Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees Maintains Tuition Rates and Recognizes CTE Month

Centralia, IL - The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the College's Main Campus. Trustees present included Bill Hawley (Odin), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Linda Stover (Centralia), Craig Finke (Nashville), Jim Beasley (Centralia), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), and Meagan Mahlandt (Student Trustee).

The Board recognized February 2026 as National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, reaffirming the College's commitment to workforce development and its role in preparing a qualified workforce to support a strong district economy.

Trustees approved maintaining current tuition and fee rates for the 20262027 academic year. In-district tuition will remain $140.00 per credit hour with mandatory fees of $26.00 per credit hour, for a total of $166.00 per credit hour. Out-of-district tuition will remain $239.00 per credit hour with $26.00 in mandatory fees, for a total of $265.00 per credit hour. Out-of-state and international tuition will remain $399.00 per credit hour with $26.00 in mandatory fees, for a total of $425.00 per credit hour. Online tuition for out-of-district, out-of-state, and international students will be $150.00 per credit hour with $26.00 in mandatory fees, for a total of $176.00 per credit hour. By holding tuition steady, Kaskaskia College continues its commitment to affordability and access for students across District 501.

The Board authorized the purchase of a used cargo van for Campus Operations at a cost not to exceed $40,000, with final ratification to occur at a subsequent meeting. The vehicle will replace an ageing 2000 Dodge truck that presents ongoing safety and reliability concerns.

Trustees also approved the renewal of the AwardSpring Scholarship Management Platform from AwardSpring of Chicago, IL, for a three-year contract at a total cost not to exceed $30,144.30. In addition, the Board approved renewal of ThreatDown anti-virus software from Insight Public Sector of Chandler, AZ, for a one-year term at a cost not to exceed $37,118.00.

In personnel matters, the Board authorized advertising and recruitment for an Assistant Professor of Nursing position. Following a review of nursing program operations, the addition of a full-time faculty member is expected to reduce course overload and provide additional support to current faculty.

The Board accepted the retirement of Linda Still, Administrative Assistant for Career and Technical Education, effective June 30, 2026. Trustees also accepted the resignation of Marcus Abston, Assistant Professor of Biology, effective May 18, 2026.

The Board approved replacing a 30-hour Buildings and Grounds Technician position with a 40-hour position aligned with Carpenters Union standards. Robert Meyer was approved for employment as a Buildings and Grounds Technician, pending reference and background checks. An increase in base salary for four Buildings and Grounds Technicians was also approved in accordance with union agreements.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees will be held at 6:30 p.m. on March 23, 2026, on the College's Main Campus.