November 2018 Board Report

Illinois Valley Community College trustees Thursday approved a tentative $12.2 million tax levy request for 2018, up less than five percent over the 2017 levy extension of $11.7 million.

“The estimated tax rate is .3647, the same as the 2017 rate,” said IVCC Vice President for Business Services and Finance Cheryl Roelfsema.

The estimated equalized assessed valuation (EAV) of $3.3 billion is 4.99 percent over 2017. IVCC’s 4.85 percent levy increase will not require a public notice or public hearing when trustees move for final approval Dec. 13.

IVCC levies taxes in all or parts of eight counties: La Salle, Bureau, Putnam, Marshall, Lee, Livingston, Grundy and DeKalb.

In other action, the board approved:

  • Replacement of the Building C chiller/air handler at an estimated cost of $1.4 million. The chiller is the last of five to be replaced in the original buildings.
  • The $49,999 bid of Laerdal Medical Corporation of Wappingers Falls, N.Y. for simulation manikins for the nursing lab, an upgrade financed by a $50,000 gift from IVCC alumnus Ralph Scriba of Palos Verdes, Calif.
  • An intergovernmental agreement with Oglesby allowing Oglesby police to enforce traffic and city ordinances on college property.
  • Seeking bids for a utility tractor for the facilities department for an estimated $25,500.
  • Intergovernmental agreements with Mendota for two TIF districts. The college will be made whole on the Starved Rock Wood Products TIF and 75 percent whole on the ADM Project TIF due to city costs for extending utilities across I-39.

The board learned:

  • The college nursing department announced today the pass rate for 2018 graduates taking the NCLEX-RN exam was 92 percent compared to the national average of 87 percent. “Our nursing faculty do a great job and we’re very proud of them,” said IVCC President Jerry Corcoran.
  • The Oct. 15 recognition program honoring Durley and Hazel Marie Boyle posthumously for their bequest facilitating improvements in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre attracted about 35 friends, relatives and college personnel. The Boyle gift was used for seating, house lighting, wall treatments and ADA accessibility improvements. 
  • In her annual employee demographics report to the board, Director of Human Resources Leslie Hofer said 14 full-time positions were filled in fiscal 2018.
  • More than 150 students met with representatives of 40 colleges and universities at IVCC’s 46th annual College Night Oct. 23 in the gym. 
  • The 6th annual Manufacturing Expo Oct. 23 attracted about 300 students from 15 high schools. Each high school group toured one of 10 participating manufacturers before coming to IVCC.
  • IVCC hosted 100 support staff from 13 community colleges as part of the Northern Illinois Network Exchange program Oct. 26. The day allowed personnel from similar departments to discuss best practices.
  • The 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 “Explore IVCC” will feature deans and faculty from various departments discussing potential majors and giving tours of labs. IVCC students will share experiences and counselors will discuss programs. Financial aid, support services, scholarships and transfer services will also be covered.
  • Day-and-evening sessions of the Fall Agriculture Open House will be Thursday, Nov. 29 in CTC 124-125. Session 1 is noon to 2 p.m. and Session 2 is 6 to 8 p.m. Guests will interact with current students and faculty and tour campus. Enrollment, financial aid and scholarship information will be provided. In addition, representatives from the University of Illinois, Illinois State University, Southern Illinois University and Western Illinois University ag programs will be present.
  • Fitness center employee Mike Skoflanc will retire Nov. 9 after nearly 11 years.