Black Budget Projected for 2017-18 at SIC

The Southeastern Illinois College Board of Trustees reviewed a tentative fiscal year 2018 budget that demonstrates another black budget despite challenging times during last week’s monthly meeting.

“The board has maintained a frugal approach to budgeting that has kept us in better shape than many,” said SIC President Dr. Jonah Rice.

“We appreciate the way the entire institution has responded to the new normal in Illinois and served students above and beyond,” added SIC Board Chair Dr. Pat York.

The budget has a built-in surplus of around $94,805 according to Chief Financial Officer David Wright.  That is a small cushion for unexpected expenses during the year.  The board will approve the formal budget at the next meeting.

In reports, the board heard about successful enrollment initiatives, including the new veterinary assistant program at the David L. Stanley Center in Carmi.  The program is built on a partnership with Rend Lake College, whereby RLC students either come to Carmi or take classes through two-way interactive video.  The program is full for this semester and has a wait list. 

“This is a cost effective, responsible program without additional administrative overhead.  I am so proud of our joint team that put all this together, and the cooperative spirit,” said Rice.

Indoor archery and other programs for growth were discussed.

Allie Armstrong was announced as the new head archery coach in addition to other duties in advancement work and outdoor recreation courses.  Former head coach Archie Blair will also continue to coach the archery team along with Darrin Deneal and Roger Snodgrass.

During the administrative updates section, the board heard an extensive report on facilities rental regarding for-profit organizations.  Executive Dean Chad Flannery said he and his team have compiled a list of other community college facilities policies and charges, which led SIC to revise its policy a few months ago.

“Not-for-profits are very different than for-profits in policies, and the college works closely with its insurer on those issues, said Flannery.  “Liability protection, security in this day and age, custodial, maintenance after use, all those things add up.”

A local dance studio business owner, Melonie Motsinger, also spoke to the board regarding reconsideration of rental space pricing for the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center (VPAC), and provided a packet of comparable pricings and other information related to rental space.

SIC staff investigated pricing at Rend Lake College and the Marion Civic Center, being considered the only true comparisons to the college’s VPAC.  Research deduced that even with the revised pricing, SIC’s theatre auditorium space will likely remain the least expensive true theatre space with support staff in the region.

Dean Flannery said he will work with the dance studio on multiple possibilities, including other less expensive rental space options.

In other news, the board approved a master agreement with the SIC Foundation to manage the new endowment for use with the Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art.

The board also approved minor revisions to the current year calendar as well as two addendums to the facilities plan.  Minor updates on policies pertaining to sexual discrimination and exempt vacation days were also passed.

In personnel, the board approved the resignation of nursing instructor, Melisa Berendson and the employment of full time nursing instructor, Sylvia Moore, as well as a number of adjunct faculty. 

The next meeting of the board will be Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room at SIC.

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