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Board of Trustees Meeting - March 11, 2025
Meeting Highlights
Notable News:
Approved the contract of Mrs. Lori Ragland as President of Rend Lake College at the terms and length agreed upon between Mrs. Ragland and the Board of Trustees per 110 ILCS 805/3-65, second reading, effective March 11, 2025.
Lori Ragland from Sesser will become RLC's eighth president, succeeding Terry Wilkerson. She looks to the future as an innovative and student-centered environment that continues to strengthen the RLC community.
"As we build on the strong foundation laid by my predecessor, my focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition while embracing innovation to enhance Rend Lake College’s relevance in this ever-changing landscape,” Ragland said. “We will seek opportunities to better serve our students and bolster our recruitment strategies to reach those we have yet to serve. Every individual seeking education and career advancement should be given the chance.”
Under New Business, the Board:
- Approved new courses and authorize their submission to the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) for action effective on the dates listed below.
- Course Approved - BSB 1832 Adult Education ICAPS Support Course
Effective 3/1/2025 - Course Approved - RNEW 1200 lntro to Renewable Energy Systems
Effective 8/1/2025 - Course Approved - RNEW 1201 Commercial Load Calc & Energy Audits
Effective 8/1/2025 - Course Approved - RNEW 1202 PV Alternative Energy Generation
Effective 8/2025 - Course Approved - RNEW 1203 PV lnstallations and Standards
Effective 8/1/2025
- Course Approved - BSB 1832 Adult Education ICAPS Support Course
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- Curriculum Approved - RNEW 0001 Renewable Energy
Effective 8/1/2025 - Curriculum Approved - AGAT 0002 AgriculturaI Technology
Effective 8/1/2025
- Curriculum Approved - RNEW 0001 Renewable Energy
- Approved Revisions to Job Description, Coordinator – Child Care Assistance Program, effective March 11, 2025.
RATIONALE: This job description revisions are needed to better meet the needs of the institution. - Approved Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 2.1200-Addressing Discrimination and Harassment (to Include Sexual Assault Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking), second reading, retroactively effective January 31, 2025.
RATIONALE: Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 2.1200 – Addressing Discrimination and Harassment (to Include Sexual Assault, Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Violence, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence and Stalking) needs to be
updated due to the most recent Title IX regulations, which took effect August 1, 2024, being struck down in U.S. District Court. RLC’s policy will revert back, with minor revisions, to the one in effect prior to August 1, 2024. - Granted Permission to Engage Broker for Self-Funded Health Insurance Program, effective July 1, 2025.
RATIONALE: College administrators met with three brokers to discuss their experience and capabilities, and recommend engaging with Assured Partners. - Granted Permission to Create Stipend position for OSHA Coordinator, as presented, effective January 01, 2025.
RATIONALE: This position is necessary to assist in offering OSHA trainings / workshops to the community, as well as, provide in-house technical support to our campus staff. - Accepted bid for audit services for fiscal years 2025-2027, effective March 11, 2025.
RATIONALE: The college received three proposals from audit firms in response to a recent request for audit services. After careful review, Sikich CPA LLC submitted the most competitive bid which aligns with the college's overall needs, including comprehensive financial oversight, compliance with regulatory requirements, and a thorough evaluation of internal controls.
Under Personnel, the Board:
- Announced Henry Meinert as Student Trustee for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Appointed Sydney Clayton as Event Coordinator, effective March 16, 2025.
- Approved a second reading of the President Designee's Contract with Lori Ragland, Executive Vice President and President Designee.
- Granted Permission to Advertise for a Custodian.
- Granted Permission to Create Position and Job Description and Advertise for a Grounds Technician
Under Financial Information, the Board:
- Approved ratification of the Payment of College Expenses including Travel Expense Reimbursements.
Mark Your Calendars
Tuesday, March 18, 2025; 5:00pm
Advisory Committee Meetings
Event Center and Breakout Rooms
Thursday, March 20, 2025; 9am-12pm
2025 Job Search Party
Event Center
Thursday, March 20, 2025; 5pm-9pm
Art Show Reception and Awards
Theater
Each Thursday, March 20 through May 1st
Culinary Showcases
Reservations begin 3/3/2025
Tuesday, March 25, 2025; 8am-4:30pm
ACEN Site Visit
Various Buildings on the Ina Campus
Thursday, March 27, 2025; 5pm-7pm
Auto Open House
Vocational Building Auto Shop & Lab
Wednesday, April 2, 2025; 4pm-8pm
RLC Open House
Event Center
Thursday - Saturday, April 3 - 5, 2025; 7:00pm & Matinee Sunday, April 6; 2:00pm
Spring Musical “Legally Blonde”
Theater
Tuesday, April 8, 2025; 6:30pm
RLC Board of Trustee Meeting
Event Center
Thursday & Friday, April 10 & 11, 2025; 8:00am
Kickstart Your Journey
Event Center
Tuesday, April 22, 2025; 12:00pm
RLC Board of Trustee Meeting
Administration Building
Thursday, April 24, 2025; 8am-1pm
Children’s Health Fair
Recreation Center
Thursday, April 24, 2025; 12:00pm
RLC Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
Student’s Center
Friday, April 24, 2025; 9am-1pm
Kindergarten Day
Event Center and Various Breakout Rooms
Friday, May 2, 2025; 8am-1pm
Career Connections (8th graders)
Event Center
Saturday, May 17, 2025
Rend Lake College Graduation
8:30am – AA/AS/AES/AFA
11:00am – AAS/Certificate
Outdoors at the Track
