July 2016 Board Report

Willard Mott of Neponset was named Thursday to lead Illinois Valley Community College’s revitalized agriculture program.

Over the past 11 years at Bureau Valley High School, Mott transformed the agriculture program from a part-time program into one that earned state and national recognition, managed a school farm and grew FFA membership 200 percent.

“Willard did an extraordinary job building the Bureau Valley program,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran. “We will provide him the resources he needs to do the same at IVCC.”

Mott is a 2005 graduate of the University of Illinois’ Agricultural, Environmental and Communications Education (ACES) program and is currently pursuing his master’s in agronomy from Iowa State University. Prior to leading the Bureau Valley program, Mott worked as an intern at Tranel Ranch in Billings, Montana and as a professional intern for Pioneer Hi-Bred in Princeton.

With Mott’s leading the way, Corcoran is confident agriculture can become another of IVCC’s flagship programs.

“Nursing and Truck Driver Training are often the first career programs people think of when discussing IVCC. Thanks to tremendous support from the University of Illinois Extension and our 36-member program advisory committee, our agriculture program will one day rise to the same level,” he said.

The board approved of a plan to allow high school students eligible for the free and reduced lunch program to have their dual credit tuition waived if courses meet specific criteria.

In addition, students graduating high school with 30 hours of college credit and enrolling immediately at IVCC after high school on a full-time basis, will be eligible for a 75 percent tuition rate. The college estimates 95-100 students will take advantage of the dual credit expansion and enhancement.

Corcoran said the La Salle County Regional Office of Education and high school superintendents from Putnam County, Ottawa, La Salle-Peru, Streator, Princeton, Mendota, Seneca and Marquette Academy enthusiastically support the plan as an estimated 45 percent of district students qualify for the free and reduced lunch program.

In a letter of support, Putnam County High School Superintendent Carl Carlson said, “Students that fall under the free and reduced umbrella would now have the ability to seriously consider furthering their education. I believe this will also be a great motivator for students and families.”

In other business, the board approved a tentative fiscal 2017 budget with $32.8 million in revenue (a 1.9 percent decrease from 2016) and $33.5 million in expenditures (a 2.6 percent decrease).

Operating revenue is $22 million compared to last year’s $21.5 million, an increase of 2.1 percent. Operating expenditures of $22.28 million represent a .5 percent increase over 2016’s $22.16 million.

To balance operating funds, the following interfund transfers will be made: $242,352 from auxiliary enterprises for IT infrastructure, $20,000 from working cash accumulated interest and $10,000 transferred to restricted funds for the TRIO grant match.

A public hearing on the budget is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18 prior to it being submitted for final approval.

In other action, Bonnie Bennett-Campbell was appointed Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs to replace the retiring Sue Isermann. Bennett-Campbell is IVCC’s former Dean of Health Professions and Interim Director of Nursing and has 20 years’ nursing experience in higher education and leadership.

Jennifer Scheri was named Director of Continuing Education and Business Services following the retirement of Jamie Gahm. She has 18 years’ experience in the continuing education and business services division.

The board also approved:

  • At her final meeting, Isermann was recognized with a standing ovation for 35 years of service to the college.
  • The resignation of nursing instructor Karie Stecken effective Aug. 12 and the appointment of Eris Simons to replace her. Simons, a graduate of IVCC’s nursing program, has 13 years’ nursing experience.
  • Authorization for a three-year contract with the Economic Development Corporation of North Central Illinois for campus office space for $14 per-square-foot plus $19 per month for each phone line. EDCNCI offices will occupy approximately 700-square-feet on the third floor of E-building.
  • Release of closed session meeting minutes from Nov. 12, 2015 (closed session minutes committee); April 14 (student discipline); and May 12 (President’s contract, Vice Presidents’ contracts, employees not affected by a negotiated labor agreement and coaches salary schedule) board meetings.
  • Renewal of a contract with Guarantee Trust Life for student-athlete insurance with 1st Agency for $39,400. In addition, the board approved renewal of a contract with Axis Insurance for student athletic catastrophic insurance with Ramza Insurance Group for $3,251.
  • A $29,170 bid from Tri-State Technologies for a Hunter Alignment System for the automotive technology department.
  • Republic Service Inc.’s proposal for waste disposal and recycle materials collection.

Trustees learned 28 graduates will be honored at a 5 p.m. Monday, July 25 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) ceremony in the Cultural Centre. The board also learned Joann Corrigan, administrative assistant in the Division of Natural Sciences and Business, retired June 30.