November 18, 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, November 18, 2025 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
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
Mary Beth Herron, Director of Human Resources
Walt Zukowski, Attorney
Others Virtually Present
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Norman Paulson and Susan Locken-Hodges, friends of Vice President for Academic Affairs Vicki Trier; and former Vice President Dick Cheney.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt 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
Mr. Volker congratulated the Women’s Tennis Team on their season.
RECOGNITION OF WOMEN’S TENNIS TEAM
Dr. Morris was pleased to recognize, introduce, and congratulate the Women’s Tennis team as the Region 4, Division II Women’s Tennis Team Champions. Each team member introduced themselves and Coach Julie Milota spoke about the team and their accomplishments.
STUDENT/EMPLOYEE DEMOGRAPHIC REPORT
Mr. Grzybowski reported an overall increase in total headcount of +8% from 2024 Fall 10th Day to 2025 Fall 10th Day and a +3% in total credit hours. Part-time enrollment is at 65% and full-time enrollment is at 35%. Ottawa continues to have the largest number of enrollments followed by Peru, Streator, LaSalle, and Mendota. Compared to 2024, there were increases in enrollment from Peru (29%), LaSalle (26%), Mendota (21%), Oglesby (10%), and Spring Valley (8%). There were decreases from Streator (8%), Princeton (5%), Marseilles (4%), and Ottawa (2%). Enrollment by county shows the highest enrollments coming from LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam Counties respectively, with 90% of enrollment coming from these three counties. Main campus enrollment by credit hours is holding steady at 61% while online credit hours increased +1.5% and the Ottawa Center decreased by -.8% which is due largely to not currently holding Paramedic classes not being held there this Fall. The total share of students who received any type of aid was 37%. The total share of FAFSA filers who received any type of aid was 79%. 32% of the total share of enrolled students and 68% of total enrolled FAFSA filers received Pell and Map grants.
Student gender distribution from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025 show an 11% increase in the number of female students and a 5% increase in male students. Fall 2025 gender distribution for females is 60% and 40% for males. Age distribution for students showed a 29% increase in the 31-40 age range. The 18-20 age range continues to be the largest group at 39.7%. The average age of students continues to be 22.3. Race/Ethnicity distribution for students shows a decrease of 7.4% from Fall 2024 of those who identified as white and those who identified as Hispanic increased by nearly 2%. The student body is more diverse thus far in 2025 and slightly more diverse than our employee population.
Ms. Herron reported IVCC’s employee count as of 11/01/2025 is 372 compared to 374 in 2024 with a breakdown of 33% part-time faculty; 26% full-time support staff; 20% full-time faculty; 14% part-time support staff; and 7% full-time administration. The employee count over the last five years shows consistency in full-time faculty and consistency in administration over the last two years. Employee count differences are largely made up of changes in the part-time support staff and part-time faculty groups.
Employee gender distribution for Fall 2025 indicates 60% are female and 40% male. Just over half of employees are in the 41-60 age range; 62.5% are over the age of 60, and there was a 1.5% increase in the 21-30 age range. According to SURS, 81 active employees qualify for SURS retirement by 12/31/25. The data continues to support efforts that are focused on succession planning. Race/Ethnicity among employees continues to be predominantly White (93.2%). There were minor shifts of less than 1% in the 3-county district this Fall.
A five-year look back at turnover shows 26 separations through 10/31/2025, which includes 16 full-time administration, support staff, and faculty; 3 part-time support staff, and 3 temporary assignments ended. 8 of the 26 separations in 2025 were retirements. After four months into FY2026, 9 employees have taken advantage of new internal opportunities. Promotions from within continue to support succession planning initiatives.
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. 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 – October 7, 2025 Board Retreat and October 21, 2025 Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $1,997,420.30
Education Fund - $1,227,317.77; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $91,709.00; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $22,723.27; Auxiliary Fund - $473,622.95; Restricted Fund - $83,990.77; Audit Fund - $15,000.00; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $81,8867.13; Grants, Loans, Scholarships - $1,169.41.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending October 4, 2025 and October 18, 2025; and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for October 2025.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Scoma highlighted the Etiquette Dinner held on November 12 and the Student Government Association members helped work the event.
Peer Mentoring held a “Pause for Connect” event which gave students a space to relax but also obtain resources on how to better care for themselves. Peer Mentoring also had the opportunity to join the Project Success Leadership Team to talk about self-care and leadership and lead some grounding exercises for stress management.
An International Student Panel was held during International Education Week and included students who shared their experiences in the United States and at IVCC. Project Success is holding a PADS Donation Drive through December 13. Items can be dropped off in Project Success.
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.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted the construction progress on campus for the building A and E classrooms, the Assessment Center, and the Agricultural Education Center.
The IV Leader and Journalism students who won numerous awards at the Illinois Community College Journalism Association Conference including first in the general excellence, first place for best student media, first place news story of the year, second place sports column, and honorable mentions in graphics, multimedia, and editorial writer of the year. Fourteen additional awards were received in the division categories. Journalism students along with IV Leader staff worked on the planning, publicity, organizing, and collection donations for a Flapjack Fundraiser with Illinois Valley Animal Rescue at Applebee’s in Peru. Nursing students NCLEX pass rates were 90.2% RN and 100% LPN.
Explore IVCC, led off by a dual credit event, was held a featured a video featuring Danica Scoma and produced by Matthew Klein highlighting a day in the life of a student. The FAFSA completion event, “Don’t Be Spooked by FAFSA”, was a success and all who attended completed their FAFSA. A flag raising ceremony was held on November 10 with our largest audience to date.
Core value awards were given to Renee Prine, Heather Crawley, and Michael Pecherek. Sarah Stevenson was selected for the IV Leadership Academy. Crystal Credi and Daniellie Bell created a Domestic Violence Awareness Display and events are underway for Native American History Month including a presentation by Gerald Savage.
Ten tutors participated in the national 4C Virtual Tutor Conference in October. Team members presented and Angie Dunlap facilitated and served on the planning committee. Continuing Education hosted the Illinois Council for Continuing Education and Training Council (ICCET) Conference on October 16 and 17 at Grand Bear Lodge. The Paramedic/EMS program submitted their self-study for accreditation. Adjunct faculty member Steve Swett was awarded the Westbury Award by the American Red Cross. Lori Cinotte presented at the TYCA Midwest Conference at College of DuPage Oct. 16-17. Lori joined with Bradley Smith from Governors State and Steven Accardi from College of DuPage to present "Reimagining Writing Studies Course Transfers Across Institutions: Equity, Enrollments, and Injustice."
Employee Giving Week was a success. Great job by our Foundation team and thank you to the over 100 generous employees who donated. The kick-off of the Ag Forward Campaign to target our top donors for the building was held at Ironwood on the Vermillion. Kudos to Tracy Beattie and her team on a successful event.
Monthly update on enrollment for Spring included an increase of 39.73% in headcount and 26.72% in credit hours compared to Spring 2025. We are at 57.35% of budgeted hours and 55.64% of actual prior 10th day hours for Spring. We are at 84.5% of the total annual budgeted credit hours.
Dr. Morris shared a comparison of State enrollment to IVCC enrollment for Fall 2024. The non-credit Surgical Tech program has concluded with 25 of 26 enrollees completing the program.
Federal Legislative updates include the impact to the University of Illinois Extension, and SNAP benefits still in trouble as H.R.1 seeks to disqualify many hardworking families and individuals who rely on it for nutrition.
State Legislative updates included the plan to bring forward the Baccalaureate degree proposal in the spring; immigration status and enforcement changes (HB 1312), not yet signed by Governor, would require written procedures on law enforcement access, posting information on rights and resources, reporting annually, and protection of immigration status (covered under FERPA) but could include civil liability if disclosed. HB 3065 is designed to safeguard eight diversity-focused scholarship programs administered by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) from ongoing litigation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
2025 TENTATIVE TAX LEVY
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to adopt the Resolution approving a Tentative Tax Levy and Tentative Certificate of Tax Levy, 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.
PROTECTION, HEALTH, AND SAFETY (PHS) PROJECTS FOR TAX YEAR 2025
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Scoma to approve the three Protection, Health, and Safety projects as presented for a cost of $1,541,515 and authorize the administration to include levy accordingly for the projects in coordination with the Tax Levy resolution.
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.
PURCHASE REQUEST – ASSESSMENT CENTER TECHNOLOGY
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to authorize the purchase of technology equipment for the new Assessment Center at a cost not to exceed $32,200, to be funded from the FY2026 IT Budget.
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 – NURSING SCHOOL GRANT AGREEMENT
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the Nursing School Grant agreement with the Illinois Board of Higher Education for $75,000.
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 – BOARD POLICY 02.19 REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION OF RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Mr. Solon to approve the Board policy, 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.
REQUEST FOR INACTIVATION – CERTIFIED PRODUCTION TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATE
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the approve the inactivation of the Certified Production Technician Certificate. There is no need for a one year teach out.
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.
REQUEST FOR INACTIVATION – RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATES (BASIC AND ADVANCED)
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the inactivation of the Renewable Energy Technician Certificates (Basic/Advanced) due to our inability to get interest from the community in these courses. There is no need for a one year teach out.
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.
SCHEDULE OF REGULAR MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR 2026
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Scoma to approve the dates as presented for 2026 and will provide public notice of this schedule. All meetings will take place at the designated time in Room C-307 (the Board Room) on the campus of Illinois Valley Community College at 815 Orlando Smith Road, Oglesby, IL unless otherwise noted.
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 RETIREMENT – DR. JEFFREY SPANBAUER, HISTORY INSTRUCTOR
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to accept the retirement of Dr. Jeffrey Spanbauer, History Instructor, effective December 16, 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 111-120 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Ms. Moshage was pleased with the College’s support at the recent Meals on Wheels event. It is remarkable and commendable that Meals on Wheels continues to support the community.
Mr. Solon received a compliment from a student in an online history class who stated the class was very good, enjoyable, and the support during the enrollment process was good.
Mr. McCracken thanked the staff and administrative team as well as the Board for their hard work and dedication.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. McCracken requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:45 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 and imminent litigation; 3) student disciplinary cases; 4) collective bargaining; and 5) closed session minutes.
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Stevenson 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 5:47 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt 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 6:17 p.m.
POSSIBLE ACTION – PROPERTY TAX AGREEMENT
It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to authorize Walt Zukowski and Associates to represent the College in dispute of the PTAB complaint filed by Holiday Inn Club Vacations Incorporated, in conjunction with the legal counsel for the other taxing bodies.
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 Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Scoma approve and retain the closed session minutes of the October 21, 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 introduced a new Employee Report that will track all new hires and separations each month. The report will appear in the Items for Information section of the report. Part-time faculty stipends will continue to appear in the Consent Agenda and administrator and full-time faculty appointments will continue to be Action Items.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.