SIC Board Learns of Rapid Response Assistance and Plans for New Carmi Welding Lab
The Southeastern Illinois College Board of Trustees met Tuesday, May 26 at 6 p.m. in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room. They learned of plans to help displaced coal miners receive training for new career placement and examined recommendations of architectural firms for a project at the Carmi campus, among other business.
SIC is working with the local Workforce Investment Board and regional officials on a rapid response assistance program for recent layoffs at a local coal mine.
“We are committed to serving area coal miners for retraining opportunities by partnering with our local WIB and employment agencies to provide services needed,” said SIC dean of career and technical education, Dr. Karen Weiss.
The board heard that SIC is monitoring a bill that could set requirements on contracting services and minority representation, along with legislation on next year’s budget.
Regarding next year’s budget, David Wright, dean of administration and business affairs showed concern about state funding, “The final Illinois budget for FY 2016 remains unclear and we are budgeting now for expected State funds that may not be included in the State’s final budget. Current budget projections are very tight for next year, and additional cuts from the State would be detrimental to our plans for a balanced FY 2016 budget.”
Dr. Weiss along with SIC dean of academic services, Gina Sirach, gave a general overview of the student outcome assessment process and shared sample outcomes with the board. This effective program demonstrates though verifiable measures the result of successful learning.
“Our assessment program has been very successful for a number of years as evidenced by our regional accrediting agency and other governing bodies,” said Sirach.
Additionally, multiple action items were passed, including insurance renewal, prevailing wage resolution, and architect approval for the new welding lab at SIC’s extension site in Carmi, the David L. Stanley White County Center.
SIC and the Capital Development Board worked together to interview four firms to be the architect for the Carmi center’s welding lab. The board ultimately recommended the Baysinger Design Group of Marion. This project is 75 percent State funded through the Illinois Capital Development Board from plans submitted nearly 20 years ago. The funds for the vocational building were released by the Governor’s office of Budget and Management last fall. The board’s recommendation will go to the State for final approval.
In personnel items, the board approved the retirements of Gary McGowan, custodian, effective March 31, 2016; Pam Kingston, accounts payable clerk, effective December 31, 2015; Yolanda Betz, textbook buyer/bookstore clerk, effective July 31, 2015; and Nancy Reach, Coordinator of the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study, effective December 31, 2015. The board accepted the resignations of Kelly Alongi, Title III activity coordinator/curriculum developer, effective May 21, 2015; Mark Stucker, part-time custodial/grounds, effective April 2, 2015; Madison Burklow, financial aid specialist, effective May 28, 2015; Danielle Kizziar, admissions specialist, effective late June; and Jordan Lynch, ABE/GED secretary and data entry clerk, effective May 21, 2015. The board also approved the employment of Cory Garmane as the Southeastern Illinois College Education Association full-time music instructor effective fall 2015 semester, Greg Dunning as the part-time custodian/groundskeeper effective May 27, 2015; Jeff Miller as the registration specialist effective May 27, 2015; and Bre Scroggins as the admissions specialist effective May 27, 2015. The board approved a tentative agreement with United Mine Workers of America Collective Bargaining Unit, and approved an adjunct instructor.
The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, July 7 at 6 p.m. in the Rodney J. Brenner Boardroom on the Harrisburg Campus.
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