Board approves tentative Fiscal Year 2017 budget
The board approved the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2017. As required by law, the budget will be available for public inspection for 30 days, and a public hearing on the budget will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016, prior to the regular board meeting.
Bond hearing held
The board held a public hearing on the intent to sell $5 million in funding bonds. In a related action, the board approved a resolution of intent to issue those bonds for the purpose of paying claims against the district. The issue stems from board action last month to sell and immediately repurchase the RLC MarketPlace facility in Mt. Vernon. It will give the college access to $5 million in available cash reserves. The move was prompted by the state of Illinois' continuing budget issues.
Rounds transfers to AmeriCorps
The board approved the transfer of Megan Rounds from Student Transfer and Retention Support Advisor to Director of Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps effective Sept. 1. Rounds' involvement with grant-funded programs such as STARS plus her experience with student advising and secondary education are valuable experiences for her new position.
Martie becomes full-time Children's Center staff
The appointment of Nicole Martie as a Lead Child Care Provider at the RLC Foundation Children's Center, effective Aug. 1, was ratified by the board. Martie has worked as a part-time assistant child care provider in the RLCFCC for six years. She holds an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Rend Lake College, as well as the Illinois Gateways Early Childhood Education credential, Infant / Toddler Gateways credential, and a paraprofessional endorsement. She also is pursing her Bachelor's Degree.
Resignations from two
The board approved the resignations of two employees Tuesday.
- Matt Jackson, Industrial Trainer, effective Aug. 15. He had been with the college full-time since February 2012, when he was hired as the Illinois Green Economy Network Curriculum Coordinator before transferring to the position of Industrial Trainer. "Everything from student, part-time and full-time involvement has been amazing at Rend Lake, and I cannot emphasize how much I believe in this college," Jackson wrote in his resignation letter. He is leaving to pursue an entrepreneurial opportunity but plans to remain with RLC part-time. "I am hopeful through my endeavors I can represent Rend Lake College not only as an employee but as a product of the institution," he wrote.
- Amanda Bernard, Director of Land of Lincoln AmeriCorps, effective July 22. "I appreciate the opportunity to work here and with a wonderful program like AmeriCorps," Bernard wrote in her resignation letter. "I greatly enjoyed working with the program and the RLC students."
In other business, the board ...
- Approved several curriculum-related items, including: permission to develop an online orientation course; permission to develop a hybrid Introduction to Health Concepts course; and course and / or sequence changes to the IT
- Systems Assistant Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree, Certified Medical Assistant AAS Degree, and the Manufacturing Technology AAS Degree and occupational certificate.
- Approved revision to board procedure concerning fees, effective Spring 2017.
- Approved board policy and procedure regarding business enterprise for minorities, females, and persons with disabilities (second reading).
Mark your calendars …
- Open House / Ribbon Cutting for RLCF Children's Center Skilled Development Room, 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, RLCF Children's Center.
- First Day of Fall Classes, Monday, Aug. 15.
- Visiting Artist Series, Kris Killman Photography, Sept. 9-Oct. 28, RLC Theatre Lobby.
- Fun Fest, Noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 14, RLC Campus.
- RLC Foundation Annual Golf Outing, Thursday, Sept. 15, Rend Lake Golf Course.
- Illinois Regional College Fair, 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, Waugh Gymnasium.
- ICCTA Southeast Region Trustees Meeting, Nursing, Nov. 3, Southeastern Illinois College.
- RLC Preview Day, 3-7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10, all campuses. Faculty and staff on hand to provide information about programs and services; tours available; plus prizes, including an academic award worth up to 12 credit hours.