Tax levy accepted
The board accepted the 2015 tax levy (payable 2016). The levy represents a slight increase - 2.74 percent - over last year. The Corporate and Special Purpose levy went from $3,083,318 last year to $3,218,520 this year, a increase of 4.39 percent. The Debt Service levy dropped from $1,807,794 last year to $1,806,469 this year, a decrease of 0.07 percent. The total of the two levies rose slightly, from $4,891,112 last year to $5,024,989, an increase of 2.74 percent.
Because the total of the proposed Corporate and Special Purpose and Debt Service levies is not greater than 105 percent of last year's levy, no Truth in Taxation hearing is required.
Course creations, changes receive approval
The board approved several changes and additions to courses and programs Tuesday and authorized their submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action. Notable additions were the Barber Teacher 500-Hour and 1,000-Hour training certificates and the Cosmetology Teacher 1,000-Hour training certificate. Two new courses - Manufacturing Basic Skills and Intro to Health Concepts II - also were approved. Two Physical Science courses, Statics and Dynamics, were approved for online development.
Bertschi, McBride receive tenure
Melissa Bertschi, Cosmetology Instructor, was granted tenure and now becomes an Associate Professor. Her supervisor, Lori Ragland, Vice President of Career Technical Instruction, wrote that Bertschi "exhibits the characteristics of a dedicated instructor who is willing to do what it takes for her students to succeed. Her positive attitude, work ethic and enthusiasm are an asset to Rend Lake College."
Don McBride, Mining Technology Instructor, also earned tenure and Associate Professor status. Chris Nielsen, Dean of Applied Science and Technology, wrote that McBride's knowledge of the mining industry is indisputable, and his knowledge and experience allow him to teach miners, both new and experienced, to be safe and valuable employees in their field.
Long-time custodian Owens retiring
The board accepted with regret the retirement resignation of custodian Lloyd Owens effective Dec. 31. He has been with the college full-time since August 2002. "I want to thank Rend Lake College for the opportunity to be a part of such a great place. I have enjoyed working at RLC for the past 13 years and have developed many friendships that will last a lifetime," Owens wrote in his retirement letter.
In other business, the board ...
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