski, Attorney

Others Virtually Present

• Rebecca Donna

MOMENT OF SILENCE

A moment of silence was held to remember Henry Willis Denton, Jr., father of IT Director Justin Denton; Lorena Robinson, scholarship donor; Jean Conway, ESL instructor and friend of IT employee Hunter Hickey; and Carol Kulpa, mother-in-law of recently retired Dean Ron Groleau.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

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

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

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Volker spoke of the enrollment cliff affecting community colleges discussed at a recent economic development meeting. Mr. Volker suggested holding a dance each semester to promote socialization and friendship amongst students.

Recognition of Cross Country team

The team was not able to attend the meeting. Dr. Morris stated the Women’s Cross Country Team finished their season as the 2025 NJCAA Region 4 Runner Up and Addyson Miller and Tatiana Serna were recognized as national qualifiers by placing in the top 15.

Recognition of Illinois Community College Journalism Association (ICCJA) Conference Student Award Winners

Dr. Morris was pleased to recognize and congratulate current and past Journalism students for Mike Foster General Excellence Award — 1st Place and Best Student Media—1st Place awards. In the Open Division - First Place News Story of the Year—Sonja Penney and Abigail Beckcom; Second Place Sports Column—Sam Bima; Honorable Mentions—Graphics-Sonja Penney, Multimedia-Sonja Penney and Abigail Beckcom, Editorial Writer of the Year-Emma Coss and many more in our division. Lori Cinotte, English instructor and IV Leader Advisor was present to distribute awards and speak to their accomplishments.

CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

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

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

The following items were approved in the consent agenda:

Approval of Minutes – November 12, 2025 Audit Finance Committee Meeting and November 18, 2025 Board Meeting.

Approval of Bills - $3,035,539.65

Education Fund - $934,378.65; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $702,166.58; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $1,050,769.66; Auxiliary Fund - $139,421.02; Restricted Fund - $154,851.85; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $53,951.89.

Treasurer’s Report

Personnel

Approved stipends for pay periods ending November 1, 2025, November 15, 2025, and November 29, 2025.

STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT

Ms. Scoma highlighted the Student Government Association meeting with Dr. Morris to begin working on their annual goals. They held activities and events during final exam week that included a free drink, ping pong tournament, popcorn and snacks in the Academic Support Center, and 10% off apparel in the bookstore.

Peer Mentoring held their “Positivi-Tea” event this month offering students warm tea, giveaways, and mental health resources. Transformative Growth has hired a new peer mentor who will begin in the spring semester.

Lila, the therapy dog, visited campus while promoting YOU@IVCC, a personalized platform for online tools and campus resources.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Morris highlighted the construction progress on campus in the building A and E classrooms, Assessment Center, Microbiology, and the Agricultural Education Center. Digital signage continues to be added with a new monitor in the gym. Kudos to the Facilities team on keeping the roadways, parking lots, and sidewalk clear during the recent weather events.

Nora Villarreal’s ENG 1002 service-learning projects for this semester included volunteering and donating to the Eagles Peak food pantry; donating and volunteering at PADS; volunteering and donating to IVAR, and working with Open Table United Church of Christ in Ottawa serving meals to the homeless.

Kudos to the student athletes who finished the semester with an overall athletic GPA of 3.20 with only two teams with a GPA under 3.0. The Chemistry and STEM Clubs held bake sales and the Art Club held a sale to raise funds for their Chicago trip.

The first Dental Hygiene White Coat Ceremony was held on December 12 with eight graduates. The ceremony was very personal and beautiful. Three graduates from the first Dental Assisting class attended to support our first graduates.

IVCC received $53,891.43 in funding for Strengthening Mental Health Supports. The Academic Support Center held a Study Night to create a positive environment around final exams. Patricia Glade, Workforce Development Administrative Assistant, baked bread for those who donated to the Eagles Peak food pantry.

Mike Phillips is working with Congresswoman Underwood and continues to bring forth concerns and issues of IVCC. Melinda Vesely, LCPC, spoke to Dr. Rick Mangold’s PSY 1000 classes on Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as a result of a trauma. Kudos to Dr. Young and the cast and crew on fantastic performances of Proof. Congratulations to Cindy Lock who has worked many years in the Adult Education department on her retirement. The generosity of IVCC employees was evident at the recent benefits for Kevin Kramer, adjunct faculty member.

IVCC was honored by the Illinois State Museum as a centennial business. Dr. Morris and Madonna Duncan traveled to Springfield to accept the Centennial Award. Thank you to Nick Fish, Samantha Branaman and family, Madonna Duncan, Mark Grzybowski and family, Vince Brolley, Coach Fidel Mora, Cory Tomasson, Liz Bulthuis and our students from Student Government, Cross Country and Soccer for participating in the local holiday parades.

Feed the Need results in a total of 2,622 donations with 2,054 shelf stable foods, 221 pantry staples, and 347 basic needs item. Dr. Morris shopped for items after a generous donation last month by Trustee Solon.

Monthly update on enrollment for Spring included an increase of 8.15% in headcount and 18.77% in credit hours compared to Spring 2025. We are at 96.90% of budgeted hours and 94.02% of actual prior 10^th day hours for Spring. We are at 103.3% of the total annual budgeted credit hours.

Dr. Morris shared enrollment changes at the Ottawa Center over the last three Spring semesters and what impacted the changes. The number of students who were drop for non-payment on December 10 was 141, compared to 263 in Spring 2025.

The Illinois Community College President’s Key Legislative Initiatives continue to include the Community College Baccalaureate (CCB), workforce ecosystem, enhancing the transfer pipeline, and authority for local control and operational efficiency.

State Legislative updates include Open Meetings Act (OMA) changes stating no meetings can be held on elections days (5 ILCS 120/2.07) and the expansion of remote attendance for performance of active military duty as a service member (5 ILCS 120/7). Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) updates include public records do not include junk email (5 ILCS 140/2) and we are not required to open an attachment, and we can verify if the requester is a human (5 ILCS 140/3). HB 1312 – PA104-440. The Immigration Enforcement Law was passed by the Governor last week and requires us to have information posted our website by January 1, 2026.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

2025 TAX LEVY

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt to adopt the Tax Levy Resolution, Certificate of Tax Levy, Resolution of Intent, Notice of Intent to Increase Tax Levy, and Certificate of Compliance with the Truth and Taxation Act, as presented.

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

PURCHASE REQUEST – FACULTY LAPTOPS

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve the purchase of 85 laptops for faculty as part of the ongoing four-year technology refresh cycle at a cost of $93,029.40, to be funded from the FY2026 IT Budget.

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

Purchase Request – Transfr Trek (Career Exploration System) and Virtual Reality Headset Lease

It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to authorize the purchase of the license as described above; $19,600 a year, for the next five years, totaling $98,000. FY26 will be funded as listed above. Future years will be included in the Workforce Development division operational budget.

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

FACULTY SABBATICAL REQUEST – MICHAEL PHILLIPS

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the sabbatical for Michael Phillips for the Fall 2026 semester (August – December 2026). Said leave to be governed by the conditions stipulated in the agreement between the American Federation of Teachers Local 1810 and the Board of Trustees of Illinois Valley Community College District No. 513.

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

NAMING OF THE STUDENT LOUNGE IN THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Naming of the Central Bank Illinois Student Lounge space in the Agricultural Education Center.

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

NAMING OF THE CLASSROOM IN THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER

It was moved by Ms. Scoma and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve the naming of the Compeer Financial classroom in the Agricultural Education Center.

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

APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 05.03 RECORDS RETENTION

It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Board policy, as presented.

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

APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.01 AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve the Board policy, as presented.

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

APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.14 SMOKING/TOBACCO USE

It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Board policy, as presented.

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

FACULTY APPOINTMENT – JUHELIA THOMPSON, PSYCHOLOGY INSTRUCTOR

It was moved by Ms. Solon and seconded by Ms. Hunt to approve the appointment of Juhelia Thompson as Psychology Instructor, effective January 8, 2026, at Step D-13, an annualized salary of $72,339.00 on the 2025/2026 faculty salary schedule, contingent on the post-offer background screening.

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

Ms. Thompson stated she is excited to be here and thanked the Board for the welcome. She looks forward to adding to the IVCC family.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Mr. McCracken pointed out the information items on pages 64-68 of the Board book.

TRUSTEE COMMENT

Ms. Moshage thanked the administration, staff, faculty and fellow Board members for the easy transition since she joined the Board of Trustees.

Mr. McCracken wished everyone happy holidays and thanked the students, faculty, staff, administrative team, and fellow board members for their hard work throughout 2025 and looks forward to an even better 2026.

CLOSED SESSION

Mr. McCracken requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:29 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) collective bargaining; and 3) closed session minutes. 

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

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

The Board entered closed session at 5:32 p.m.

It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.

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

The regular meeting resumed at 5:39 p.m.

CLOSED SESSION MINUTES

It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the November 18, 2025 Board Meeting.

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

OTHER

Dr. Morris stated the nominations are open for the IVCC-LPO Hall of Fame. Nominations close on February 15, 2026.

Dr. Morris indicated the administration has worked with Mr. Zukowski on a letter regarding the logo issue. Mr. Zukowski stated a letter on the issue was sent electronically and in paper form asking the firm to cease and desist from using College information and making them aware of the situation and the issues that were previously created.

Dr. Morris stated IVCC met with the Ottawa Chamber on projects with the Ottawa Network of Young Executives (ONYX) two years ago to find ways for ONYX to give back to our students. They have conducted panels with our classes to talk about mentoring. To date, there is enough interest from mentors but not enough mentee interest.

Mr. McCracken stated IVCC and the Chambers are collaborating with the Continuing Education and Business Training Center on a Small Business Accelerator course which will equip individuals with the tools to build and launch small businesses and will launch in mid-February 2026.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 5:44 p.m.