Quincy Reporter

John Wood Community College Board of Trustees met July. 28.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order/Appointment of Assistant Secretary

The 07.28.25 Board of Trustees meeting was called to order in the Board room, Student Administrative Center, 1301 South 48th Street, Quincy, IL 62305 at 6:00 p.m. by Mr. Bob Rhea, chair. Mr. Rhea appointed Ms. Benz assistant secretary.

2. Roll Call

Ms. Benz called roll:

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis			x
Mr. Snider			x
Mr. Hess			x
Mr. Sprague			x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent			x
Ms. Greger			x
Mr. Fischer			x
Mr. Rhea			x
Voice Vote

Attendees: Mr. Josh Welker, Ms. Leah Benz, Mr. David Penn, Mr. Dave Hetzler, Mr. Chris Koetters, Dr. Chris Kaelke, Dr. Steven Soebbing, and Ms. Tracy Orne.

3. Pledge of Allegiance; Mission Statement - Pledge of Allegiance was said, and mission statement read by student trustee, Mr. Jacob Davis.

4. Introductions - No introductions were noted for July.

4.1. Blazers at Their Best – Two acknowledgements received in “Blazers at their Best” were shared by Mr. Welker. Both submissions were from students recognizing staff. The first recognition went to Ms. Courtney Loos, caring campus office staff. The student stated that Courtney goes out of her way to make sure students get resources they need. As a mother of 3 small boys (two in diapers) Courtney made sure the mother stopped by to pick up free diapers for her twins. The mother stated it might not seem like a lot but even that little bit helps.

The second recognition went to Ms. Milini Heckenkamp, financial aid staff. The student stated that Milini was so knowledgeable, helpful, and enthusiastic, and grateful. She made her day! Milini even recognized the student and her issue on her second visit day and was just as pleasant. Milini’s smile and warm energy provide a fantastic addition to the financial aid department.

5. Special Report - None

6. Consideration of Items from the Floor - None

7. Public and/or Employee Comment – Mr. Rhea announced the public hearing of the budget was now open to public.

8. President and Committee Reports

8.1 ICCTA/West Central Region Report – Ms. Paula Hawley-Sargent, ICCTA representative, Mr. Don Hess. No report.

9.2 Board Executive Committee Report - Mr. Bob Rhea, Mr. Andy Sprague, Ms. Paula Hawley

The Executive Committee met on July 17, 2025, in room C252 at 8:00 a.m. Attendees were Mr. Bob Rhea, Ms. Paula Hawley, and Mr. Andy Sprague, trustees via Zoom. Mr. Josh Welker; interim president and Ms. Benz; notetaker.

July Board packet items were reviewed and discussed. This included minutes, bills, travel expenditures, and curriculum items.

Two grant items were discussed. They were acceptance of funds from the U.S. Department of Education for Student Support Services and a grant submission application to the Illinois Board of Higher Education for the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program.

Business items reviewed included the annual budget for fiscal year 2026, six RAMP documents, an agreement with Quanada; an agreement with Bella Ease for continued operations at the Southeast Education Center, with eliminating Bella Ease location at the Mt. Sterling Center; consideration and action of a request of a resolution to accept offers for the sale of real estate to JWCC from the Deters Land Trust and Weiman Family Trust, and approval to hire a search firm to assist in the recruitment and hiring process for the presidential vacancy.

The committee was informed a new category has been added to the personnel sheet for new positions to enhance communication and processing.

The current interviews for vacant nursing positions, include the Director of Nursing.

Other items discussed were Federal funded programs; waiver concerns and solutions, and an update on the recent closure of 48th street.

9.3 Board Curriculum Committee Report – Ms. Angela Greger, Mr. Don Hess. The Curriculum Committee did not convene in June.

9.4 Board Finance and Audit Committee Report - Mr. Larry Fischer, Mr. R. Kent Snider - The Finance and Audit Committee met on July 16, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at John Wood Community College. Present were,

Mr. Josh Welker; dean of business services & institutional effectiveness and Mr. R. Kent Snider trustee, Ms. Nora Klingele, director of fiscal services, and Jenny Venvertloh; notetaker.

There are no financials to review due to year end processes. The June financials will be taken in October.

Bills for payment and travel requests were reviewed and recommended to the Board for approval.

Board items discussed were the approval of the FY26 budget, six RAMP documents and the Bella Ease lease agreement beginning September 1, 2025, and terminating on June 30, 2027.

9.5 Student Trustee Report - Mr. Jacob Davis - shared SGA members attended a Cardinal game. The new Coordinator, Megan Root, attended as well. The students stated she was a very positive and upbeat person who they are looking forward to working with on this year’s activities.

Orientation is scheduled for August 14. The sand volleyball court is anticipated to be available by that day. SGA is working on expanding welcome week activities and assistance at our outlying centers as well.

9.6 Administration Report - Mr. Josh Welker – The summer term is ending this week, July 31. Head count is up 15%; with credit hours up 13% for summer. Fall term is also tracking 5% ahead in head count and 9% ahead in credit hours from last fall. Mr. Welker stated enrollment numbers have are reporting increases statewide. Acknowledgment was given to JWCC new initiatives of fame, caring campus, and guided pathways.

FAME cohort is showing 13 new students have signed up this fall; with 9 students retained from last year’s cohort.

As of June 30, fiscal year 2025 was closed. Revenues exceeded operating expenses.

Administration is in the process of updating the master plan. Facility upgrades and capital projects are moving forward. Science Lab renovation is anticipated to be very near completion by the start of the new school year. A contingency plan has been discussed if needed.

A deferred maintenance project of resurfacing of our parking lot was discussed with Capital Development Board member. This project is on schedule to start next summer.

10. Consent Agenda

Consent business

10.1 Request approval of 06.18.25 Board regular meeting minutes and 06.16.25 retreat meeting minutes

10.2 Request approval of bills for payment for June Finance and Audit Committee

10.3 Request approval of trustee and employee travel expenditures for June Finance & Audit

10.4-12 Request approval of the proposed fee and fee range for new course WELD 100, WELD 200, WELD 202, WELD 210, WELD 212, WELD 220, WELD 222, WELD 230 and WELD 232 Requested Fee Range $50-100 per credit hour and Proposed credit hour fee $75

Motion: Approval of consent agenda items

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Ms. Greger

Discussion:

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote

11. Grant Items

11.1 Request authorization to accept grant funds from the Department of Education for TRIO Student Support Services in the amount of $389,975 annually - 5-year cycle amount $1,994,875

11.2. Request authorization to submit a grant application for $18,000 from the Illinois Board of Higher Education for Illinois Cooperative Work Study Amount Requested: $18,000

Motion: Approval of grant agenda items

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Mr. Snider

Discussion:

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote

12. Business Mr. Rhea closed the hearing of the budget

12.1 MOTION: Request approval of the Fiscal year 2026 resolution and certificate adopting the annual

Budget – Public hearing of the budget

Moved by: Mr. Davis

Seconded by: Mr. Snider

Discussion: The proposed budget for FY26 is balanced. Our Operating revenue and expenditures are $19,566, 691. An increase from fiscal year 2025 budget of $508,568.

Revenues included:

• Local government revenue increased $364.903
• Corporate Personal Property Replacement taxes are expected to decline $300,00
• District EAV increased over 7% - increased revenue from local tax levy $665,903 – reduced the tax rate by approximately 1 cent per $100 EAV
• State government revenue decreased $377,601. State funding is estimated at 10.6% of the operating budget down from 12.9% for FY25.
• Student Tuition and Fees increase of $401,785. Increase projection of 2,300 hours. No tuition or universal fee increases are included.
• Increase in other sources of revenue of $119,481. This increase is due to a variety of factors including increases in facilities rental fees and investment revenue and decreases in transfers in from grant in-direct expenses.

Expenditures included:

• Salary and benefit expenses increase of $120,325. This increase is due to contractual obligations, scheduled raises, raises from compensation reviews, and projected benefit cost increases. Also includes savings from retirements, resignations, and hiring timelines.
• Contractual services increase of $129,222.
• General materials and supplies decrease of $88,957.
• Travel/conference/meeting expense increase of $133,147. This increase is due to more faculty and staff participation in professional development activities including conferences and meetings.
• Utilities and fixed charges expense increase of $71,544. This increase is mostly due to increased projected utility costs.
• Capital outlay expense decreases of $3,007.
• Other expense increase of $103,598. This is due to a variety of items including decreases to the waiver budget and increases to contingency budgets.
• Transfer expense increase of $42,696. This is due to the student fee transfer to auxiliary funds based on the increase in projected credit hour production.

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote

12.2 MOTION: Request approval of six RAMP documents and matching funds commitment for submission to the Illinois Community College Board

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Ms. Hawley-Sargent

Discussion: Six RAMP (Resource Allocation and Management Plan) documents regarding an Illinois Community College Board Capital Budget Request for FY2026 was presented for approval. These projects are:

1. Roof Replacement - Learning Center, B Building of Main Campus ($525,000 total cost; $131,250 local match)
2. Entrance Vestibule - Heath Center (D Building of Main Campus) ($79,500 total cost; $19,875 local match)
3. LED Field Lighting – Baseball, softball, and soccer fields ($758,850 total cost; $189,713 local match)
4. Learning Center Remodel ($4,535,625 total cost; $1,133,906 local match)
5. Main Entrance Remodel ($5,319,750 total cost; $1,329,938 local match)
6. Student Administration Building Remodel ($3,536,250 total cost; $884,063 local match)

These requests will involve a matching funds commitment by the Board of Trustees. Upon Board approval, the RAMP projects are submitted to the Illinois Community College Board for consideration in the FY2026 capital budget. Approval includes a guarantee to the State of Illinois that matching funds will be available for these projects.

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley- Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote

12.3 MOTION: Request authorization to enter into an annual agreement with Quanada

Moved by: Ms. Hawley-Sargent

Seconded by: Ms. Greger

Discussion: Each year Quanada requests JWCC to enter into a signed agreement with their organization. This is a requirement of Quanada.

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote

12.4 MOTION: Request authorization to enter into a twenty-two (22) month lease agreement with Bella Ease at the Southeast Education Center and terminate the Bella Ease lease at the Mt. Sterling Education Center

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Mr. Davis

Discussion: Bella Ease has requested the continuation of a current lease agreement at the Southeast Education Center and termination of the lease at the Mt. Sterling Education Center. A twenty-two (22) month lease agreement with Bella Ease beginning September 1, 2025, at the Southeast Education Center will continue terminating on June 30, 2027. The Mt. Sterling Education Center lease will be terminated.

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote	x

12.5 MOTION: Request authorization to pay the 1st half of the Illinois Community College dues in the amount of $3,744

Moved by: Ms. Greger

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

Discussion: The Illinois Community College Trustees Association dues are sent twice a year for payment; The 1st half is sent in the month of July and the 2nd half sent in the month of December.

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote	x

12.6 MOTION: Request approval on the consideration and action on the Resolution accepting offers of the sale of Real Estate to JWCC from Deters Land Trust and Weiman Family Trust

Moved by: Mr. Snider

Seconded by: Mr. Fischer

Discussion: The original campus purchased agreement between Deters Land Trust and John Wood Community College (JWCC), the institution was granted a first right of refusal on the Deters Land Trust and Weiman Family Trust properties. Recently, the College was approached with an opportunity to consider exercising this option.

12.7 MOTION: Request approval to hire the search firm Pauly Group to conduct the presidential search with a proposed contract amount of $15,000 to fill the vacant position

Moved by: Mr. Snider

Seconded by: Ms. Greger

Discussion: The Board will hire a search firm to assist with the task of finding a new president for the College to replace Dr. Bryan Renfro, who has resigned to accept a new position.

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote	x

13. Discussion Item

13.1 Calendar of Events

Noted on the calendar was relocation of the August Board of Trustees meeting to Bella Ease Center

Board training at 4:00p.m. prior to the September meeting

14. Notices and Communications

15. Personnel Items

15.1 MOTION: Authorize to employ new staff and faculty, accept resignations, retirements, terminations, and implement status changes as presented.

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Mr. Snider

Discussion:

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley-Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote

16. Other – Ms. Greger inquired about the recent changes to the order in which the College applies financial aid, scholarships, and JWCC waivers. Mr. Welker provided an overview of the rationale behind the change, noting that a taskforce was formed to examine our waiver process with the goal of reducing JWCC waiver expenses and applying waivers more intentionally. It was also shared how these changes were communicated.

The Board discussed the unintended outcomes of these revisions, which have been shared to the Board by their respective community members. As a result, Administration will review the advantages and disadvantages further of this process, gather additional data, and present the matter for further discussion with the Board Financial and Executive Committees. A follow-up of this review and any potential recommendations for change will be revisited by December with the entire board.

17. Closed Session No closed session was held.

17.1 A closed session will be necessary to consider the appointment, employment, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.

Moved by:

Seconded by:

Discussion:

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis
Mr. Snider
Mr. Hess
Mr. Sprague
Ms. Hawley-Sargent
Ms. Greger
Mr. Fischer
Mr. Rhea
Voice Vote

18. Resume Open Session

MOTION:

Moved by:

Seconded by:

Discussion:

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis
Mr. Snider
Mr. Hess
Mr. Sprague
Ms. Hawley-Sargent
Ms. Greger
Mr. Fischer
Mr. Rhea
Voice Vote

19. Adjournment Mr. Rhea, Board chair adjourned the July 28, 2025, Board of Trustees regular meeting.

Moved by: Mr. Snider

Seconded by: Mr. Sprague

NAME	AYE	NAY	PRESENT	ABSENT
Mr. Davis	x
Mr. Snider	x
Mr. Hess	x
Mr. Sprague	x
Ms. Hawley- Sargent	x
Ms. Greger	x
Mr. Fischer	x
Mr. Rhea	x
Voice Vote

20. Approval:

Approved the 20th day of August 2025, at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of Community College District No. 539, meeting at the Student Administrative Center, 1301 South 48th Street, Quincy Illinois 62305 at which ________voting members were present, constituting a quorum by a vote of ___ayes and ________nays.

https://www.jwcc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07.28.25-BMR.docx