Quincy Reporter

John Wood Community College Board of Trustees met Aug. 20.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

1. Call to Order/Appointment of Assistant Secretary 

The 08.20.25 Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at the John Wood Community College, Bella Ease Center location, 707 Broadway Street, Quincy, IL 62301 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, Dr. Shelley Barkley, Mr. Dave Hetzler, Mr. Chris Koetters, Dr. Chris Kaelke, Dr. Steven Soebbing, Mr. Mark Schenk, Mr. Mark C. Philpot, Rev. Carl Terry, Mr. Matt Carey, and Ms. Tracy Orne.

3. Mission Statement – The JWCC mission statement was read by student trustee, Mr. Jacob Davis.

4. Introductions – Monica Foster, Director of Adult and Community Education, was introduced and invited to provide a brief overview of the Bella Ease Center. Ms. Foster explained that this facility currently offers Adult Education GED classes as well as Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) courses.

4.1. Blazers at Their Best - Mr. Welker shared two submissions from Blazers at Their Best: 

∙ First submission was from a student acknowledging H.K. Keller-Giltner, a Communications, Language, Literature, instructor. The student comment stated, “I was in professor H.K.’s speech class over the summer and she really made me feel like I was worth it and able to complete my speeches without feeling so scared or not worth it, she really helped me get through the course with good feedback and support.”

∙ Second submission acknowledgement was from a student for Kate Brickman, a Specialist at the Welcome Center. The student comment stated, “Her name was Katie, and she directed me to help personally when I was in need.”

5. Special Report - None

6. Consideration of Items from the Floor – Mr. Mark C. Philpot, President of the Quincy Park District Board, was introduced and extended greetings on behalf of the Park Board to the JWCC Board. He expressed the Park Board’s interest in fostering collaboration between the Quincy Park District and JWCC. Recognizing that both organizations are deeply invested in the community, Mr. Philpot conveyed their desire to work together and formally extended an invitation to explore partnership opportunities.

The Board thank Mr. Philpot for the remarks and offer.

7. Public and/or Employee Comment - None

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 August 14, 2025, in room C252 at 1:30 p.m. Attendees were trustees, Mr. Bob Rhea; in person, Ms. Paula Hawley, and Mr. Andy Sprague, via Zoom. Mr. Josh Welker; interim president and Ms. Benz; notetaker in person.

The agenda for the August Board Meeting was reviewed and discussed, including the approval of meeting minutes, bills, financial reports, and travel expenditures.

Grants 

Two grants were noted in the board packet for acceptance of funds:

∙ A grant from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) for Adult Education. 

∙ A grant from the Illinois State Library/Jesse White, Secretary of State, for the Adult Volunteer Literacy Program.

Business Items 

The following business items were discussed:

∙ Authorization to enter into a 13-month lease agreement with Illinois Valley Paving for use of the Agricultural Center.

∙ Approval to transfer $120,000 from the Operating Fund to the Auxiliary Fund.

∙ Approval to transfer $380,000 from the Operating Fund to the Restricted Purpose Fund.

∙ Authorization to accept the bid from SJ Smith Company for welders in the amount of $82,463.

Personnel Items 

The committee was informed of the following personnel matters:

∙ The retirement of Lou Barta, Director of Facilities.

∙ The hiring of Austin Banks as Men’s Basketball Coach.

∙ An update regarding an ongoing collective bargaining matter.

Additional Discussion Items 

Further discussion included:

∙ Anticipated funding allocation for the TRIO program.

∙ Ongoing exploration by the City of Quincy and GREDF of a potential Sports Complex. 

∙ A reminder of the annual Wine Pull event, scheduled for September 18 at 5:00 p.m. at the Quincy Country Club.

∙ An update on the presidential search process, including timeline, responsibilities, the presidential profile, and the contract with Pauly Group.

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

9.4 Board Finance and Audit Committee Report - Mr. Larry Fischer, Mr. R. Kent Snider - The Finance and Audit Committee met on August 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at John Wood Community College. Present were Mr. Josh Welker; dean of business services & institutional effectiveness, Mr. Larry Fischer; trustee, Ms. Nora Klingele, director of fiscal services, and Jenny Venvertloh; notetaker. Mr. Kent Snider, absent.

The committee reviewed and recommended for Board approval the July financials, bills for payment, investment activities, and overnight travel requests. Board budget was reviewed.

Discussions included the proposed transfer of funds from operating accounts to the auxiliary fund in order to eliminate deficit fund balances. Additionally, the committee reviewed a transfer from operating funds to the restricted purposes fund to support Board-designated initiatives.

The committee reviewed a 13-month lease agreement request from Illinois Valley Paving for space at the Agricultural Education Center.

The committee discussed a bid from SJ Smith Company for the purchase of six (6) Powerwave 300C Advanced Process welders, which will support dual credit welding classes at the WDC.

Lastly, land sale was discussed.

Waiver Update 

The Board heard an update on the waiver discussion from the July Board of Trustees meeting. Administration’s internal review committee discussed the concerns and was able to address and act on these concerns with changes to the order of processing. Further review to achieve the goals will continue.

9.5 Student Trustee Report – Mr. Jacob Davis reported the following activities and events from Student government.

August 4: Scholarship award winners visited campus for engagement.

August 14: Student Orientation was held on campus, with 401 students in attendance. Activities included campus tours, distribution of student IDs, and guidance on accessing institutional platforms such as SOLAR and Canvas. The Student Government Association (SGA) was actively involved in welcoming students and addressing questions or concerns from new freshmen.

Welcome Week: Stations were set up across the main campus and outlying centers to welcome and assist students during their first week of classes. Activities included Bingo Grocery, food trucks, and a student/staff volleyball game.

Agricultural Education Center: The Ag Center welcomed 54 students to their facility during the start of the semester.

Future Upcoming Events:

∙ Scotties Fun Night 

∙ SGA Meeting – Scheduled for September 8

9.6 Administration Report - Mr. Josh Welker welcomed all attendees to John Wood Community College’s newest facility, the Bella Ease Center. He shared that the College moved into this location last summer and expressed how honored JWCC was to host the meeting at there. He extended a special thank you to Ms. Monica Foster, Director of the Bella Ease Center, for her leadership in creating a very successful and productive space.

Mr. Welker reported that JWCC fall classes began this week (August 18) for the 2025-2026 academic year. Enrollment numbers are up for fall both at the main campus, regional centers, and the Workforce Development Center. The increased enrollment for career and technical education continues to grow. An example is the HVAC program enrollment went from 8 students to 22 students. The Agricultural Center enrollment has experienced an enrollment growth also.

A newly renovated science lab was scheduled to open the first week of classes. However, an unexpected storm on the Sunday prior to the first day of class caused water damage in lab spaces. While the damage is being studied, initial assessments suggest it is minimal and can be repaired within a week or two. An inspector is arriving on campus the week of August 25.

Mr. Welker also highlighted a recent visit from Titan officials, who toured our Workforce Development Center. The tour highlighted and or demonstrated welding procedures, TDT, FAME courses, AI instruction, and HVAC program. Feedback was positive.

10. Consent Agenda 

Consent business 

10.1 Request approval of 07.28.25 Board regular meeting minutes

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

10.3 Request approval of monthly financial statements for July Finance and Audit Committee 

10.4 Request approval of trustee and employee travel expenditures for July Finance & Audit 

Motion: Approval of consent agenda items 

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

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 Illinois Community College Board for the Adult Education and Literacy grant, Award Amount: $257,000 State funding - $151,964 (federal funding pending) 

11.2. Request authorization to accept grant funds from Illinois State Library/Jesse White Secretary of State for the Adult Volunteer Literacy grant, Award Amount: $95,082 

Motion: Approval of grant agenda items 

Moved by: Mr. Hess

Seconded by: Mr. Fischer

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

12.1 MOTION: Request authorization to enter into a thirteen (13) month lease agreement with Illinois Valley Paving starting September 1, 2025, and ending on September 30, 2026. 

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Mr. Snider

Discussion: Illinois Valley Paving, a division of United Contractors Midwest, Inc., has requested to enter into a lease agreement at the Agricultural Education Center. It is recommended that the Board of Trustees authorize to enter into a thirteen (13) month lease agreement with Illinois Valley Paving beginning September 1, 2025, and terminating on September 30, 2026.

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 to transfer $120,000 from the Operating Funds to the Auxiliary Fund for fiscal year 2025. 

Moved by: Mr. Snider

Seconded by: Mr. Hess

Discussion: The College would like to request to transfer $120,000 from the Operating Funds to the Auxiliary Fund for fiscal year 2025. This transfer will eliminate deficit fund balances and ensure sufficient funding levels for auxiliary funds including Student Transportation, Athletics, and Food Service for fiscal year 2026.

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 approval to transfer $380,000 from the Operating Funds to the Restricted Purpose Fund 

Moved by: Mr. Sprague

Seconded by: Mr. Fischer

Discussion: The College requested to transfer $380,000 from the Operating Funds to the Restricted Purposes Fund for fiscal year 2025 for Board designated initiatives.

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 accept the bid from SJ Smith Company and award in the amount of $82,463.10 to provide Powerwave 300C Advanced Process Welders

Moved by: Mr. Snider

Seconded by: Mr. Fischer

Discussion: JWCC solicited bids from qualified vendors to provide six (6) each Powerwave 300C Advanced Process welders to be used for dual credit welding classes at the Workforce Development Center. One bid was received from SJ Smith Company $82,463.10.

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

13. Discussion Item 

13.1 Calendar of Events

o Reminder of the Wine Pull Event on September 18 @ 5:00 at the Quincy Country Club

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. Snider

Seconded by: Mr. Fischer

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 – 

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 August 20, 2025, Board of Trustees regular meeting. 

Moved by: Mr. Snider

Seconded by: Mr. Davis

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 17th day of September 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/2025/09/09.17.25-Employee.pdf