Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees accepts Precision Agriculture equipment donation from Bayer Crop Science

The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees convened for its monthly meeting on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Kaskaskia College main campus. Trustees in attendance included Bill Hawley (Odin), Linda Stover (Centralia), Jim Beasley (Centralia), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), Craig Finke (Nashville), Louis Kalert (Centralia), and Megan Mahlandt (Student Trustee).

The trustees approved the recommendation to accept a donation of Precision Agriculture equipment from Bayer Crop Science. Valued at approximately $10,000, the equipment simulates modern planter, seeder, and sprayer systems, providing students with hands-on opportunities to run simulations, troubleshoot, and enhance their learning experience. Lucas Buchmiller from Bayer was present to represent the company and formally present the donation. The College is deeply grateful to Bayer for its generous support of agricultural education and student success. Beginning this fall, the first semester of the new Precision Agriculture Certificate program will be offered, designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving field of ag technology and data-driven farming practices.

The Board of Trustees approved Kaskaskia College President George Evans to proceed with securing the lobbying services of Madiar Government Relations for Fiscal Year 2026, at a cost not to exceed $60,000. For the past four years, the College has partnered with Madiar Government Relations to support efforts in obtaining state and federal capital funding for deferred maintenance and campus modernization projects. Since engaging lobbying services and expanding KC's visibility with local and state government officials, the College has successfully secured more than $9 million for critical infrastructure improvements.

The Board also approved moving forward with the submission of Kaskaskia College's Fiscal Year 2027 Community College Capital Resource Allocation Management Program (RAMP) application, which includes three identified projects: the HVAC Systems and Controls Upgrade, Elevator Replacement, and Comprehensive Roofing Renewal Initiative.

The Board of Trustees approved the renewal of BlueCross BlueShield insurance coverage, which includes health, dental, and vision, with a 15.3% rate increase effective September 1, 2025. Approximately 20% of the premium cost will continue to be covered through employee payroll contributions.

The following purchases were approved:

• A new gymnasium floor cover from Facility Armor, through Missouri Floor Company of Maryland Heights, MO, for $30,115.
• 70 new computer lab desktop stations from Data Center Warehouse of Laguna Hills, CA, for $48,871.

In personnel items, Laura Huge was approved for hire as the College's new Controller.

The Board also accepted the following resignations: Reece Rutland, Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) Coordinator, effective July 31; Jenna Astroth, Evening Coordinator at the Trenton Education Center, effective July 25; and Robert Rhymes, Assistant Professor of Culinary Arts, effective July 24.