September 16, 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, September 16, 2025 in the Board Room (C307) at Illinois Valley Community College.
Members Physically Present
Jay K. McCracken, Chair
Angela M. Stevenson, Vice Chair
Everett J. Solon
Rebecca Donna
William F. Hunt
Lynda Marlene Moshage
Danica E. Scoma, Student Trustee
Members Virtually Present
Members Telephonically Present
Members Absent
Maureen O. Rebholz, Secretary
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
MOMENT OF SILENCE
A moment of silence was held to remember Gerald “Harp” Lenkaitis, father-in-law of faculty member Cathy Lenkaitis; Norb Dudek, Foundation scholarship donor for computer technology and marketing; Ivan Crutcher, father-in-law of Board Chair Jay McCracken; former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar; and Jay Endress, former husband of former Trustee Paula Endress.
APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY PRO-TEM
Mr. McCracken appointed Mr. Solon as secretary pro-tem as Dr. Rebholz was unable to attend this meeting.
CONDUCT PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING THE INTENT OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO SELL NOT TO EXCEED $1,650,000 WORKING CASH BONDS FOR THE PURPOSE OF INCREASING THE WORKING CASH FUND OF THE DISTRICT.
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to suspend rules temporarily to allow for public hearing to conduct a public hearing concerning the intent of the Board of Trustees to sell not to exceed $1,650,000 Working Cash Bonds for the purpose of increasing the working cash fund of the District.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
BOARD COMMMENTS ON THE BOND SALE
None
PUBLIC WRITTEN OR ORAL COMMENTS ON THE BOND SALE
None
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Dr. Donna to adjourn the public hearing and return to regular session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
It was moved by Mr. Hunt and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the agenda.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. Volker commended Julie Milota on the great job she is doing as the coach of the tennis teams.
CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve the consent agenda, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The following items were approved in the consent agenda:
Approval of Minutes – August 19, 2025 Closed Session Minutes Committee Meeting and Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills - $2,044,173.50
Education Fund - $983,490.37; Operations and Maintenance Fund - $306,767.23; Operations and Maintenance (Restricted) - $336,344.70; Auxiliary Fund - $169,788.31; Restricted Fund - $41,056.71; Liability, Protection, and Settlement Fund - $176,357.35; Grants, Loans, and Scholarships - $30,368.83.
Treasurer’s Report
Personnel
Approved stipends for pay periods ending August 9, 2025 and August 23, 2025; Supplemental Pay Ending August 18, 2025; and Part-Time Faculty and Staff Appointments for August 2025.
STUDENT TRUSTEE’S REPORT
Ms. Scoma reported the Peer Mentors held their 2nd annual Positive Pathways event. Student’s positive messages were on the sidewalk near the main entrance. The Hispanic Leadership Team began their events for Hispanic Heritage Month with their annual Day of the Dead display and food tasting. Petitions for three Freshman Student Government Association positions are currently available. Elections will take place on September 25 and 26. Anyone taking a course at IVCC is eligible to vote. Spirit Day is scheduled for September 24 in the courtyard. Over 40 student organizations and college departments will be represented. There will be many fun activities, crafts, and free food.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Morris highlighted the changes happening on campus including construction progress in buildings A and E; the cafeteria is open for service but there are still a few updates to be completed; the new monitors are active outside the Foundation Office with rolling videos and renderings of the construction and one with information and interactive items; and new signage for the building G.
The Positive Pathways event held by the Peer Mentors was great and students were excited and engaged. The IBEW graduation ceremony was held in August. Rebecca Zamora, Dean of Workforce Development, spoke on behalf of IVCC.
The Scholarship Recognition event was held on September 10 and was incredible with 131 students, 47 donors, 28 employees and Board members, and 224 family and friends totaling of 430 attendees. Ag Groundbreaking was held on August 22 with over 100 in attendance. Kudos to the Kathy Ross, Nikki Van Nielen, and Ellen Evancheck for the flower arrangements on the tables. Construction on the site is already underway.
A Credit for Prior Learning video and tutorial has been created by Crystal Credi, Dean of Student Success and the Marketing team. This allows those with workforce experience to be able to apply to get college credit. Our Dental Health Center was officially approved as a National Health Services Corps (NHSC) free or reduced cost dental clinic. The VA Audit was completed by the Financial Aid Office with an almost perfect score. Congratulations to Professor Mike Phillips, who was approved to present at the GSA Connects 2025 in San Antonio, Texas in October on Incorporating Data Exploration in a “Lecture” Based Oceanography Course.
Constellation Energy Donation donated $33,000 for a new Haas Cobot machine for the Manufacturing Program; the Ag Forward Campaign is set to kick off in November with additional interest in naming options are coming in; and the Northern Illinois University is partnering with the Regional Office of Education to offer a LEAP program for current paraprofessionals to earn a degree in special education.
Dr. Morris continues to attend ROE events and meetings and attended the Streator Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner with Jennifer Scheri and Jennifer Sowers. Dr. Morris was part of two WCMY interviews to talk about the great things happening at IVCC. Artwork in memory of Chemistry instructor Bob Byrne was created by Artist Susan Burton. The funds were donated by Mr. Byrne’s family and a dedication ceremony will take place in the spring.
Monthly update on enrollment for Fall included an increase of 3.97% in headcount and 2.72% in credit hours compared to Fall 2024. We are at 108.65% of budgeted hours and 103.02% of actual prior 10th day hours for Fall. We are at 60.03% of the total annual budgeted credit hours.
Continuing Education, in FY 25, served 3,955 students (2,803 unduplicated) and 431 courses were offered (154 unduplicated). Kudos to the Continuing Education staff for their hard work as they welcomed 436 youth to camps! 42 summer camps were held for kids/teens; 436 total students attended camps between the ages of 5 and 17; and there were 263 unduplicated students.
Federal Legislative Updates include the Department of Education ending discretionary funding for Minority Serving Institutions; appropriations discussion continues on interagency agreements; TRIO funds for Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Center, and Talent Search have been frozen. IVCC is not impacted at this time. The courts granted a preliminary injunction on various federal agencies’ interpretation of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), which aimed to restrict eligibility for participation in programs funded by WIOA Title II Adult Education and Postsecondary Perkins, among other programs.
State Legislative Updates included the ICCTA and President’s meetings were held on September 12 and the Robbins Schwartz legal conference will be held virtually September 17.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Dr. Donna shared the Robbins Schwartz presentation from the recent ICCTA Meeting on Ongoing Impact of Executive Orders and Federal Action on Higher Ed Institutions and asked that it be scanned and shared with the Board.
APPROVAL – CITY OF PERU MIDWEST INDUSTRIAL NEXUS TIF
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Peru for the Peru Midwest Industrial Nexus TIF, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – PROPOSED EXTENSION OF CITY OF SPRING VALLEY TIF DISTRICT
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the intergovernmental agreement with the City of Spring Valley related to the Spring Valley TIF District I. This approval would authorize the administration to send letters of support to Representative Briel and Senator Rezin.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – RENEWAL OF WEBEX CALLING PHONE SYSTEM
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Scoma to approve the proposal for the 5-year renewal of the Webex Calling platform at an annual cost of $25,466.52 and a total 5-year cost of $127,332.60
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – WIRED AND WIRELESS NETWORK REFRESH
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve the proposal for the 5-year agreement with HP Enterprise and the Burwood Group at an annual cost not to exceed $337,556.31 and a total 5-year cost not to exceed $1,687,781.55.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES – PROJECT SUCCESS – LOCAL MATCH
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve the annual $10,000 transfer from the Education Fund (Fund 01) to Restricted Funds (Fund 06) for the Student Support Services (TRIO) grant for FY2026.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – BOARD POLICY 06.24 HAZING PREVENTION
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” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – DIANE CHRISTIANSON, DESIGNATION OF FACULTY EMERITA
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve Diane Christianson for the designation of Faculty Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL – LAURA HODGSON BLOCK, DESIGNATION OF FACULTY EMERITA
It was moved by Ms. Stevenson and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve Laura Hodgson Block for the designation of Faculty Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
APPROVAL –JAMIE GAHM, DESIGNATION OF ADMINISTRATOR EMERITA
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Moshage to approve Jamie Gahm for the designation of Administrator Emerita, as presented.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
PURCHASE REQUEST – FURNITURE FOR 2025 CAMPUS RENOVATIONS
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Ms. Scoma to approve the purchase of the furniture for the 2025 Campus Renovations to be paid from fund balance reserves from the Education and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funds in accordance with Board Policy 04.09, Fund Balance from Krueger International, Green Bay, WI through the IPHEC (Illinois Public Higher Education Cooperative) in the amount of $428,185.02.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Mr. McCracken pointed out the information items on pages 65-71 of the Board book.
TRUSTEE COMMENT
Ms. Stevenson spoke with a freshman who was impressed with Danica and plans to get involved.
Dr. Donna is thrilled that students are spending time on campus before and after class and feels it is important for their success.
Mr. McCracken stated Ms. Moshage extended an invitation to the grand opening for Life Balance Counseling and Wellness on October 3 at 3:30 pm.
Ms. Moshage invited the Board to her Barn Dance on October 4.
Ms. Scoma state the Marketing Department is creating promotion videos for recruiting. Danica has filmed on a day in the life of a student, which is currently being edited. She will also participate in one on study abroad opportunities this week.
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) pending and imminent litigation; 3) student disciplinary cases; 4) collective bargaining; and 5) closed session minutes.
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Dr. Donna to enter into a closed session.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The Board entered closed session at 5:31 p.m.
It was moved by Mr. Solon and seconded by Ms. Stevenson to return to the regular meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSION MINUTES
It was moved by Dr. Donna and seconded by Mr. Hunt to approve and retain the closed session minutes of the August 19, 2025 Board Meeting.
Student Advisory Vote: “Aye” – Ms. Scoma. Roll Call Vote: “Ayes” – Ms. Moshage, Dr. Donna, Ms. Stevenson, Mr. Solon, Mr. Hunt, and Mr. McCracken. “Nay” – none. Motion carried.
OTHER
Dr. Morris reported the campus is continuing to update security protocols with the City of Oglesby related to community members coming on campus.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. McCracken declared the meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.