DeKalb Times

Kishwaukee College Board of Trustees met May 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

Members present

Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon (VIA ZOOM)

Others present

Laurie Borowicz, President; Dave Dammon, Executive Director of Campus Operations; Kayte Hamel, Executive Director of College Relations & Foundation; Jill Hansen, CFO; Barbara Leach, Associate Dean of Instruction; RJ McGarry, Executive Director of IT; Michelle Ohlinger, Executive Administrative Assistant to the President; Michelle Rothmeyer, Vice President of Student Services; Joanne Kantner, Vice President of Instruction; Judson Curry, Assistant Vice President of Instruction; Chase Budziak, Dean Instruction; Barbara Leach, Associate Dean Instruction; Anne-Marie Green, Dean, Academic Support & Effectiveness; Branden McCullough, Faculty

1. Opening of the Meeting

Procedural: A. Call to Order

Mr. Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

Procedural: B. Roll Call

Ms. Ohlinger did roll call.

2. Public Comment

Information: A. Public Comment

None

3. Communications

Information: A. Communications

The College received the Cerificate of Recognition from the Illinois Community College Board. Dr. Borowicz mentioned that a lot of work goes into this recognition, so the College may continue to serve our students.

4. Committee Reports

Report: A. Audit Committee- None

Report: B. Executive Committee-February 25, 2020

Report: C. Finance Committee-None

Report: E. Foundation Liaisons

Ms. Hamel shared that the Foundation continues to support various efforts by the College to provide financial assistance to student impacted by COVID-19. The Foundation provided $7,000 dollars for the support of our undocumented students. The Federal CARES Act does not provide funding for undocumented students. The Foundation will be providing financial support for students who have been identified as undocumented utilizing the same per credit-hour used for eligible students.

Last Friday, the Foundation worked with the horticulture department on hosting the annual plant sale. The Foundation sold time slots in advance. Approximately, $3,000 dollars was raised in pre-sale for time-slots with an additional $8,000 in plant purchase. All of the funds will be go back into the COVID-19 student scholarship efforts.

To date, the Foundation has awarded approximatly $15,000 in scholarships for summer. We have over 104 scholarship applications for Fall.

The Foundation raised $2,500 in during The DeKalb County Day of Giving.

The Spring solicitation letters raised $3,500.

Dr. Borowicz stated that it is great to see the additional resources being raised for our students during this time.

Dr. Borowicz applauds, Mr. Budziak and the entire team on the quick work that was done to organize the plant sale.

Mr. Johnson suggested reaching out to our endowments, if we do run short on our resources for our students.

Dr. Borowicz shared we have been able to serve our students through the Champions Fund. Students have been reaching out for support and we have been able to serve the students with these funds.

Mr. Doubler recognized the planning and work that went in to the plant sale, and gave kudos to all involved in the planning.

5. Information & Reports

Report: A. Comparison of Education Fund Revenue & Expenditures: FY'19 and FY'20

Ms. Hansen provided an update on the comparison of revenue and expenditures. We are approximatly $960,000 dollars short from the state for FY20. Year-to-date revenue is slightly ahead of year-to-date FY20 budgeted revenue at $229,280 higher than budget. Year-to- date expenses are under FY20 budget. Contractual and IT expenditures are over year-to-date budget due to annual costs expended earlier in the year.

Report: B. Dashboard Report

The Board was provided with the dashboard report. Dr. Borowicz stated that we are down across the board which is reflective of what is going on with COVID-19.

It is impressive to see the hard work that faculty and staff are doing during this time for our students. Everyone is doing a great job adapting to the changes.

Report: C. Grant Report

None

Report: D. Upcoming College Events

None

Report: E. KEC Financial Summary

The Board was provided with the KEC financial summary.

Report: F. Facilities Report

Mr. Dammon shared that the Sjostrom and Sons, INC are currently working on the construction locker rooms, IT area.

The baseball net had warranty repairs and the repairs were will be completed by May 14th.

The remodeling and renovations to the A1400 bathrooms will resume when our Maintenance employees return to campus May 18th. We are looking forward to having maintenance and custodial staff back on campus starting Monday.

Dr. Borowicz mentioned that we have negotiated an agreement with KCSS that will be asked to approve later in the meeting. In order to not have overlapping shifts, we will begin a slow re-entry that Mr. Dammon has worked out with his staff and leaders. PPE will be required and provided to all essential staff that will be back on campus to work on planned projects.

The Early Learning Center has been placed on hold, and Dr. Borowicz asked for the Board approval of this decision. The College would be saving $170K by placing on hold and the project can be suspended until January. The Board of Trustees agreed to the decision to put the Early Learning Center on hold during this time.

Mr. Johnson stated that he received communication from Mark Eddington from the Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District this afternoon, and that the KWRD is moving ahead with a grant request to DCEO. DCEO is pushing $20 million dollars for shovel ready projects. The KWRD will be the lead entity on this grant.

Report: G. Personnel Report

The Board was provided with the personnel report.

Ms. McCluskey mentioned that the College has received one retirement letter this month.

Ms. Rider has exercised her two year window to go back into the faculty unit. Ms. Rider will be moving out of her Dean position and back into the classroom to teach. Ms. Rider's contract will be on the June Board meeting agenda for approval.

The deadline to submit a letter for the retirement benefit is July 31st.

Report: H. FOIA Report

The Board was provided with the FOIA report.

Report: I. COVID-19 Financial Impact Report

The Board was provided with the COVID-19 Financial Impact Report.

Dr. Borowicz stated that not all the expenses on this state report will be able to go against our Federal CARES money. The items are very specific to what can be placed against the $772,000 federal CARES money the College receives.

6. Old Business

None

7. New Business

Action: A. Approval FY21 Auxiliary Funds Budget

Mr. Johnson stated that after speaking with Dr. Borowicz earlier today, it was decided that the Board defer approval of the FY21 Auxiliary Funds Budget review until June's Board meeting.

Ms. Hansen is continuing to work on budget reductions. We know that it will not be business as usual in the Fall on campus, and we are able to make changes and gain money back into our budget through athletics and the elimination of the cafeteria for Summer and Fall. The College anticipates saving $100,000.

Action: B. Approval of KCEA Recognition of Alternate Delivery Development for Spring Courses & Internet Instructional Expenses

The KCEA and Administration agree that in an effort to recognize the KCEA faculty's efforts in this unprecedented time of change, the College will provide a non-precedential stipend in recognition of the alternate delivery development of Spring 2020 course and for internet instructional expenses for KCEA employees. The College agrees to pay KCEA faculty a non-SURS eligible stipend of $500 covering the time period of March 16, 2020 through May 16, 2020.

Dr. Borowicz mentioned that the Board will be asked to approve an agreement for the KCAEA Union at the June Board meeting.

Motion to approve KCEA recognition of alternate delivery development for spring courses & internet instructional expenses.

Motion by Ken Doubler, second by Bobbi Burke.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action: C. Approval of KCSS Remote Work Expense Stipend and On-Campus Work Assignments

The information is an attempt to clarify the current plan for providing a remote work expense stipend along with procedures for on-campus work assignments for KCSS Support Staff Bargaining Unit Employees for the time period beginning May 18, 2020 and planning through the time period in which the College is operational but the majority of the unit will be working remotely.

Motion to approve KCSS remote work expense stipend and on-campus work assignments.

Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Ken Doubler.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action: D. Approval of Non-Bargaining Unit Employee Remote Work Expense Stipend and On-Campus Work Assignments

The information below is an attempt to clarify the current plan for providing a COVID-19 remote work expense stipend along with procedures for on-campus work assignments for Non-Bargaining Unit Employees for the time period beginning May 18, 2020 and planning through the time period in which the College is operational but majority of employees will be working remotely. Only Non-Bargaining Unit employees who are actively completing remote work assignments are eligible to request and receive the remote work expense stipend.

Motion to approve non-bargaining unit employees remote work expense stipend and on-campus work assignments.

Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Kathy Spears.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action: E. Approval of SU20 Teaching Assignments for Full-Time Faculty

Assignments are subject to minimum class enrollment, availability of adjunct staffing and budget. The College reserves the right to cancel any or all of the summer 2020 course assignments, without any obligation to compensate faculty for cancelled sections. Twenty five full-time faculty members will staff 46 sections for a total of $146,000. This is a decrease of $62,000 over the Summer 2019 full-time staffing.

Motion to approve SU20 teaching assignments for full-time faculty.

Motion by Kathy Watkins, second by Bobbi Burke.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action: F. Approval of PHS Project-Metasys Building Automation System Software

The PHS request of the Board is to approve an upgrade to the existing Metasys Building Automation System Software from the current version 8 to the latest software version 10.1

Mr. Dammon stated that the software that is needed for the Metasys system was ready for an upgrade. The current program is approximately 10 years old. The new air handling and air conditioning units in the gym will be operated by the new system.

Dr. Borowicz stated that there will be more PHS projects for approval at the June Board meeting.

Motion to approve PHS Project-Metasys Building Automation System Software.

Motion by Robert Hammon, second by Ken Doubler.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action: G. Approval of Employment Contract

Gregory Putra, Director of Financial Aid & Veteran's Affairs $79,333.34

Motion to approve employment contract.

Motion by Bobbi Burke, second by Kathy Spears.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action: H. Approval of 2020-2021 ACCT Membership Dues

Association of Community College Trustees 2020-2021 Membership Dues, $3,437.00

Motion to approve 2020-2021 ACCT Membership Dues

Motion by Bobbi Burke, second by Kathy Watkins.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action: I. Approval of Travel Expenses for any Member of the Board of Trustees

None

Action: J. Approval of Travel Expenses that Exceed the Maximum Allowable Reimbursement

None

Action: K. Approval of Reimbursable Expenses Because of Emergency or Other Extraordinary Circumstances

None

8. Board Member Discussion

Discussion: B. Other

Ms. Watkins provided an update from the ICCTA meeting she attended via Zoom. There is an ICCTA "Trustee Talk" scheduled for this Friday.

Mr. Johnson commented the College Years of Service and Retiree videos were nicely done.

On behalf of the entire Board and the community, Mr. Johnson thanked the College staff and faculty for their hard work during these unprecedented times.

9. Consent Agenda

Action (Consent): A. Board of Trustees April 14, 2020 Meeting Minutes

Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion by Kathy Spears, second by Ken Doubler.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action (Consent): B. Summary and Report of Budgetary Revenues and Expenditures

Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion by Kathy Spears, second by Ken Doubler.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action (Consent): C. Accounts Payable Recap

Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion by Kathy Spears, second by Ken Doubler.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

Action (Consent): D. Investment Report

Resolution: Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion to approve consent agenda item.

Motion by Kathy Spears, second by Ken Doubler.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

10. Student Representative's Report

Report: A. Student Representative's Report

Mr. Montavon provided the Student Representative's Report.

Student Involvement is working to plan 1-2 events over the summer for the students.

Kish held its first ever virtual End of the Year Celebration. Over 30 student were in attendance for the event.

11. President's Report

Report: A. President's Report

The Board was provided with the President's Report.

Ms. Rothmeyer stated that all Spring graduates will be invited to walk in December. Graduates will receive a graduation box filled with Kish swag, a congratulatory letter from Dr. Borowicz and the Board along with their diploma. The students will be asked to send photos to put in video that will be shared in August.

Dr. Borowicz provided an update of the CARES Act money. The College used the FAQ's and guidance sent by the Department of Education and DOE for the disbursement of the money to the students. Students received $41.00 per credit, based on March 27th, the day the CARES Act law went into effect. The money for the students was disbursed May 7th and May 8th. The student allocation amount was $772,763, based on Pell students, enrollment numbers and the number of students who were online at the time the law was enacted.

Dr. Borowicz stated that the College has received $1.6 million dollars between Institutional CARES money ($772,763) and an allocation for Minority Serving and Strengthening Institutions ($76,590). We have submitted the paperwork and the College will have a plan ready to draw down the funds.

We are currently down 34.6% Summer and 38% in Fall. Summer is fully online and we are in process to moving lectures to online for Fall. We are looking at different options and developing plans.

Dr. Borowicz stated that we believe we will be able make payroll for the next year. The budget we bring in June will have those assumptions.

Dr. Borowicz stated that Kish is doing our best to make the best of this situation.

Communications to faculty and staff, from the Office of the President and will continue.

Dr. Borowicz mentioned that the team has worked tirelessly to make things work for our students, and our College. Dr. Borowicz thanked the Board for their continued support as we continue to navigate this.

12. Adjournment

Action, Procedural: A. End of Meeting

The meeting concluded at 6:29 pm.

Motion to adjourn the meeting.

Motion by Bobbi Burke, second by Linda Mason.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Those voting “aye”: Ken Doubler, Linda Mason, Kathy Watkins, Kathy Spears, Bobbi Burke, Robert Hammon, Robert Johnson, Dakota Montavon

https://go.boarddocs.com/il/kish/Board.nsf/Public