May 20, 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 Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Room 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, 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 Janine Fieldhouse of LaSalle, sister of Andrea Altizer from the Cashier’s office; Charlotte Crew, mother of Campus Security Director Angie Starder; Jack Morscheiser of Peru, brother-in-law of Executive Assistant to the President Sandy Beard; and Alfred Wisgoski, who served LPO and IVCC for 30 years, including 21 years as the President before retiring in 1996.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Rebholz 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Hunt 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 – April 16, 2025 Board Meeting and April 22, 2025 Board Organizational Meeting
Approval of Bills - $1,709,492.51
Education Fund - $1,364,783.57.80; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $113,056.81; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $34,820.50; Auxiliary Fund - $95,248.39; Restricted Fund - $17,717.49; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $82,410.25; Grants, Loans and Scholarships Fund – 1,455.50.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending April 5, 2025, April 19, 2025 and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for April 2025.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Scoma highlighted the International Club’s first annual International Culture Fair with the help of the Hispanic Leadership Team and Art Club. The event featured food, dancing, games, art, music, and more. The Art Club held fundraising activities for a trip to the Chicago Art Institute.
The Student Success Center hosted Finals Week Survival Kits that included drinks, snacks and school supplies. The Student Government Association hosted a Spring Picnic with lunch, snow cones, and games. The event included fundraising activities for St. Baldrick’s, sponsored by the Project Success Leadership Team, and raised over $1,700 for childhood cancer.
Mental Health Awareness Month activities included giveaways and provided resources to bring awareness to students. Presentations by Chris Herron, a former NBA player, on his journey through addiction were part of the month’s activities. District elementary and high schools participated. All activities for the month were sponsored by the Peer Mentors and Transformative Growth.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted the branding initiatives in the gym led by Marketing and Communications and gave kudos to the Facilities team for keeping the campus looking beautiful.
Student highlights included the Taylor Scholarship recipients Garret Zinke for Accounting and Odin Klotz for STEM; Emma Coss was named to the All-Illinois Academic Team and as a 2025 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar; Jacob Quick was named to the All-Illinois Academic Team. Approximately 60 students from Professor Nora Villarreal’s classes participated in Service-Learning projects to support Eagles Peak Food Pantry at IVCC, IVAR, PADS, student mental health, and Crittenton Centers in Peoria. The annual Student Academic Awards Banquet was held on April 23 and the Project Success Awards Luncheon was held on May 15.
Athletic Department grades for Spring are 3.25 overall with the Men’s GPA at 3.14 and the Women’s GPA at 3.40. Other events that occurred included a student art show with Jasmine Arce from L-P High School receiving a full-tuition waiver to IVCC and Danica Scoma awarded the Gerrard Fine Arts Scholarship; recognition of the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society; and Ag completed student planting and held an open house.
Vince Brolley was named Instructor of the Year by the Illinois Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnership (ILACEP) for dual credit; numerous teen camps were held on campus; and final exam stress relief tips, snacks and drinks were distributed to students. Jill Urban-Bollis, Amanda Cook Fesperman, and Tina Hardy are currently on their Faculty and Staff Exchange to the Netherlands. Visitors from Tanzania visited the campus. The Truck Driver Training program celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Dr. Morris attended the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner, Princeton Chamber Annual Luncheon, the ROE Celebration, provided a tour of campus to the Illinois Green Network (IGEN), was the speaker at the Putnam County High School National Honor Society Induction, attended the Area Career Center Signing Day, and was interviewed by WCMY.
Monthly Updates on enrollment for Summer included an increase of 14.46% in headcount and 18.15 % in credit hours compared to Summer 2024. We are at 118.71% of budgeted hours and 111.68% of actual prior 10th day hours. Fall enrollment included an increase of 2.65% in headcount and 7.08% in credit hours compared to Fall 2024. We are at 57.12% of budgeted hours and 54.16% of actual prior 10th day hours.
Dr. Morris gave updates on the Strategic Plan Goals and the Marketing Plan. Dr. Morris attended Lobby Day and met with most of our legislators.
Dr. Morris highlighted the 2025 Paramedic Day Class Ceremony, Nurse Pinning, and Commencement.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
APPROVAL – COUNSELING AND PEER SERVICES
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Mr. Solon to authorize a three-year contract with Transformative Community Health for counseling and peer services to satisfy the requirements of the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act at the rates stated.
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 – VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS CONTRACT
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Scoma to approve the employment contract for Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Vicki Trier, as presented. This results in an annualized salary of $136,620.00 and duties, benefits, and other conditions as presented in the contract. The annual increase will be made in alignment with institutional processes and may be subject to any applicable equity increases approved by the Board of Trustees.
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 – VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT SERVICES CONTRACT
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the employment contract for Vice President for Student Services, Mr. Mark Grzybowski, as presented. This results in an annualized salary of $120,365.00 and duties, benefits, and other conditions as presented in the contract. The annual increase will be made in alignment with institutional processes and may be subject to any applicable equity increases approved by the Board of Trustees.
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 – VICE PRESIDENT FOR BUSINESS SERVICES AND FINANCE CONTRACT ADDENDUM
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Donna 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 of $120,267.00 and duties, benefits, and other conditions as outlined in the original contract. The annual increase will be made in alignment with institutional processes and may be subject to any applicable equity increases approved by the Board of Trustees.
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 – PRESIDENT’S CONTRACT ADDENDUM
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the addendum to the employment contract for President Dr. Tracy Morris. The President’s annual salary for the period of July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026 shall be increased by 3.5%, which is in alignment with all employees for the fiscal year, to $220,131.00 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. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
FACULTY RESIGNATION – REBECCA CALDWELL, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Donna to accept the resignation of Rebecca Caldwell, ECE Instructor, effective August 8, 2025.
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 44-52 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Ms. Moshage stated all experiences so far as a new trustee have been positive and a lot of fun. She appreciates the opportunity to learn and serve and thanked everyone for being so gracious.
Mr. Hunt stated it is wonderful to be back on the Board.
Ms. Scoma is thankful for opportunity and is excited to grow.
Dr. Rebholz stated the faculty and administration did a wonderful job with Nurse Pinning and Commencement. They were beautiful and meaningful.
Dr. Donna asked if cannabis classes can be held in the new Ag building. Dr. Morris stated cannabis courses cannot be held in the building because it is federally funded.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. McCracken requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:14 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 Mr. Hunt 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 5:16 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Rebholz 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 6:10 p.m.
APPROVAL – COMPENSATION FY26 – EMPLOYEES NOT AFFECTED BY A NEGOTIATED LABOR AGREEMENT
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve a 3.50% increase for employees not affected by a negotiated labor agreement, contingent upon evaluations and grant support in FY2026 and special salary adjustments for employees identified as warranting such an increase in FY2026.
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.
POSSIBLE APPROVAL – RETIREMENT INCENTIVE
No action taken on this item.
BID REQUEST – 2021-2023 CHEVROLET BOLT ELECTRIC VEHICLES
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson authorizing the administration to seek bids to purchase two 2021-2023 Chevrolet Bolt Electric Vehicles for the Automotive program at a total cost not to exceed $45,000. These would be paid for with REV UP EV Grant monies.
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.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Dr. Donna to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the April 16, 2025 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
Dr. Morris stated a meeting will be scheduled for the Closed Session Minutes Committee. Board photos will be rescheduled for June. An amendment to the Allied Security Contract will be on the June agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.