Quincy Reporter

John Wood Community College Board of Trustees met June 24.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

1.Call to Order/Appointment of Assistant Secretary

The 06.24.20 Board of Trustees meeting was called to order in room D024-D025, Paul Heath Community Education & Fine Arts Center, 1301 South 48th Street Quincy, Il 62305, by Ms. Diane Ary, Board Chair. Ms. Ary appointed Ms. Benz assistant secretary.

2.Roll Call

3. Public and/or Employee Comment – None.

4. Agenda & Discussion Items

4.1 Diversity & Inclusion - Ms. Latonya Brock, Diversity & Inclusion - Ms. Brock, Quincy Area Chamber Director, spoke to the Board of Trustees on the topic of Diversity & Inclusion. Her presentation included the elements of inclusion, diversity activity, diversity dimensions, why inclusion, and call to action. The elements of inclusion words mentioned were welcomed, valued, respected and heard. Ms. Brock shared a description of what is considered your outside circle and inside circle; explained the unconscious bias, and how to call to action. For calling to action, she noted, it is practice, practice, practice.

4.2 ICCTA Services and Dues, Mr. Jim Reed, ICCTA Executive Director (via Zoom) - The Board invited Mr. Jim Reed, ICCTA Executive Director to discuss the value of the College paying the ICCTA dues and services. Mr. Reed explained the position of ICCTA and all they do to assist community colleges. He concluded that he is planning on visiting each community college when the pandemic allows travel.

4.3 Strategic Planning Update - Mr. Welker shared the Strategic Planning model which was created in-house. He noted the document has been tweaked each of the last five years. The Fall Board retreat kicks off our planning process at the Board level each year validating the Mission and Vision Statement, Core Values and Strategic Goals. Currently there are five strategic goals. The Board of Trustees and Administration are the owners of these statements and strategic goals. The College has five planning documents that work toward achieving the Strategic Goals. These planning documents get evaluated on an annual basis and are linked to the goals. The documents also allow for flexibility to make accommodations for potential changes that occur. The RAMP document is incorporated in these documents.

(It was noted the RAMP document does not get placed on ICCB list and moved up on a list of state projects based on longevity as has been past practices of the state. Now, the state creates a clean slate every year for RAMP submissions.)

Dr. Greenwell inquired on instruction and faculty excellence embedded into our strategic initiatives. It was noted that this in the strategic goals and their definition.

Mr. Welker discussed the KPI’s and noted they are updated once a year. Some of them lag behind due to the nature of receiving institutional data and that they are tied to the overall mission instead of each individual goal. Each KPI was explained.

Discussion was held on the desire to grow the fund balance which was started several years prior. The target amount is 25-30% of the range. Currently we show a 26.9% in the fund balance.

Discussion was held on an alumni satisfaction survey of instructional programs after graduation. Administration stated that this has been done with very minimum responses being received, and we were not achieving the value we were hoping to gather.

Questions/concerns focused on COVID-19 modifications to our current plans. Adjustments have been made as needed.

Enrollment projection numbers were shared and discussed. At this time enrollment numbers show we are behind our current projections for the fall semester. Many efforts are being made to close the gap. Missouri market, career and technical programs and recent graduates are all being marketed to.

4.4 Budget Review and Bonding Options- June 30 was year-end for FY20. Revenues exceeded the budget. Local property tax and state allocations received were higher than budgeted for. On the expense side, due to COVID-19, travel was down, salary and benefits came in close to budget, waivers were not used, especially in adult education. The recommendation is to implement some of the budget capital needs for FY21 to FY20 and increase the operating fund balance as noted in the Strategic Plan.

4.5 Bonding timeline and options - The College has outstanding debts which are being paid by bonding options. Discussion was held on options of refinancing our debit and the window of opportunity on issuance of debt we can exercise. It was noted if we do not exercise within this window of opportunity, the College is not making the most of our financing options.

4.6 Campus Master Plan Next Steps - The RAMP document for the College is prepared and ready for submission upon receiving notification from the state to do so.

Discussion was held on changes that have been made on campus which were in the Master Facilities Plan. Several other items will be completed which are low in cost such as study nooks, space coordination, painting, etc. With the submission of the EDA grant the WDC expansion has been designated as one of the top priorities.

4.7 Changing Nature of Education Systems - Administration prepared five key questions for consideration.

Question 1. – Based on what we know to date about this global pandemic, what key factors need consideration to continue a healthy, vibrant and grow in institution in regard to the following areas:

• Transfer vs CTE

• K-12-schools

• Business/workforce partners

Responses included:

Continue to get best faculty and staff; do it better than competitors, stronger connections

Educational partnerships, relationships

Great academic programs

Supportive public

Advisory councils

Strong foundation

Face to face instead of online

Help people learn zoom, productive testing and work from home

Quick turnaround for CTE programs

Paradigm shift in education online. Visited Columbia school of medicine adopting with their principles.

Continue to improve delivery of online education

Customize every child learning

Focus on CTE-needs for hands on experience

Question 2. - What consideration needs attention regarding the changing needs of the following two areas:

• Business and Workforce

• Next generation of this post pandemic era

Responses included:

Accommodations for childcare

Retraining or training

Mental health issues

Fear and anxiety over the new normal

Hospitality

Advisory Councils

Up and growing relative curriculum

Lifelong learning

Massive economic changes and uncertainty

Question 3. - As time moves forward, technology advances ahead of the general population’s ability to use it. There’s always catch-up. As a result of COVID-19, educational systems will rely more and more on the latest technology to deliver learning opportunities. This will result in a gap on the curve. How will the education complex handle this?

Responses included:

The necessity and need to finally learn new technology

Offering training

Zoom and working from home

Providing information and education

Advisory Council with students, faculty, staff

Question 4. - If State and/or Federal officials shift higher education to all online, what factors and components need consideration?

Responses included:

There will be a need and want for personal interaction

How do you allow for engagement, services, and staffing

More virtual

More efficiencies and compliance

Delivery method

Question 5. – What level of risk is the board willing to take in growth initiatives during this time?

Current situation looks like will need to take a calculated risk Exploring out of the box opportunities, partnerships,

4.8 Key take-a-ways - The Board stated the Diversity and Inclusion presentation and the ICCTA dues discussion were both excellent topics of information.

Board members appreciated hearing different ideas of what the future might look like.

Acknowledged the great leadership of the College during the pandemic and prior to.

The willingness of the Board to take opportunities.

Amazed at the strength of the College, employees.

Belief in the institution.

Key changes that are happening in the educational system

Future of Instruction at JWCC

Collaboration of the Board members

4.9 President’s evaluation form/tool - It was noted to eliminate some duplication on the evaluation form. Also, to eliminate the ranking and focus on the comment section more. Executive Committee can review the revisions. Salary and benefits will be discussed with legal counsel and Board chair.

4.10 Succession Planning - Succession planning was discussed. Two Board members’ term expire this coming April. There is a possibility that both board members will run again or two new members could be elected to serve.

5. Adjournment

5.1MOTION: Adjourn the June 24, 2020 Board of Trustees retreat meeting minutes.

jwcc.edu/about/board-of-trustees/board-agendas-minutes/