March 19, 2025 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 Wednesday, March 19, 2025 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
Rebecca Donna
Jane E. Goetz
Maureen O. Rebholz
Emma J. Garretson, 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
Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services
Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
Mike Zywica, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Cheryl Redman of Montana, friend and colleague of Vicki Trier, and Dean Sack of Peru, husband of retired counselor Jane Sack.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
TENURE RECOMMENDATION – LYNDSEY BEETZ, DENTAL ASSISTING/HYGIENE INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the tenure recommendation for Lyndsey Beetz, Dental Assisting/Hygiene Instructor, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
TENURE RECOMMENDATION – SCOTT FOX, MANUFACTURING INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve the tenure recommendation for Scott Fox, Manufacturing Instructor, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
RECOGNITION OF EMERITUS/EMERITA STATUS RECIPIENTS
Dr. Morris was pleased to recognize those whose resolutions were approved by Board in February 2025 for Emeritus Status. Four of the five individuals awarded Emeritus Status in attendance were: Lou Borio, Administrator Emeritus; Jeanne Hayden, Staff Emerita; Mary Sue Myers, Faculty Emerita; and Dr. Rose Marie Lynch on behalf of the late Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg, Faculty Emerita.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. Solon requested a motion and a roll call vote at 4:55 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; and 3) closed session minutes.
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Mr. McCracken to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 4:59 p.m.
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:08 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – February 5, 2025 Audit Finance Committee Meeting, February 19, 2025 Board Meeting, and March 6, 2025 Facilities Committee Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $2,908,926.70
Education Fund - $2,479,103.66; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $154,043.72; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $37,105.07; Auxiliary Fund - $150,617.31; Restricted Fund - $20,844.67; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $66,569.87; Grants, Loans, and Scholarship Fund - $642.40.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending February 8, 2025, February 22, 2025 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for February 2025.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Garretson highlighted the Student Government Association 2025-2026 Sophomore Elections scheduled for April 3 and 4. Open positions include Student Trustee, President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Sophomore Representative, and two Sophomore Programming Board members. Any student with 30 completed hours by Fall 2025 and a 2.0 grade point average is eligible for a position. Anyone taking a course an IVCC is eligible to vote.
Multiple student organizations hosted a Candidate Forum on March 5, and the event was well attended by students and employees.
Men’s and Women’s Basketball concluded their seasons and celebrated Sophomore Night at their last home game. Roko Juasovic was named to the 1st Team All-Conference and Qu’amar Hobbs and Roderick Watson-Piercy were named to the 2nd Team All-Conference for Men’s Basketball. Jasmine Garman earned 2nd Team All-Conference honors for Women’s Basketball.
Over Spring Break, the Baseball team traveled to Myrtle Beach and the Softball team traveled to Florida to compete. Men’s Tennis is kicking off their season after completing their first week of outdoor practice. The Men’s Golf team traveled to Farmington, Missouri for the Mineral Area Match Play Tournament.
A new organization called IVCC Volunteer has been formed. this group provides opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to get involved in both on-campus and community volunteering.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted that moderators for the Board Candidate Forum were student leaders Ashton Watkins and Emmalina Coss. Fall graduates consisted of 162 students earning 185 degrees and certificates. Emmalina Coss was named to All-USA Academic Team and All-Illinois Team. The Baseball team recently volunteered at a city baseball camp. The Peer Mentors held a stress relief day.
Richard Publow Memorial Award in Writing winners for ENG 1001 include first place Hailey Minter, second place Dawson Carey, third place Claire Lovgren, and honorable mention Lanie Vaughn. ENG 1002 winners include first place Kallum Mortifer, second place Olivia Shetterly, third place Lauren Hogan, and honorable mentions to Gabriel Penhalver and Brandon Mansour.
2025 DEI Contest Winners include first place McKinzie Tarbox, second place Sonja Penney, and third place Tyler Graves. The 2025 Paul Simon Essay Contest winner is Zixuan (Maggie) Yang. The 2025 Ghandi/King Essay contest winner is Elizabeth Huffaker, a dual credit student from St. Bede Academy.
A retirement celebration was held for Lynn Moore, who retired after almost 40 years of service to IVCC. Women’s History Month activities are underway. Sarah Trager and Lizzy Kummer from the Dual Credit Office will present at the annual ILACP conference in March. Dr. Lirim Neziroski presented at the Illinois Success Network. Kudos on the development of a MOU with Serena High School for Transitional English. Our food pantry is currently running a Basic Needs Drive and 130 items have been collected to date.
IVCC employees Lexis Buckley and Heather Seghi were named as recipients of the 40 Under 40 recognition for IVAC. The Edible Car Contest was held with 208 participants coming from junior high schools, high schools, faculty and staff from the participating schools and IVCC, as well as two student groups from IVCC. The Agriculture Program hosted a Middle School Mania consisting of mini agriculture competitions with 88 students from 10 grade schools in attendance.
Dr. Morris stated the Halls of Opportunity, formerly Career Expo, was held in early March with 700+ junior high school students in attendance. Kudos to Rebecca Zamora and her team for their hard work. The Etiquette Dinner returned after several years and was well attended. Kudos to Cory Tomasson and Bob Reese on a job well done. Other events included participation in the LaSalle St. Patrick’s Day parade, the annual Academic Challenge, Trade Fair for union opportunities, Wind Ensemble performance, and a New Employee Luncheon.
The Foundation received 570 applications for scholarships with our new software, which is approximately 150 more than our highest number in recent years. Kudos to the Foundation team and the Marketing and Communications Department on their efforts. Foundation Board member Jim Loveland and IVCC Board member Jay McCracken recently presented at Rotary meetings.
Monthly updates included the submission of IVCC’s response to recommendations from the ICCB Recognition visit. An ag program update included the headcount for AGR courses is up 5% over the last 5 fiscal years; the average headcount for students in AGR courses is 105 per fiscal year; average number of students choosing an Agriculture certificate/degree program is 34; and the average number of students choosing an Agriculture certificate/degree program or major is 61. Of student enrolling in AGR courses, those declaring an Agriculture program has risen 25% over the last fiscal years; 42% of AGR course enrollments for FY25 are in a Transfer Program; and 50% of AGR course enrollments for FY25 are in an AGR Program. The Ag Complex with enhance educational opportunities for students and will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and community engagement in agricultural practices. With its modern facilities and resources, the Ag Complex will position IVCC as a leader in agricultural education, attracting students and faculty passionate about sustainable farming practices and technological advancements in the field.
Federal Legislative Updates include continuing to monitor executive orders, presenting the Title IX policy for approval, developing other policies in accordance with federal and state laws, and monitoring funding impacts and DOE impacts. State Legislative Updates include House Bill 3717 Community College Baccalaureate, which goes to the House High Education Committee today. Also being watched are Senate Bill 2127 on Dual Credit Courses and Senate Bill 1958 on Transfer Reform.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
APPROVAL – MASTER PLAN – FEBRUARY 2025
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Dr. Boyles to accept the February 2025 Master Plan as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
STAFF APPOINTMENT – AMBER FOX, DEAN OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND BUSINESS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Garretson to approve the appointment of Amber Fox as Dean of Natural Sciences and Business at an annualized salary of $85,642.00, effective May 19, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – Dr. Donna. Motion carried.
FACULTY RESIGNATION – DR. SAMMY KUMAR, CNA INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to accept the resignation of Dr. Sammy Kumar, effective March 6, 2025.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
POTENTIAL APPROVAL – TENURE EXTENSION REQUEST
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve the request made by faculty member Garrick Whitehead, Networking Instructor, to extend his tenure process by one year.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 02.23 RESIDENCY
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.21 NON-DISCRIMINATION/ANTI-HARRASSMENT
It was moved by Ms. Garretson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.22 PROHIBITING SEX-BASED MISCONDUCT
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Goetz to approve the Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – REMOVAL OF BOARD POLICY 06.13 SEX DISCRIMINATION
It was moved by Ms. Goetz and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve the removal of Board Policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. Solon pointed out the information items on pages 64-75 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Dr. Boyles asked the trustees to make sure they are receiving the ICCTA emails with the new email addresses for trustees. Dr. Boyles stated with the federal changes and discussion on equity to remember that as stewards of the College, equity is the foundation of this institution.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. McCracken to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the February 19, 2025 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Garretson. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Boyles, Ms. Goetz, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. McCracken, Dr. Rebholz, and Mr. Solon. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
Dr. Morris distributed the newest version of the measurement of Institutional and Strategic Goals in the Strategic Plan. Dr. Morris will email a draft of the Voluntary Retirement Incentive Program for the Board’s review prior to the vote for approval at the April meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Solon declared the meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.