Kaskaskia College Board Advances Community Partnerships and Approves Tax Levy Hearing

Centralia, IL - The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Kaskaskia College. Trustees present included Bill Hawley (Odin), Linda Stover (Centralia), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Craig Finke (Nashville), and Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle). Trustees Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), Jim Beasley (Centralia), and Meagan Mahlandt (Student Trustee) were absent.

During the meeting, trustees approved implementing admission charges for all theatre productions beginning in Spring 2026. Ticket proceeds will be used exclusively to support production expenses, ensuring continued investment in set design, costuming, and performance quality. The approved pricing is $12 for adults (18+), $10 for seniors, and $5 for children (17 and under). Admission will remain free for all KC students with a valid student ID and for students enrolled in theatre production coursework. Each production season will include one "Pay-What-You-Can" performance to encourage broad community engagement. This change aligns KC with regional community colleges and high schools that assess modest admission fees, strengthening the educational experience for theatre students while sustaining high-quality productions for the community.

Trustees also approved a resolution of intent to adopt an aggregate tax levy of 105% of the amount levied in 2024. A truth-in-taxation hearing regarding the levy request will be held before the November board meeting on November 24, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The board additionally approved levying the equity tax, which increases the College's taxing authority for operating funds (education and operations/maintenance), so districts with lower equalized assessed values can work toward funding levels comparable to those of wealthier districts.

The board approved an update to the lease agreement with the Greater Fayette County YMCA for the addition of 10 acres to the 99-year lease with the Vandalia Education Center for a new park development. This partnership reaffirms the College's long-standing collaboration with the YMCA to enhance educational and community opportunities in the region. Ben Frazier, CEO of the Greater Fayette County YMCA, shared his appreciation for the partnership, stating, "We appreciate the partnership and take community development seriously. We love that the College works hand in hand with us as Vandalia continues to progress. It shows the strength of our shared resources when we come together."

Trustees also passed a resolution in support of a twelve-year extension for the City of Centralia's Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District #3. The extension will allow the city to continue reinvesting in infrastructure, business development, and property improvements within the districts, supporting local growth and strengthening the community's long-term economic health.

The board also approved the Protection, Health, and Safety projects for FY27, which include the gymnasium addition project, and authorized the future purchase of a used skid steer with attachments for campus maintenance and improvement projects.

In other action, the board approved the purchase of a Greenlee 881 Hydraulic Bender for the Residential and Commercial Electricity program at the Trenton Education Center. The new equipment will allow students to train on the same tools used in the industry. The hydraulic bender will be purchased from Echo Electric of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, for $23,150 and will be fully funded through the Trade School Grant Program.

Trustees approved the discontinuation of the Greenville Federal Correctional Institution's Industrial and Mechatronics program, effective December 31, 2025, due to the elimination of federal funding. The change will result in the reduction of one full-time Industrial Technology Instructor position.

The board recognized an in-kind donation from Freight Car Locomotive Experts (FCLE), consisting of various metal pipe and fittings to be used as instructional supplies in the KC Welding Department, valued at $7,000.

Additionally, the board approved both the Fall 2027 and Spring 2028 academic calendars, as well as the 2026 Board of Trustees meeting calendar.

In personnel matters, trustees accepted the retirement notice of Staff Accountant II Misti Pawlisa, effective December 31, 2025.