Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget

CENTRALIA, IL The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, September 2026, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at the KC Greenville Education Center. Trustees present included Chairman John W. Bill Hawley (Odin), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Linda Stover (Centralia), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), Craig Finke (Nashville), and Andolini Gray (Student Trustee). Trustees Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc) and Jim Beasley (Centralia) were absent.

The board unanimously approved the institution's fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, totaling $61.1 million in revenue and $60.9 million in expenditures, resulting in a projected net excess of revenues over expenditures of $183,375. The College's primary operating funds are budgeted for a $136,868 surplus. KC also continues to maintain strong reserves, with approximately eight months of operating reserves projected through the end of FY 2027.

"This budget reflects a conservative approach while maintaining Kaskaskia College's strong financial position. We continue to carefully monitor enrollment and expenditures, identify opportunities for cost savings, and pursue grant funding that helps maximize our resources," said KC CFO and Vice President of Administrative Services Sara Hanks. "Our goal is to remain good stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring the College has the resources needed to support our students, employees, and communities."

Trustees approved a one-year extension of the College's Axiom Budgeting & Forecasting Software agreement with Strata Decision Technology for $43,564 for Fiscal Year 2027. The College has used Axiom for the past five years to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of its budget development process. The extension will ensure continuity through the Fiscal Year 2028 budget cycle while College administration evaluates budgeting capabilities within its existing Ellucian Colleague system as a potential long-term alternative that could eliminate the cost of a separate budgeting software subscription.

Also approved was the FY2027 Marketing and Strategic Communications Agreement with BAM Marketing Agency of St. Louis in an amount not to exceed $335,000. The agreement continues the College's partnership with BAM to support student recruitment, enrollment, workforce development, community engagement, and institutional branding through a comprehensive mix of digital, broadcast, print, outdoor, and other advertising, along with public relations, creative development, photography, and video production. During FY2026, BAM-supported marketing initiatives generated approximately 570,000 website visits and more than 56,000 conversions.

In other action, the Board approved the purchase of a new bus from Southern Bus & Mobility of Breese for a net purchase price of $135,455 after trade-in. The 2027 Turtle Top Terra Transit bus will replace the College's current 2005 bus, which has approximately 185,000 miles, and will provide transportation for student-athletes and student groups. A College committee previously evaluated purchasing, leasing, and outsourcing transportation and determined that bus ownership provides the lowest total cost of ownership and greatest long-term financial benefit. The new vehicle will also provide improved reliability, reduced maintenance costs, enhanced student safety, and local warranty and service support.

Trustees also formally accepted a donation of technical equipment from Extron to enhance remote and teleconferencing capabilities in the Wedekemper Board Room. The donated equipment, valued at more than $5,000, will improve the room's audio and video connectivity and support more reliable hybrid meetings for the Board of Trustees and other College business. The Board expressed its appreciation to Extron for its contribution and support of the College's technology infrastructure.

Additionally, the Board authorized the purchase of laptops and tablets for the College's Adult Education Program in an amount not to exceed $45,773.82, funded entirely through the Adult Education Digital Instruction Grant. The laptops will provide students with greater access to online curriculum, digital learning activities, and college and career readiness resources, while the tablets will support remote and flexible student assessment and testing. The technology will help expand access for Adult Education students who may face transportation, scheduling, or technology barriers and further support the College's delivery of technology-based instruction and services.

In personnel matters, trustees accepted the retirement notices of Dean of Arts and Sciences Kellie Henegar, effective June 30, 2027, and Systems Manager Mike Stone, effective November 30, 2026. The Board also accepted the resignations of Human Resources Business Partner Jyron Oliver and Assistant Professor of Carpentry Occupations Caleb Willman, with Willman's resignation effective December 14, 2026. Robin Sanders was hired as Accounting Assistant.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, October 26, 2026, at the College's main campus.