The Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees discussed potential capital improvements, rising employee insurance costs, and athletic program funding during its regular meeting Tuesday night at Olney Central College.
Chancellor Taylor introduced a new enrollment dashboard designed to help the district monitor enrollment trends and institutional performance. He also provided an update on recent campus listening sessions and efforts to use employee feedback to make improvements throughout the district.
One of the major items discussed was a proposed capital financing plan totaling up to $9.25 million for HVAC replacements, athletic facility improvements, and other projects across the district.
College officials are evaluating financing options designed to minimize the impact on property taxes. No bonds or specific construction projects were approved during the meeting. Trustees are expected to revisit the proposal in November, with a possible bond issuance in early 2027.
The board also reviewed its annual intercollegiate athletics report, which showed that IECC served 450 student-athletes during fiscal year 2026 and provided approximately $2.37 million in athletic scholarships.
Meanwhile, employee health insurance premiums are expected to increase 15 percent in 2027, while dental insurance rates will rise 11.8 percent. The district will maintain its current insurance carriers and continue fully funding employee-only coverage under its designated high-deductible health plan. The additional annual cost to the district is estimated at more than $226,000.
In other business, trustees approved the purchase of two computer servers from Dell Technologies at a cost not to exceed approximately $57,000. The new equipment is expected to improve system reliability while reducing long-term software expenses.
Several personnel actions were also approved, including the appointment of Jared Price as Program Director of Academic Advising, effective October 26th. Price previously served as an Academic Advisor at Wabash Valley College.
The board also named Libby McVicker as Dean of Students, approved the hiring of Erica Sanchez as a custodian at Lincoln Trail College, and made Heather Watts’ administrative assistant position at Lincoln Trail College permanent by removing the interim designation.
Trustees approved affiliation agreements with Acorn Estates and Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation, revised policies concerning board meetings and charitable gifts, and authorized a search for legal counsel services.
The board also voted to move the starting time of its December 8th meeting at Frontier Community College to 5 p.m., with a special board retreat scheduled earlier that day.
The next regular meeting of the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 6:15 p.m. at Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel.