2012 tax levy approved
Accepted the 2012 tax levy, payable 2013. The proposed taxes to be levied for fiscal year 2012 total $4,827,711, an increase of 2.06 percent over last year. Because the amount of the corporate and special purpose tax levy is not greater than 105 percent of last year's levy, the college is not required to publish a notice of tax increase or to conduct a Truth in Taxation hearing.
College seeks new equipment for machine shop
Granted permission to advertise for one new laser cutter at an estimated cost of $55,000, one new computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutter at an estimated cost of $26,000, and one new CNC milling machine at an estimated cost of $70,000. This equipment will be used to fabricate components and parts for sustainable design units. Louvers, facades and other structures can be programmed and cut to display fabrication methods. The use of steel will focus on the life cycle of a material in relation to students' understanding of material selection in sustainability. Small-scale fabrication projects can become real-world products. This will help students understand prototyping and physical construction from digital developments. The equipment will help build RLC's new sustainable design curriculum with funding from the Illinois Green Economy Network - Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant.
Newman joins Project CHILD
Appointed Carrie Newman as Subsidized Child Care Specialist effective Nov. 16. Newman holds an Associate of General Studies Degree from Kaskaskia College and most recently served as director at The Happy Day Express.
New Financial Aid / Admissions position created, applicants sought
Granted permission to create the position, approve the job description and advertise for a Financial Aid and Admissions Coordinator with a tentative start date of Jan. 2, 2013. This individual will educate current and potential students about the financial aid process and the financial aid options available to them. This will include student loan exit counseling sessions to provide students with information about repayment requirements, deferments, forbearance, loan forgiveness and loan rehabilitation options, as well as follow-up contact with students in danger of defaulting on student loans. This individual also will increase the college’s recruitment presence throughout the region.
Programmer Caldwell moving on
Accepted with regret the resignation of Chad Caldwell, Programmer / Analyst, effective Oct. 26. "I appreciate the opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me during the last year," Caldwell wrote in his resignation. "I have enjoyed working for Rend Lake College."
In other business, the board ...
- Approved the collective bargaining agreement between the RLC Board of Trustees, District 521 (Maintenance, Custodial and Grounds) and Laborers' International Union of North America, the Southern and Central Illinois Laborers' District Council and Laborers' Local 1197, effective immediately upon board approval.
- Approved revisions to board procedure concerning fees, effective Summer Term 2013.
- Accepted the Fiscal Year 2012 audit as presented.
- Approved an addendum to the interdistrict agreement for educational cooperation between Rend Lake College and John A. Logan College. The addendum allows Rend Lake College to provide mutually approved Mine Safety and Health Administration training in John A. Logan College's district, and allows JALC to provide mutually approved Occupational Safety and Health Administration training in RLC's district.
- Approved the revised Resource Allocation Management Plan for transmittal to the Illinois Community College Board. The college is required to submit the RAMP document each year. This is a type of "wish list" submitted by higher education institutions throughout the state, which are then combined at the state level and prioritized for possible funding. Projects on RLC's RAMP list include a new Allied Health building, a Learning Commons Addition and a new Physical Plant Department building.
Mark your calendars …
- Allied Health Wellness Bazaar, 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, South Oasis Pit.
- Christmas Concert, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27, RLC Theatre.
- RLC Foundation Annual Dinner, Thursday, Dec. 6, Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn; 6 p.m. cocktails, 6:30 p.m. dinner.
- RLC Annual Faculty / Staff Holiday Dinner, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, Waugh Gymnasium.
- RLC Board of Trustees Retreat, noon Thursday, Dec. 13, Rend Lake Resort.
- HLC Substantive Change Request Visit, Monday-Tuesday, April 15-16.
