Quincy Reporter

John Wood Community College Board of Trustees Executive Committee met Feb. 11.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

The Executive Committee met at 10:30 a.m. Attendees were Ms. Diane Ary, and Mr. Bob Rhea trustees, (via Zoom), Mr. Larry Fischer, (via phone), Mr. Michael Elbe, president, and Ms. Leah Benz, executive assistant, note taker, in person.

February Board of Trustees Agenda items

Business Items -

§ Discussed the approval of tenure for full-time faculty- Justin Lewis, Joni Smith, Richard Gertz, and Matthew Carey

§ Discussed the authorization of consideration and action of the vice-president of Instruction’s contract

Grants –

§ Reviewed the three grant applications being submitted. Two to ICCB and one to Dollar General Literacy Foundation

Closed Session –

§ Informed of topics of consideration for closed session

Discussion items –

Spring Enrollment update - The committee heard that enrollment numbers are trending downward for Spring. Reviewing budget implications for the remainder of this year and the building of the next year’s budget.

President’s Council meeting - President Elbe attended the January President’s Council meeting in Champaign. One of the topics of discussion included the recent “cyber-security hacks” of several Illinois community colleges. A presentation was given on how to protect one’s institution from becoming a victim. President Elbe stated he convened a meeting with our IT department to review these items that were shared.

Statement of Economic Interest - Adams County Clerk and Recorder, Ryan Niekamp, sent information to the College on the Statement of Economic Interest document which is required to be filed by stated persons employed at JWCC with his office. The Board of Trustees are considered as one of those “stated persons” who need to complete this document. Mr. Niekamp will be notifying all individuals by April 1st. The form can be completed electronic or as a paper copy.

Multifactor Authentication to log into account - With cyber-attacks on the rise, the College is implementing additional measures of authentication to log into a JWCC account. IT department will be available to assist the Board members with this new requirement set-up prior to the February Board of Trustee meeting.

Board Policy review update - Review of board policies will begin again in March upon the return of Mr. Fischer who is on the review committee.

Retirement Notification – With the number of eligible employees who meet retirement status, Administration is considering a possible early retirement notification incentive to allow for transition planning for continuity of quality instruction and services to serve our students. Administration met with faculty representation regarding faculty retirements. No final determination is being presented at this time.

Orr Corp and Multi-Purpose Ag Facility - The committee was provided an update on the progress being made at the Orr Corp on the Multi-Purpose Ag Facility. Heard that the annual meeting of the Orr Corp will be held on Wednesday, March 23 at the JWCC Agricultural Education Center.

EDA/WDC expansion project – This project is moving forward. A special report will be given at the February meeting to all Board members.

Other –

West Central Regional meeting - Carl Sandburg College sent a “SAVE THE DATE” notice for trustees that they will be hosting the West Central Regional meeting on Friday, March 25, beginning at 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. More details to follow.

COVID – Mask Update – The governor of Illinois held a press conference where he announced the removal of masks for specific businesses. Clarification was made with ICCB that this will apply to higher education. Masks can be removed on Monday, February 28.

https://www.jwcc.edu/about/board-of-trustees/board-agendas-minutes/#executive-committee