Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees reviews budget proposal; approvals renewals for software agreements

The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees convened for its monthly meeting on Monday, August 25, 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).

According to a recent report from Vice President of Administrative Services Sara Hanks to the KC Board of Trustees, the college remains fiscally sound and continues to be a good steward of taxpayers' money. Hanks presented the proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2026 for consideration by the board on Monday night.

For the fiscal year 2025, which ended June 30, 2025, we anticipate an excess of operating revenue over expenditures of approximately $1.1 million, stated Hanks. Hanks explained that the college's conservative budgeting and improvements in several areas led to improved operating results.

Looking forward to fiscal year 2026, KC is confidently staying true to its conservative approach to budgeting, explained Hanks. While we expect to earn $33,720,170 in revenue, and expenses are set to reach $34,777,312 in the next budget year, our current operating performance from prior years provides ample reserves to address any potential inadequacy, and the budget deficit does not materialize. The colleges' operating fund reserves remain strong with over 8 months of operating reserves as of July 1, 2025.

Hanks stated that the college's budget officers continue to be fiscally responsible and prioritize requests that align with KC's core mission and strategic plans. Our approach will ensure that we maintain our strong financial standing and continue to provide our students the best possible education and resources, said Hanks.

The tentative fiscal year 2026 budget (effective July 1, 2025, thru June 30, 2026) will be on display for public review Monday-Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in the office of the Vice President of Administrative Services, Administration Building, 27210 College Road, Centralia, IL 62801, through September 19, 2025.

The budget will also be available on the Kaskaskia College website: https://www.kaskaskia.edu/about-kc/consumer-information/. A public budget hearing will be held as to the tentative budget of Kaskaskia College, Community College District No. 501 for Fiscal Year 2023- 2024 on September 22, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. before the regular board meeting at the Kaskaskia College Crisp Manufacturing and Trades Center, 2005 E. McCord Street. Centralia, IL.

The Board approved the following renewals and purchases:

• A one-year renewal agreement for Canvas, the college's online learning management system for courses and instructor/student community, for $86,795 from Instructure, Inc. of Salt Lake City, UT.
• A one-year renewal agreement of Microsoft Campus, which allows the college to install and use Microsoft software on all campus hardware for $29,138 from CDWG of Chicago, IL.
• A one-year renewal agreement for maintenance fees for Perceptive Content, a paperless workflow and document storage system from Hyland Software, Inc. of Westlake, OH, for $58,944.
• Purchase of electrical learning systems as instructional equipment from Moss Enterprises of Johnston, IA, for $37,740 to be used in the Manufacturing Technology program. This equipment cost will be fully funded by the Title III grant.

An in-kind donation of brake press tooling for a hydraulic brake press was accepted by Velocity Metalworks of Hoffman, Illinois, at the approximate value of $12,000. The donation will directly support students in the Fitter Fabricator Certificate program by allowing students to train on industry-relevant equipment.

Trustees also approved the closure of the Culinary Arts program following the resignation of Chef Robert Rhymes in July. Regional workforce and enrollment data did not support continuation of the degree program; however, a teach-out plan will be implemented to ensure second-year students can complete their studies under the instruction of adjunct faculty.

In personnel items, Allison Bauza was promoted to Regional Support Specialist.