INA, Ill. (Aug. 11, 2020)
Rend Lake College has found a contractor for its renovation and expansion of the Learning Resource Center.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, the RLC Board of Trustees accepted a bid of $746,583 from Hunter Construction of Belleville for the work, which will remodel the LRC and construct an addition on the south side of the building. The proposed plans show the 1,935-square-foot addition will consist of six collaborative learning spaces and a new main entrance connecting the LRC to the center of campus. The CTE Success Center and Children’s Library will also undergo renovation.
Hunter Construction submitted the lowest bid out of seven other companies. The project is being paid for through funds raised by the RLC Foundation. A firm date for the start of construction has not been set at this time.
To get involved with this project, or to inquire about pledge opportunities, contact Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron at foundation@rlc.edu.
Board approves salary schedule
The board approved a salary schedule for all faculty, and set industrial contract amounts, following negotiations with the faculty union. Faculty salary increases will be effective for the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 academic year. Industrial contract salaries will be effective July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021. This new agreement also includes a memorandum of understanding between RLC and the union for the upcoming semesters regarding COVID-19. RLC will allow faculty to use absences if affected by the virus and not be charged sick, personal or vacation time.
Budget presented
The board was presented with the tentative Fiscal Year 2021 budget and approved it as presented. Now the proposed budget will be available for public inspection for 30 days before the next Board of Trustees meeting. A virtual public hearing on the budget will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15 before the regular board meeting. To attend, please contact the Office of the President.
Johnston takes on REC Director role
Laura Johnston, who has served as the Aquatic Center Coordinator, will be taking on an expanded role as the Director of the Recreational Center/Aquatics. RLC administration decided it was in the best interest of the college to coordinate the oversight of the Recreational Center and Aquatic Center into one position following the resignation of Recreational Center Director Tyler O’Daniel. Johnston has been employed at RLC full-time since 2000.
Mabrey hired as Apprenticeship Coordinator
Angelina Mabrey will start Aug. 17 as RLC’s new Apprenticeship Coordinator following her board-approved hiring at Tuesday’s meeting. Mabrey holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from McKendree University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She previously worked as a teacher at Du Quoin High School, Murphysboro High School and St. Bruno School in Pinckneyville. The Apprenticeship Coordinator position was created at RLC through the Apprenticeship Expansion Grant.
Wilkerson’s contract renewed
The board approved a new four-year contract for RLC President Terry Wilkerson starting July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2024. Wilkerson has been RLC’s President since April 2012 and previously served as an administrator and professor.
Personnel moves
The board accepted, with regret, the resignation of Tyler O’Daniel as the Director of the Recreational Center and Head Baseball Coach, effective Aug. 14.
The board accepted, with regret, the retirement resignation of custodian Bruce Bowen, effective July 24.
Mark your calendar
The 40th Annual RLC Foundation Golf Outing will take place Thursday, Sept. 10 at the Rend Lake Golf Course in Whittington. Proceeds benefit RLC Foundation scholarships and the RLC Men’s and Women’s Golf Teams.
In other business…
- The board approved the second reading of revisions to the college’s discrimination and harassment policies.
- The board approved job description changes for the Recreational Center Director, Aquatic Center Coordinator, Head Baseball Coach and Head Softball Coach positions.
- The board approved fee changes for several classes. The fee for ELEC 1611 was raised from $50 to $55. The physical, drug screening, permit and truck usage fees for TRUK 1201 were raised from $100 to $500. And the truck usage and repair fees for TRUK 1202 and 1203 were both reduced from $2,000 to $1,800.
- The board approved the 2020-21 Student Handbook.
- The board approved the first reading of revisions to the policy and procedures for professional development.
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