October 21, 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, October 21, 2025 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present
Jay K. McCracken, 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
Angela M. Stevenson, Vice Chair
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 Annette Radek, mother of English faculty member Kimberly Radek-Hall; Helga Interrante, a generous Foundation donor; the grandfather of adjunct psychology faculty member Jesse Rodriguez; Laurence E. Pierson, former Spanish Professor; and Bob Kuhar, a Foundation Scholarship donor.
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” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Volker recognized Mr. McCraken for his effort and commitment to restoring the Wallace House in Ottawa.
RECOGNITION OF EMERITUS/EMERITA STATUS RECIPIENTS
Dr. Morris was pleased to recognize and read the resolutions of those who were approved by the Board in September 2025 for Emeritus Status. Two of the three individuals awarded in attendance were Diane Christianson, Faculty Emerita and Jamie Gahm, Administrator Emerita. Laura Hodgson Block, Faculty Emerita was not able to attend.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – September 16, 2025 Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $3,408,945.91
Education Fund - $2,291,173.13; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $522,836.45; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $385,242.63; Auxiliary Fund - $145,716.38; Restricted Fund - $17,348.76; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $48,628.56.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending September 6, 2025 and September 20, 2025; and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for September 2025.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Scoma highlighted the success of Spirit Day in September. The 21st Century Scholar Dinner was held on September 25 for finalists Eleanor Radtke, Kambri Fisher, Danica Scoma, and Haliey Larsen. Larsen was named the 21st Century Scholar. Freshman Student Government Election results named Jacy Miller as the Freshman Representative and Zach Quick and Jorge Delao as Programming Board members.
Student Club activities included the Gender and Sexuality Alliance hosted an interactive display for National Coming Out Day, allowing students to share positive messages; the Hispanic Leadership Team, Project Success Leadership Team, and Art Club collaborated to expand the Dia de Los Muertos altar in the main lobby. Hispanic Heritage month was celebrated with more events from the Hispanic Leadership Team. The Art Club will have an art club sale in November of student items to raise money for the club. The International Club will sponsor an International Education Week in mid-November with student led panels held to bring awareness to resources for studying, working, and living abroad.
Women’s Tennis won the Region 4 Tournament and has advanced to the National Tournament that will be held in May. Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Team hosted the Arrowhead Conference Tournament at Catlin Park. The Women’s Team placed 2nd at the event.
The Student Nurses Association and the IVCC Red Cross Club are hosting a blood donation event on October 28 in the IVCC Gym.
Student Government Association (SGA) new members took their positions. Sophomore members have begun forming goals for the year. The SGA will hold a Halloween costume contest on October 31 in the Student Life Space to boost engagement and the Student Etiquette Dinner will be held on November 12.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted the construction progress on campus on the Ag building as well as in the Assessment Center, Microbiology, and classroom spaces in buildings A and E.
Tutor Appreciation Week was October 6-10 with notes of appreciation. The Inspiration Tree for nursing student received a refresh and is where they leave each other notes of encouragement. The National Coming Out Day display allowed students and staff to support each other. Jacobs Library had a display during Banned Books Week.
The Women’s Tennis Team is heading to Nationals in the Spring. The Student Nurses Association crafted and donated blankets to Liberty Village and Pleasant View residents. Dr. Young’s first theatre production of Bottom’s on First 2.0 was held with 143 attendees including 35 students and two bins of donations were collected for Eagles Peak.
Kudos to Facilities, Food Services, advisors, staff members, student workers, and student leaders on an amazing Spirit Day. Constitution Day on September 17 had employees handing out pocket Constitutions and talking with students about the Constitution. The Financial Aid Office is holding a FAFSA event on October 29 to help students complete the FAFSA.
Employee Development Day was held on October 10 and focused on Professionalism in the Workplace and Communication. The campus had a successful fire drill recently and kudos to the Emergency Management Committee on continuing to encourage drill and practice. High school visits are in full swing for the semester. Approximately 300 students from 14 high schools participated in Discover Manufacturing Career Expo on October 21. The Jazz and Wind Ensembles held concerts recently. The IV Leads Golf Outing was held to fund IVCC Scholarships and faculty member Vince Brolley brought in a renowned brain psychiatrist as a guest speaker in his dual credit class at Hall High School.
Emergency Management Training was held on campus, as IVCC is serving as a potential reunification site in case of crisis. Ottawa High School held an event for their juniors and seniors with 50 representatives from the University of Illinois system. The panel spoke about options for college. Kudos to Renee Prine for coordinating this event.
Dr. Morris gave a presentation to the Project Success Leadership Team on Leadership and Project Management. Kudos to Aseret Loveland for coordinating this presentation. LGBTQ+ History Month hosted author Joe Chianakas on campus. Kudos to Amanda Cook Fesperman and the DEI Committee for coordinating this event.
Additional events and happenings included College and Career Night on October 8; Ag Field Day with 35 attendees including Ag students, agriculture businesses, farmers, and crop advisors; Hegeler Carus Presentation on October 14; Keturah Haferkamp, new English faculty member, was selected for graduate student research fellowship from Drew University; and the Clery report was completed and disseminated
Monthly update on enrollment for Fall included an increase of 2.02% in headcount and 3.13% in credit hours compared to Fall 2024. We are at 107.23% of budgeted hours and 101.67% of actual prior 10th day hours for Fall. We are at 59.6% of the total annual budgeted credit hours.
Eagles Peak visits for September totaled 430. Quarter 1 totals for FY26 (July-Sept) included 640 visits, 214 unduplicated households, 306 children in the household, and 720 total in the households.
Federal Legislative Updates include an Audit extension requested from the state due to delay in OMB supplement (approved by ICCB); concerns about the loss of SNAP; Stop Campus Hazing Act; Financial Aid verification changes; filed comments related to IPEDS request; monitoring concerns with Adult Education; potential changes to grant requests including termination for convenience clause mandated and alignment with administrative priorities.
State Legislative Updates included the veto session underway; changes to PSVHE Act to conduct survey biennially; potential change to in-state tuition/residency (110 ILCS 805/6-4a) which broadens protections for those who graduate from an Illinois high school with at least 3 years of attendance; minor changes to OMA (not applicable) and FOIA (to prevent fraud through AI and attachments); review of 433 from the 104th General Assembly is underway…stay tuned!
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUE OF NOT TO EXCEED $1,650,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION COMMUNITY COLLEGE BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE WORKING CASH FUND OF THE DISTRICT, PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF A DISTRICT ANNUAL TAX SUFFICIENT TO PAY THE PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST ON SAID BONDS, AND AUTHORIZING THE PROPOSAL SALE OF BONDS TO THE PURCHASER THEREOF.
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Donna to adopt the resolution providing for the issue of $1,650,000 Taxable General Obligation Community College Bonds, Series 2025, for the purpose of increasing the Working Cash Fund of the District.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF THE 2025 TAX LEVY
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Solon authorize Dr. Tracy Morris to begin preparing the 2025 tax levy.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – TOUCHNET PAYMENT GATEWAY RENEWAL
It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Mr. Solon to authorize the renewal of the TouchNet Payment Gateway Services in the amount of $38,750.00 for the FY2026 budget year.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PROPOSAL RESULTS – WEBSITE ACCESSIBILITY
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve contracting with Allyant, Ogdensburg, NY for FY26 at a cost of $44,320 and FY27 at a cost of $18,600 for a total cost of $62,920.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
HIGH DEDUCTIBLE HEALTH PLAN (HDHP) HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS/ HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ACCOUNTS-CY2026
It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Mr. Solon to authorize contributing to employee Health Savings Plans (HSAs) as stated above for employees electing the appropriate High Deductible Health Plans beginning January 1, 2026.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to authorize contributing to employee Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) as stated above for employees electing the appropriate High Deductible Health Plan beginning January 1, 2026.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL – MENTAL HEALTH VIRTUAL CLINICAL THERAPY ACCESS
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Scoma to seek proposals for Mental Health Virtual Clinical Therapy Access.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PROCLAMATION – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Rebholz to approve the proclamation, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 01.03 QUALIFICATIONS OF MEMBERS
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” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 03.22 MEDICAL LEAVE/TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT DUE TO INCAPACITY
It was moved by Dr. Rebholz and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the Board policy as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.02 ANIMALS ON CAMPUS
It was moved by Ms. Moshage and seconded by Ms. Scoma to approve the Board policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.15 SUSTAINABILITY
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” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.18 USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES (UAVs) OR DRONES
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the Board policy, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
NAMING OF THE SOIL LAB IN THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION CENTER
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve naming of the W. H. Maze Company Soil Lab in the Agricultural Education Center, as identified.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. McCracken pointed out the information items on pages 88-93 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Dr. Rebholz suggested the creation of a booklet of abbreviations and other important information for the Board of Trustees to reference. Dr. Rebholz and Ms. Moshage volunteered to serve on a sub-group to create the booklet.
Ms. Moshage stated she has visited with four clubs or activities on campus to introduce herself and listen. She suggested that others interested to reach out and engage with these groups.
CLOSED SESSION
Mr. McCracken requested a motion and a roll call vote at 5:43 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. Moshage to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 5:45 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Donna to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:05 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Donna approve and retain the closed session minutes of the September 16, 2025 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Dr. Donna, Mr. Solon, Dr. Rebholz, Mr. Hunt, Ms. Moshage, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
Dr. Morris stated Ms. Beard will be off campus next week and Dr. Morris will be at a President’s meeting from Wednesday through Friday in southern Illinois. The Board should contact Dr. Morris directly, if needed.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 6:07 p.m.