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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF SPOON RIVER COLLEGE

Wednesday, August 26, 2020 6:00 p.m.

The Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees of Spoon River College was held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. in the Spoon River College Conference Center, Canton Campus, Canton, Illinois. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Trustees and the public were provided the option to phone in to the meeting by calling (309) 649-6333. 1.0 GENERAL FUNCTIONS

1.1 Call to Order

Mr. Kent Schleich, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

1.2 Roll Call

Members Present: Mr. John Biernbaum – via telephone because of work obligations Mrs. Linda Butler Mr. Jerry Cremer Mr. Dave Maguire

Mr. Kevin Meade Mr. Phil Murphy Mr. Kent Schleich Mr. Jaylen Lyttaker Present were Mr. Curt Oldfield, President; Mr. Brett Stoller, Vice President; Ms. Missy Wilkinson, Dean, Student Services; Mr. Brad O’Brien, Dean, Career and Workforce Education; Ms. Holly Norton, Dean, Transfer Education; Mr. Colin Davis, Foundation Director; Mr. Chad Murphy, Director, Adult and Secondary Education; Ms. Andrea Thomson, Director, Human Resources; Mr. Todd Thompson, Diesel Faculty; Bridget Loftus, Chemistry Faculty; and Mrs. Julie Hampton, Executive Assistant to the President/Recorder. Also present: Mark Bixler, WBYS; Steven Barnum, McDonough County Voice.

1.3 Invocation

Mr. Murphy gave the invocation.

1.4 Welcome of Guests

Mr. Schleich welcomed the guests who were in attendance.

1.5 Public Comment

Mr. Schleich asked if anyone from the audience would like to address the Board. Mr. Schleich thanked everyone for what we have been experiencing at the College, and the Board appreciates everyone’s efforts during this pandemic. Mr. Todd Thompson said on behalf of the SRCFA, we are happy to be back and happy to be working with the board, staff, administration, and students.

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1.6 Approval of Minutes 1.6.1 July 22, 2020 Closed Session Minutes Review Committee Minutes

Following a motion by Mr. Maguire, seconded by Mrs. Butler, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the July 22, 2020 Closed Session Minutes Review Committee Minutes.

1.6.2 July 22, 2020 Board Retreat Minutes

Following a motion by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Cremer, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the July 22, 2020 Board Retreat Minutes.

1.6.3 July 22, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes

Following a motion by Mr. Meade, seconded by Mr. Murphy, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the July 22, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes.

1.6.4 Pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act 120, Section 2.06, paragraph (d) (1), having

reviewed the minutes of all closed meetings of the Board of Trustees that have not been previously been made available for public inspection, the Board of Trustees has determined that the need for confidentiality still exists and are listed in attachment 1.64.

Following a motion by Mr. Maguire, seconded by Mrs. Butler, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act 120, Section 2.06, paragraph (d) (1), having reviewed the minutes of all closed meetings of the Board of Trustees that have not been previously been made available for public inspection, the Board of Trustees has determined that the need for confidentiality still exists and are listed in attachment 1.64.

1.6.5 Pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act 120, Section 2.06, paragraph (c), the Board of

Trustees, having approved the minutes of the closed meetings that meet the written meetings requirements of the Open Meetings Act and having determined that no less than 18 months has expired since the meetings were recorded, hereby approves the destruction of the recorded closed session recordings for the meetings as listed below:

November 14, 2018

Following a motion by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Maguire, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That pursuant to the Open Meetings Act 120, Section 2.06, paragraph (c), the Board of Trustees, having approved the minutes of the closed meetings that meet the written meetings requirements of the Open Meetings Act and having determined that no

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less than 18 months has expired since the meetings were recorded, hereby approves the destruction of the recorded closed session recordings for the meetings as listed below:

November 14, 2018

1.7 Report – ICCTA Representative Mr. Dave Maguire presented the following report:

Earlier this month the ICCTA Executive Committee held its annual planning session hosted by Heartland Community College. Planning for this coming year is an interesting exercise considering all of the variables we are facing. Concerns about funding are paramount on everyone’s minds along with how the colleges plan to operate this year.

It was interesting to take a Heartland sponsored tour of companies and agencies they have formed partnerships: Brandt, Nussbaum, the City Food Pantry, and Rivian Electric Vehicles.

Our legislative counsel indicted that we should expect very little from the legislature in new initiatives. The concern will be single issue legislation, status of current funding, and what will be planned for next budget year. There is a high probability the legislature will only be in session for a short time, if at all, during the November/December Veto Session. It appears the Speaker has the 60 votes so no change is anticipated in leadership.

The Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress, originally planned for Chicago, has changed to an On-Line Conference and Meetings format. The registration fee has been reduced and the dates changed to October 5-8. Presentations will be video recorded and made available to members who are registered. It will be interesting to see this work.

As I mentioned before there is still hope for a second stimulus package being passed by Congress. Labor Day was the original target date. Contact with our Congressional delegation continues to be important at this time.

We still have scheduled our first regular ICCTA meeting on September 11-12, 2020 in Springfield. They have planned remote connection for the business session; other meetings and presentations will be in person.

The Association staff is currently coordinating individual campus presentations of the ICCTA awards that were originally planned to occur during the 50th Anniversary Celebration banquet.

A list of dates and meeting of interest with what we know to be the current status are submitted with my report.

Upcoming dates and meetings of interest:

SEPTEMBER 2020 September 10-11 Illinois Council of Community College Presidents meeting, location TBD September 11 Illinois Community College Board meeting, Via Zoom Videoconference September 11-12 ICCTA Board of Representatives and committee meetings, Springfield, IL September 15 Illinois Board of Higher Education meeting, Southern Illinois University,

Carbondale September 22 First Day to Circulate Petitions for April 6, 2021 Trustee Elections

OCTOBER 2020 October 5-8 Association of Community College Trustees Leadership Congress

On-Line Conference and Meetings

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NOVEMBER 2020 November 3 Election Day November 12-13 Illinois Council of Community College Presidents meeting, location TBD

Illinois Council of Community College Administrators / Illinois Community College Faculty Association conference, I Hotel Conference Center, Champaign

November 13-14 ICCTA Board of Representatives and committee meetings, location TBD November 17-19 Illinois General Assembly Veto Session, State Capitol DECEMBER 2020 December 1-3 Illinois General Assembly Vet Session, State Capitol December 4 Illinois Community College Board meeting, Harry L. Crisp II Community

College Center, Springfield December 8 Illinois Board of Higher Education meeting, Malcolm X College, Chicago FEBRUARY 2021 February 7-10 Community College National Legislative Summit, Washington, D.C. MAY 2021 May 31 Scheduled Adjournment of the Illinois General Assembly JUNE 2021 June 3 – 5 ICCTA Annual Convention and Board of Representatives Meeting

Marriott Bloomington-Normal Hotel & Conference Center, Normal, IL

1.8 Report – Student Government Representative Mr. Jaylen Lyttaker presented the following report:

Congratulations to the 87 students who completed their certificate or degree requirements in Summer 2020.

The fall semester began on Monday, August 24 with grab and go refreshments available at all four sites.

The Spoon River College HEAL (Healthcare Enthusiasts and Leaders) student association has put together a simple, voluntary commitment that all students, faculty, and staff can participate in. This Pledge will show the SRC campus communities, local communities, and the State of Illinois that SRC cares about the health of all. As of this afternoon, 75 have signed the pledge.

1.9 Report – Spoon River College Foundation Mr. Phillip Murphy presented the following report:

Financials: Revenues: $15,328.93

The SRC Foundation Board met Wednesday, August 19, at 7:30 a.m. remotely via IVS/ConEx.

Since the July trustees meeting, we received the good news that we were selected by the Fellheimer Trust in Macomb to receive funds to offer Fellheimer Scholarships again this year to our Macomb students.

Dual Credit scholarship applications have been collected from area high schools, and the committee will meet within the next week to make those awards.

We received word from Bendsen Signs and Graphics that they will be digging and pouring the foundation for the new sign tomorrow. They’ll work directly with Quick Electric (a local, union contractor) to complete the electrical hook-ups before the sign itself can be installed and functional.

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We are busy marketing and making preparations for the annual, but delayed, golf outing, which will take place on September 25 at Wee-Ma-Tuk. Numerous safety protocols will be in place for the event, and sponsorships and teams are being sought as we speak.

While we won’t be able to host the Alumni Awards Reception and Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner this November, we are still seeking nominations for the awards with the hope of doing a small virtual recognition this year before combining the 2020 and 2021 events in November 2021. If you have someone you’d like to nominate, go to www.src.edu/alumni to make that nomination.

Finally, the SRC Community Chorus is exploring options for a virtual offering for its winter/holiday concert in December. The hope, if it is able to come to fruition, is that it will still bring in some revenue to help the Chorus finish off the David Bishop Memorial Scholarship – and also be something that the Foundation can use in its stewardship efforts. This is not official yet and more details will be forthcoming.

Mr. Colin Davis presented the following report:

The Board members agreed unanimously to move forward with a proposal from Rescigno’s Marketing Solutions to launch an annual campaign this fall. Based in Bridgeview, IL, Resicgno’s specializes in the annual fund and works with hundreds of non-profits across the country on their annual funds, including many of Illinois’ community college foundations. The proposal includes the following: Appending ~26,000 names in SRC’s system with new, up to date contact information

and other helpful information Data analysis that will allow us to segment the best possible prospects for the annual

fund and, ultimately, larger gifts Strategizing a written calendar to keep the campaign on track all year long Design, Printing, Postage, and Mailing of 22,500 letters per year Analysis of each mailing to figure out what’s working, what isn’t, and if we need to refine

our prospect list further Creation of an acknowledgment program to retain donors and move them up the ladder

This is a major undertaking, but a necessary one for the long-term future for the Foundation, and having experts working with us and for us will help it to sail more smoothly. Mitch Coonradt, our board chair, signed the paperwork today, and we’ll begin strategy meetings in 1-2 weeks.

Mr. Schleich said it nice to see the Foundation going ahead with something normal like the Golf Outing. He is sorry to hear that the Alumni reception will not be held but we all understand. 1.10 Report – Board Member Comment

Mr. Murphy thanked everyone for getting the semester off of the ground this week. President Oldfield said it takes everyone, and he appreciates the efforts and cooperation of employees.

1.11 Board Policies Revisions

1.11.1 POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS POLICY TITLE: TRUSTEE TRAINING

This is a Board Policy revision which includes language required for Harassment and Discrimination Prevention Training. Following a motion by Mr. Murphy, seconded by Mr. Cremer, and a roll call vote of seven yeas and one nay (Mr. Meade), it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the Board Policy revision for POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS, POLICY TITLE: TRUSTEE TRAINING.

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Mr. Meade asked if we are the only elected officials still required to take this training. President Oldfield said he believes so. Kevin said it is important to have the training but is ridiculous that one or two community colleges screwed up a few years ago and now we have to do this. It is so important to take it but it is also so important that if you don’t take it, your name is on the list on the website. Kevin said he personally thinks it is ridiculous that we have to do this and other elected officials do not. He is not minimizing the training, and if it is really good enough that this had to be done immediately, there needs to be seriousness behind it. Mrs. Butler said she agrees with that except for the sexual harassment training. Linda said we could start a campaign to get that done and community college trustees could become very popular among elected officials. Mr. Schleich asked if there was discussion at the ICCTA Meeting. Dave said the concern is what is going to come down the line next. The only penalty for this is if you don’t do it, your name is on a list with the Ethics Commission.

1.11.2 POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS POLICY TITLE: STATE OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES ETHICS ACT This is a Board Policy revision which includes language revisions and deletions to make the policy current with State Statutes.

Following a motion by Mr. Cremer, seconded by Mr. Lyttaker, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the Board Policy revision for POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS, POLICY TITLE: STATE OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES ETHICS ACT.

1.11.3 POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS

POLICY TITLE: ANNUAL BOARD PLANNING CYCLE This is a Board Policy revision which updates the Board’s Planning Cycle.

Following a motion by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Meade, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the Board Policy revision for POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS, POLICY TITLE: ANNUAL BOARD PLANNING CYCLE.

1.11.4 POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS POLICY TITLE: MEETINGS

This is a Board Policy revision which addresses meeting attendance allowances.

Following a motion by Mr. Maguire, seconded by Mr. Cremer, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the Board Policy revision for POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS, POLICY TITLE: MEETINGS.

1.11.5 POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS POLICY TITLE: TITLE IX This is required to meet Federal Law for Title IX requirements.

Missy Wilkinson reported that on May 6th, the Department of Education issued new Title IX regulations which went into effect August 14. The revisions were significant enough that we needed to re-write our Title IX policy. The changes refine the responsibility of the college in regards to off campus conduct, narrow the definition of

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sexual harassment, and require the college to conduct live hearings and allow cross examination. To assist us in preparing for implementation of the new Rules, we worked with Robbins Schwartz. Their attorneys developed a Toolkit which includes the policy you have been provided and future comprehensive training for our Title IX team. Robbins Schwartz attorneys have suggested this policy be adopted by the Board which is why it has been added to tonight’s agenda. Mrs. Butler asked what the College will do to make sure this doesn’t violate civil rights. President Oldfield said that is the interesting quandary that we are in right now, and we have to follow the Title IX guidance and as civil rights challenges come through, there could be adjustments. It is ever-changing. We follow the law given so we don’t jeopardize our status and will adjust following court findings. Mr. Maguire said there is a technical issue. This is the first place in our Board policy where we identify individual names, and he realizes this is a result of Title IX. President Oldfield said those changes could be addressed annually as Board Policies are reviewed and updated. It is an inconsistency in format for Board Policies but a requirement. Dave said his thought was to list a name but to not have to come back to the Board to change a name. Linda said the concern is if you list the name and during the year the person no longer works for the college are we then non-compliant. President Oldfield said no because of the powers that the Board directs to him. Following a motion by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Meade, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the new Board Policy for POLICY TYPE: GOVERNANCE PROCESS, POLICY TITLE: TITLE IX.

2.0 PRESIDENT’S REPORT

2.1 Communications President Oldfield thanked the Board for the kind comments on the start of the semester, and he thanked the faculty and staff for their efforts. He has heard a lot of positive comments about being back on campus. Some good news to share is that we received notification of funding of the TRIO grant for a five year period. We are very happy to receive this grant, and we currently have it in Macomb, and this new grant will allow us to expand to Canton. Jill Olson is our Director, and she estimated that about 75% of students could be a part of TRIO. President Oldfield reported that faculty Professional Development Day was held last Thursday at the Macomb Outreach Center, and we worked together throughout the day to address issues, receive insight on dual credit, and had presentations that gave us opportunities to learn more about this upcoming academic year. We also spent time on strategic planning. President Oldfield said it is his plan to take Board Retreat and faculty Professional Development Day information to bring to the Trustees this fall for the new Strategic plan, which will start in January 2021. President Oldfield reminded the Board that September is traditionally the joint meeting with the Foundation Board, and he asked the Trustees with the challenges we are facing due to the pandemic, if the Board would agree to delay that joint meeting. If we would do an in-person meeting, it could include a dinner, joint meeting, and then the Board of Trustees meeting. He asked for input. Mr. Murphy said he would prefer waiting a month to see where we are at. Mr. Biernbaum said he wants to make sure we have Monical’s when we have this meeting. President Oldfield said that could certainly be arranged. Mrs. Butler asked if there is anything pressing. President Oldfield said no, not anything that would force a meeting, but he would suggest

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keeping this on the schedule and waiting a few months wouldn’t be an issue. Mr. Schleich asked when the next month in Canton would be. President Oldfield reviewed the schedule. Kent suggested November. President Oldfield said we could start to see what that date might look like. President Oldfield said because of social distancing and our October meeting is planned for the Rushville Center, and he asked about the location because of space restrictions. President Oldfield asked for the board to give that some thought and let him know. Mrs. Butler said she would look into some options in Rushville. 2.1.1 Discussion – Macomb East Project President Oldfield said we received almost $6.1 million from the State of Illinois from the Rebuild Illinois Plan. He provided the Trustees with a proposed timeline of what that might look like. President Oldfield said with those funds, we will also have a required match for that project that would bring the project to nearly $8.2 million dollars. The space will be identified to expand career and technical programs that may also include Nursing. We need to start thinking about the timeline for the project. He reviewed the timeline:

Macomb East Project Timeline SRC Board of Trustees Update

8/26/2020 Current timeline Spring of 2019 Legislature and Governor Approve Rebuild Illinois Plan

funding this project

8-5-2020 Capital Development Board (CDB) Notified SRC of release of funds $6,077,700

8-12 – 9-2-2020 CDB conducting Professional Service Bulletin (PSB) for architects

and engineers (A/E)

Estimated Timeline 10-30-2020 SRC will need to have matching funds $2,025,900 deposited

11-17-2020 CDB Meeting to approve A/E

Early 2021-June 2022 A/E working with SRC to design and bid project

Fall 2022 Anticipated start of construction

Fall 2023 (or later) Begin classes President Oldfield explained that these are dates that are not set in stone, but he feels it could be Summer of 2022 before any building would start. The earliest we could be in the building would be fall of 2023. President Oldfield said he would anticipate knowing more once CDB has their meeting to approve this in November. The question for Trustees is the $2 million match. He and Brett recommend for the Trustees to use reserve funds that we have now and start a bonding process to secure funds. It is a four month process that would conclude just in time for the levy at the December Board Meeting. We also have the grant application in for the EDA, and it is designed for Canton VoTec, and the maximum match for that grant is $2 million. President Oldfield said that is offered as another consideration – do we borrow $2 million for Macomb East or add the $2 million for the EDA grant match. President Oldfield said Brett has visited with Dave Pistorius at First MidState. We are prepared to go either direction.

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Mr. Maguire said the question that comes to mind immediately is what is the total dollar amount of the project that we may want to do versus what we can do? President Oldfield asked if Dave is talking about finishing all of Macomb East. Dave said that is a good question, and now knowing what the next 12 months hold, we may need the reserve funds back quickly. President Oldfield said he and Brett agree that we need that reserve fund repaid as soon as possible. The question is if we finish the entire Macomb East, it becomes an estimated $16 million dollar project. President Oldfield said he is of the belief that we take this $8 million and put in the infrastructure to get to the final result but not complete all of it. The HVAC and infrastructure is key in the eventual completion of the building. President Oldfield said he doesn’t think we can afford the entire $16 million at this point, but we should be planning. He said we could get a lot of career and tech education space for this $8 million and have a nice addition to Macomb. Dave said when we did the original project for Macomb, we did the entire façade of the building and some additional items that set us up for where we want to go. The $8 million won’t get us there, so do we need to leverage some additional dollars because CDB may not let us do the entire HVAC, etc. President Oldfield said we need to address those questions with CDB. President Oldfield said he and Brett believe we want the same geothermal that we have in Canton, and he believes we would try to get all of the wells drilled at one time so that we would be ready for the next phase to complete the building. Dave said transferring the funds out of reserves creates the debt we need to bond. Brett said it adds another form that we have to do because we will basically reimburse ourselves. We can do that because we aren’t technically spending the money. Brett said we couldn’t take the reserve funds and spend it on Macomb East, but we can transfer it temporarily and then hold it and reimburse ourselves. This would be a normal bond process with creating debt certificates. Brett said we would bond for $4 million and then spend the next 12 to 18 months in the design phase. In that part of the process, they will tell us what is actually doable with the architects and engineers, and they would then provide a new project cost. Next year this time the Board could consider bonding again to complete the next phase. We won’t really know the actual cost until after the design phase is completed. This is basically the same process that we used when we did the gym. Mr. Murphy asked when we will know about needing the $2 million for the EDA grant. President Oldfield said he anticipates hearing by the end of August, and hopefully no later than by the September Board Meeting, and then we would know what our match would be. President Oldfield said he would lean more towards pursuing the $4 million so we would have the match for EDA. He said the $2 million match was a worse-case scenario, and that match could be smaller. Brett said we could start the process in October, and the funds would be received by the end of January. The good thing is because the match on the grant is for capital goods, we can write the bond and Macomb East would be for capital improvements as well. We could transfer the excess match from EDA to Macomb East. President Oldfield said he appreciates the feedback from the Trustees. Mr. Cremer asked if this becomes a reality, will we know before the parking lot is done where the geothermal wells will be placed. President Oldfield said the parking lot will be done, and we know from our experience here that the portion of the parking lot that will not be done will hold the wells. Brett said that has been mapped out with CTS for the parking lot. Mr. Murphy asked about the space on the far west side. President Oldfield said we currently have 16,000 completed. We have roughly 70,000+ left of unfinished space. Mr. Murphy said way back, we talked about the far west of the building being the vocational area. President Oldfield said that could be but would depend on size of labs and classroom configurations, etc.

2.2 Business and Finance Report 2.2.1 Authorize the following payments for the month August 2020:

Payroll $ 815,815.87 Accounts Payable (excluding Travel) 1,292,989.47 Accounts Payable Travel Expenses 4,028.02 Accounts Payable BOT Travel Expenses 13.92

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Electronic payments (Health/Life Insurance) 298,609.92 Student Refunds – Accounts Payable 958.00 Student Refunds – Nelnet (electronic) 11,376.97

TOTAL: $2,423,792.17

Following a motion by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Murphy, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees authorized the following payments for the month August 2020:

Payroll $ 815,815.87 Accounts Payable (excluding Travel) 1,292,989.47 Accounts Payable Travel Expenses 4,028.02 Accounts Payable BOT Travel Expenses 13.92 Electronic payments (Health/Life Insurance) 298,609.92 Student Refunds – Accounts Payable 958.00 Student Refunds – Nelnet (electronic) 11,376.97

TOTAL: $2,423,792.17

2.2.2 OPENING OF THE 2020-2021 BUDGET HEARING

Following a motion by Mr. Maguire, seconded by Mr. Cremer, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees opened the 2020-2021 Budget Hearing.

Mr. Schleich asked for any public comment. President Oldfield said the budget has been on display since early July, so that meets the 30 day requirement of public viewing. There were no other comments.

2.2.3 CLOSING OF THE 2020-2021 BUDGET HEARING

Following a motion by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Cremer, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees closed the 2020-2021 Budget Hearing.

2.2.4 Approve the Resolution for Approval of the 2020-2021 Budget.

Mr. Murphy commented that he hopes that the finances in the State doesn’t require us to have to suck that budget up, and everything goes according to plans.

Following a motion by Mrs. Butler, seconded by Mr. Lyttaker, and a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was,

RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the Resolution for Approval of the 2020-2021 Budget.

2.3 Institutional Planning

Adult Education and Family Literacy Update – Chad Murphy presented the following report:

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FY 2020 ADULT EDUCATION

AND FAMILY LITERACY

Report to the Spoon River College Board of Trustees Staff

Chad Murphy Director of Adult Education

Cyndi Johnston ESL and Adult Volunteer Literacy Coordinator

Natalie Orwig Senior Office Assistant for Adult Education Melissa Koke Adult Education Advisor

Janet Young Adult Education Advisor

Katey Davis Accountant

Instructional Staff

Brenda Fornoff Crystal Keller Alicia Woods Jo Pierson John Curtis Josh Pickel Lindsey Larson Kristy Hobby Paul Wilson

Spoon River College Adult Education and Family Literacy Program’s Promise

The Spoon River College Adult Education and Family Literacy (AEFL) Program continues to build and expand opportunities for adult education students to transition into college and the workforce. Beyond preparation for the high school equivalency exam or improving English language skills, the AEFL program is dedicated to building on the pathways created to assist students to obtain or improve their employment options and successfully enroll and complete postsecondary education. Expanded bridge and transition programming, integrated models of instructional delivery, alignment of standards with the Common Core State Standards and College and Career Readiness Standards, technology, career development and awareness skills, evidence based models, and the use of data for decision making are all designed to make the promise a reality for many low

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skilled adults. The program staff will continue to work collaboratively toward fulfilling local, state, and federal goals and to build on past successes. This includes a focus on services that equip adult students with the skills necessary to compete and thrive in Illinois.

Purpose of Adult Education in Illinois Spoon River College Adult Education programs provide adults ages 16 years and older (must be turning 17 within semester enrolled) who have less than a high school education or equivalent with opportunities to acquire the skills necessary to function more effectively in society and the workplace of the 21st century. Through these programs a student may accomplish the following goals:

Acquire the basic reading, writing, and math skills necessary to obtain or advance in a job. Meet entrance requirements for vocational training programs. Study to pass the GED examination, a nationally recognized test for a certificate of high school

equivalency. Attain high-level employment skills. Acquire the skills needed to be a functional, contributing member of society and a wiser consumer. Learn English as a Second Language (ESL) and citizenship skills. Enter the workforce or post-secondary education.

Critical Need for Adult Education

Each year, the Department of Economics and Finance at Southern Illinois University conducts a statewide demographic study to calculate the need for adult services in each college district. Branded by ICCB Adult Education as a district’s “Index of Need,” this statistical data is used to allocate grant funds to service providers. Among the Spoon River College District’s adult (16 years of age or older) population of 55,487:

8,669 (15.6%) live in poverty

5,697 (10.2%) do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent

3,664 (6.6%) were classified as ESL adults and felt that they did not speak English well

9,408 (16.9%) receive some type of public assistance from the government

Funding Sources The FY20 operating budget of the Spoon River College Adult Education program was $374,430. The program is funded through a number of sources including grants from the Illinois Community College Board, Career Link, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Adult Volunteer Literacy Program, and Dollar General Corporation. In addition to those funding sources, in-kind services are provided by Spoon River College in the form of office and classroom space, utilities, computers, etc.

Grant FY 15 FY 16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 ICCB Public Assistance $35,145

ICCB State Basic $73,227 $104,278 $108,600 $98,650 $103,330 $106,150

ICCB Federal $65,128 $81,732 $86,310 $75,700 $72,795 $75,870 ICCB State Performance $79,312 $84,690 $74,825 $64,210 $57,590 $61,910

Career Link $41,000 $41,000 $42,000 $47,570 $51,500 $51,500 Adult Volunteer Literacy $45,260 $41,965 $0 $33,350 $50,000 $54,000

Dollar General $5,000 $0 $10,000 $8,000 $8,000 $8,000

LWIB 14 $14,423 $25,000 $17,000

Total $344,072 $353,665 $336,158 $352,480 $343,215 $374,430

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Adult Education Enrollment Data

Instruction Type Students Served

FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20

Adult Basic Education (ABE) 159 118 110 129 184 132 Adult Secondary Education (ASE) 102 105 110 94 32 31

English-as-a-Second-Language 37 36 37 38 33 35

Total 298 259 257 261 249 198

Individuals Earning GED 16 31 30 42 29 39

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Head Count 292 259 257 261 249 198

Attendance Hours 19228 18148 18693 16972 17086 12113

Enrollment Hours 26236 23902 25017 23596 24943 19463

Persistence Rate 64% 70% 72% 73% 76% 62%

Persistence rate is calculated by dividing the attendance hours by the enrollment hours. Retention rates are important because they are an indicator of academic quality and student success.

Core Performance Indicators

The table below shows the Illinois target percentages and Spoon River College percentages of students who made a Measurable Skills Gain (MSG) for FY2014 through 2019. For the first time in more than nine years, the adult education program did not meet the state performance target. As a part of developing this annual report, the adult education staff met to discuss and analyze the events of the year. The staff has determined that the primary reason that the performance goal was not met was due to a change from TABE 9/10 to TABE 11/12. The TABE test is the pre and post testing tool required by ICCB. In the fiscal years between 2013 and 2020, Spoon River College exceeded the NRS state target by an average of 14 percentage points. In those same years, Spoon River College averaged 43 individuals per year earning the Illinois High School Equivalency (HSE) credential. In fiscal year 2017, Spoon River College was recognized by the Illinois Community College Board for performing in the top 10% of programs in the State of Illinois, ranking 6th out of 81 programs. The Spoon River College program has performed well for many years. For FY20, steps were taken to meet the level gain targets by adjusting orientation models, procurement of TABE specific educational resources, and an emphasis of NRS Level Gain goals with instructional staff and students. The program nearly met the goal of 46% reaching 45.35%. We are confident that the goal would have been met if not for COVID-19 shelter-in-place order.

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Career Link

The Spoon River College Adult Education Program and Career Link have a partnership designed to serve students ages 16-24 who have dropped out of high school, have a deficiency in literacy or numeracy, and are economically disadvantaged. Students become self-sufficient by receiving education and workforce preparation needed to succeed through achievement of three basic goals:

1. Increased literacy or numeracy achievement by at least one educational functioning level. 2. Obtain employment or attend post-secondary training after completion of the program. 3. Obtain a G.E.D.

Students receive intensive instruction in literacy, numeracy, career exploration, work readiness skills, and job search techniques. As students progresses through the program, they are regularly tested in math and reading. As an incentive to motivate the student to achieve increases in functioning level, students receive a cash payment of $25 for a level gain, $40 for passing the GED practice tests, and $25 upon successful passage of each section of the GED exam. In addition, for students meeting eligibility requirements, the registration fee for the GED practice test and exam are covered. Students also receive money for completing career exploration, attending career fairs, and learning work readiness skills. Students who pass the GED exam and obtain employment and/or enter post-secondary training also receive an additional $50 incentive bonus paid in cash. In FY20, 10 new students enrolled in the program and 5 students returned from the previous fiscal year. Of those 15 students, 10 completed the GED exam, 4 have passed 75% of the sections of the GED exam, and 1 has passed 25% of the GED exam. Of the 10 students who completed the GED exam, 3 students enrolled in the Diesel Tech classes and 2 completed a semester, 1 enrolled in CDL and 2 enrolled in C.N.A. classes, 2 plan to enroll in Spring 2021, 1 is enrolled to get an AA degree, 2 students entered the workforce and 9 are working. Adult Volunteer Literacy Program This program provides tutoring services, delivered by community volunteers, to adults with less than a ninth grade educational level. Tutors can meet with students during the Adult Education ESL and GED classes, outside of class, or both. With the help of trained volunteers, the program is centered upon improving the

ABE

Beg Lit ABE Beg

ABE Inter Low

ABE Inter High

ASE Low

ESL Beg Lit

ESL Low Beg

ESL High Beg

ESL Inter Low

ESL Inter High

ESL Adv

Overall

Total

NRS 1 NRS 2 NRS 3 NRS 4 NRS 5 ESL 1 ESL 2 ESL 3 ESL4 ESL 5 ESL 6

GLE/Best Plus

0.0-1.9 2.0-3.9

4.0-5.9

6.0-8.9

9.0-10.0

< 400 401-417

418-438

439-472

473-506

507-540

FY 1

5 IL

Targets 45% 44% 37% 30% 33% 45% 49% 45% 40% 33% 23% 39%

SRC % 45% 45% 45% 48% 82% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 54%

FY 1

6 IL

Targets 47% 44% 37% 30% 34% 49% 45% 50% 39% 38% 22% 40%

SRC % 33% 51% 47% 43% 86% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 55%

FY 1

7 IL

Targets 54% 46% 42% 34% 37% 50% 45% 52% 44% 41% 24% 41%

SRC % 100% 70% 63% 55% 52% 86% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 64%

FY 1

8 IL

Targets 47% 43% 34% 37% 51% 48% 53% 44% 42% 25% 43%

SRC % 78% 57% 44% 51% 83% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 58%

FY 1

9 IL

Targets 61% 50% 44% 37% 40% 55% 55% 59% 49% 45% 25% 45%

SRC % 50% 37% 30% 16% 13% 100% 93% 100% 100% 88% 100% 35%

FY 2

0 IL

Targets 61% 51% 44% 37% 41% 55% 56% 59% 50% 47% 27% 46%

SRC % 0% 38% 30% 41% 25% 90% 75% 75% 100% 89% 100% 45%

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reading, writing, spelling, vocabulary, English as a Second Language, math, and basic computer literacy levels of each individual while understanding their unique needs and goals.

Adult Volunteer Literacy Program FY20

Total Adult Learners Served 118

Number of Volunteer Tutors 60

Instructional Hours by Tutors 5,001

Impact of Adult Education on Spoon River College Spoon River College, like community colleges throughout the nation, is at a crossroads: pressure is mounting to increase the number of students earning degrees and to improve student retention, and a growing movement seeks to fund colleges based on these performance measures. Meanwhile, enrollment has declined nationwide. Consequently, colleges need to find new pools of students from which to recruit. They also need to make sure that those students can succeed by persisting through college and successfully completing certificate and degree programs. This challenge takes place in the context of a high need for literacy and high school equivalency training among the adult populations. For Spoon River College, the Adult Education program serves as a significant “feeder program” into credit and certificate programs. Nationally, in systems in which community colleges are responsible for adult education, the revenue-cost calculations show that it is worthwhile to invest in adult education transition. Costs to assist students to transition are approximately $500 per student, while revenues, including state reimbursements and tuition recouped from the increase in enrollment, are approximately $970 per student. While incremental revenue is one reason to pursue transition programming, there are many reasons closer to the core of community college missions. First, these efforts will increase the diversity of life experiences students bring to their college classes. Partly through the inclusion of adult students, community colleges can offer an unmatched richness of thought and experience. Additionally, increasing the skill levels of adults is often a centerpiece of economic development for neighborhoods and communities. The only way this is ultimately possible is by engaging with those adults at their current skill levels and preparing them for college-level work. The table below illustrates the impact adult education students (individuals who have obtained a GED/Illinois High School Equivalency) have had on Spoon River College enrollment. There has been a decline over the last four years. While it is hard to pinpoint a specific cause, it is believed the decline can be attributed to three things:

1. There was a shift in focus at ICCB from enrollment numbers to student level gains. 2. In January of 2014 a new and more difficult GED exam was implemented. 3. In years 2015-2020, enrollment in adult education programs throughout the state declined, and some

believe it was due to the lack of a state budget and instability and concern over the possible suspension of adult education programs, and now, COVID-19.

FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17 FY18 FY19 FY20 FY13-20

GED Earners Taking Credit Classes 310 265 215 237 178 142 123 68 1538

Credit Classes Taken by GED Earners 944 807 820 858 611 448 421 314 5223

Credit Hours Taken by GED Earners 2788 2437.5 2530.5 2610 1906 1383.5 1358.5 985.5 15999.5

GED Earners Completing Program of Study

16 22 19 34 38 20 19 8 176

GED Earners with Degrees/Cert. Earned

18 44 20 42 57 31 25 13 250

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Chad Murphy also provided the following Enrollment Comparison, Index of Need, and Student Transition:

Enrollment Comparison

School Mode HSE ESL Total

College of Lake County Remote 43%

District 214 Mixed 50%

Elgin Community College Remote 85%

ICC Remote 50% Even

John Wood CC Mixed Even

Kaskaskia Hybrid/Remote Even

Kishwaukee College Hybrid Late Start Lawrence Education Center Hybrid

Oakton CC Remote 30%

Prairie State College Remote 50%

Rend Lake Remote Late Start

Rock Valley College Remote 46%

Spoon River College Face-to-face 29%

Triton College Remote 65% 60%

Waubonsee Remote 63% World Relief DuPage/Aurora Remote 50%

Index of Need

Year Index Total

Population Population

16+ Live in Poverty

Less than 12th

ESL Public

Assistance

2010 0.50% 70,179 58,278 10,145 11,527 2,841 6,621

2011 0.51% 71,697 59,353 10,148 11,550 3,072 6,820

2012 0.49% 71,430 59,097 10,582 8,224 3,316 6,863

2013 0.49% 71,005 58,740 10,501 7,711 3,500 6,960

2014 0.50% 70,613 58,458 10,439 7,255 3,763 8,320

2015 0.49% 69,625 57,693 10,632 7,158 3,674 9,110

2016 0.46% 68,585 57,010 9,175 6,310 3,834 8,766

2017 0.48% 68,009 56,460 9,665 6,356 3,675 8,807

2018 0.47% 67,680 56,368 9,149 6,034 3,594 10,236

2019 0.47% 66,648 55,487 8,669 5,697 3,664 9,408

Student Transition

FIRST NAME PLACEMENT

TEST ADVISOR ENROLLED PROGRAM

Matthew X X X Diesel Tech.

Jonathan X X X Diesel Tech.

Savannah X X X AA degree

Miranda X X X Pre-Nursing

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Sierra X X X Lib. Arts

Casidy X X X Nurs. Asst.

Sue X X X Pre-Nursing

Xanthe X X X Nurs. Asst.

Melissa X X X Bio. Science

Kelli X X X Nurs. Asst.

Damion X X X Diesel Tech.

Destiny X X X AA degree

Nicolas No test needed X X CDL

Telea Pre-Nursing

Success Stories

Gabriel Gabriel is an immigrant from The Democratic Republic of The Congo. He has been attending classes at Spoon River College for three years. When he first arrived he could not speak any English. This year he scored out of the BEST Plus test on his last post-test and will be moving into the TABE test this fall. He continually shows his dedication to his learning by rarely missing a tutoring session while working massive amounts of overtime at JBS in Beardstown where he works as a second shift janitor. He has several goals for the next few years including becoming a U. S. citizen. He works with tutors in and outside of class and has always considered a dream of his "to become a citizen in this great country where you can be and do whatever you want to be as long as you persevere and don’t give up." Gabriel is also determined to improve his English skills to the level of college classes so that he can become a professor. He is like a sponge, always craving more and has always had the most positive and optimistic attitude which has gotten him through the many struggles he’s faced during the last few years in this country. He is extremely grateful for the help that he has received from the tutors. Ruth, an Adult Volunteer Tutor The most effective tutor for Spoon River College is a Macomb community tutor who is tutoring beginner ESL students for a total of six hours per week and numerous hours outside of class. She is passionate about helping others and always shows a great deal of empathy for her students through her soft spoken, amiable, and compassionate personality. Ruth has been tutoring for twenty two years and has been extremely reliable, dependable, and flexible with the students. Her students know that they can trust and rely on her to answer any questions that they have about their class assignments or the struggles that they face in their everyday activities. She can also speak fluent Spanish which helps the beginner’s vocabularies. As a retired teacher she is exceedingly knowledgeable in many subject areas, particularly lower level reading, writing, vocabulary and grammar skills that are needed in order for ESL students to become successful. She incorporates speaking into every activity which boosters her student’s confidence and helps them to see how much progress they are making each and every day. Mrs. Butler asked about the 30 students who planned to attend but couldn’t because of the shutdown and have they started or do they plan to? Chad said they have all been contacted for this fall. Mr. Schleich thanked Chad for the good report and the good work that he and his staff do. 2.3.1 Employment Contract, President

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Mr. Schleich said this has taken a few months to get here because of COVID. The contract is a July 1 effective date, and the salary is $139,725.06 which reflects a 3.5% salary increase. There was also an adjustment on days, and Trustee Butler worked with Keith Braskich, the college attorney.

Mr. Maguire made a motion for approval of the President’s Employment Contract as posted on the SRC website. Mrs. Butler seconded, and following a roll call vote of unanimous approval, it was, RESOLVED, That the Board of Trustees approved the Employment Contract, President. Mr. Schleich said the Board appreciates the work of President Oldfield and his leadership throughout his unusual and challenging time period. President Oldfield thanked the Board for their confidence. We certainly have no two days that are the same, and he appreciates the work of the faculty and staff as well and thanks for the confidence in the leadership team.

3.0 ADDITIONAL ITEMS

Mr. Schleich said there were no additional items for the Board.

4.0 CLOSED SESSION. In accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, the Board of Trustees will adjourn to Closed Session for paragraph 1). The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body, including hearing testimony on a complaint lodged against an employee to determine its validity; (5) the purchase or lease of real property for the use of the public body, including meetings held for the purpose of discussing whether a particular parcel should be acquired.

Mr. Schleich said there was not a call for a Closed Session.

5.0 ADJOURNMENT Following a motion by Mr. Maguire, seconded by Mr. Lyttaker, and unanimous approval, the Regular Meeting of the Spoon River College Board of Trustees, August 26, 2020 adjourned at 7:16 p.m. __________________________________ Mr. Kent Schleich, Chair ___________________________ Date __________________________________ Mr. Phillip Murphy, Secretary