The Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees approved the district’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget during its Tuesday meeting at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson.
A public hearing was held before the vote, with no public comments received. The board also authorized the chancellor to file the budget with the Illinois Community College Board.
Trustees accepted IECC’s 2026 Annual Security Report, which includes campus crime statistics from 2023 through 2025 and new hazing reporting requirements. The board also received updated Violence Prevention and Crisis Management plans for the district’s four campuses.
In other action, trustees approved a resolution recognizing the service of former Chancellor Dr. Ryan K. Gower and conferring upon him the honorary title of Chancellor Emeritus of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. The board also accepted a $39,000 bid from Entec Services of Mattoon to replace an HVAC unit at the Terry L. Bruce West Richland Center.
Personnel action included hiring Chris Forrest as Frontier Community College Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Mac Alexander as Manager of Technology Infrastructure, both effective September 21. Andy Hill was also moved from FCC Bookstore Manager to District Campus Store Manager. Trustees additionally reviewed proposed revisions to the district’s gift policy covering gift acceptance, donor recognition and naming opportunities. Final consideration is expected in October.
The IECC Board will next meet October 20 at 6:15 p.m. at Olney Central College.