Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees swears in new Student Trustee and formalizes faculty agreement

CENTRALIA, IL-The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lifelong Learning Center on the College's main campus. The meeting was rescheduled to Thursday due to severe weather earlier in the week. Trustees present included Chairman John W. Bill Hawley (Odin), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Linda Stover (Centralia), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), and Craig Finke (Nashville). Trustee Jim Beasley (Centralia) was absent.

The Board recognized a transition in student leadership, swearing in Andolini Gray as the new Student Trustee for the 20262027 academic year. Gray, a criminal justice major, is a graduate of Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School and resides in Centralia. Trustees also recognized outgoing Student Trustee Meagan Mahlandt for her hard work and dedication during her term of service.

Additionally, a proclamation was signed in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week from April 26 to May 2^nd, in recognizing the value of registered apprenticeships as an effective earn-and-learn model for students, workers, and employers, plus supporting the partnership between industry and workforce development.

Trustees received and approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Statement Audit for the year ending June 30, 2025, presented by CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA). The audit resulted in the highest level of assurance, reflecting strong financial stewardship and institutional accountability. Chris Susa from CLA stated that there were a few minor deficiencies in the audit, but overall, the audit was very clean.

"The Fiscal Year 2025 audit reflects the College's continued commitment to accountability, responsible financial stewardship, and the hard work of our faculty and staff," said Sara Hanks, KC Vice President of Administrative Services. "The College has reviewed the identified items and has taken steps to strengthen processes and support future operations."

The Board also approved the Kaskaskia College Federation of Teachers Collective Bargaining Agreement. Faculty President Nathan Wilkins signed on behalf of the faculty, formalizing the agreement. During public comment, KC Associate Professor of Philosophy Scott Crothers spoke regarding faculty negotiations and the collective bargaining process, noting appreciation for the College's efforts to respect all parties involved and expressing pride in being part of the Kaskaskia College team.

The College's commitment to the arts was further strengthened through the acceptance of a generous gift from artist Piety Choi, consisting of 18 original works to be added to the Kaskaskia College Art Gallery Collection.

Personnel actions included the reappointment of 259 professional, managerial, and executive staff, along with faculty promotions for Suzanne Arndt and Alexis Myers from Assistant Professor to Professor.

The Board also approved several personnel changes, including the retirement of Mimi Polcynski, effective July 30, and the following appointments:

• Brennan Stover, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
• Emeline Rincker, Assistant Professor of Mathematics
• Joshua Paddock, Director of TRIO
• Sarah Correll, Blake Hendricks, and Levi Kinkead, Building and Grounds Technicians

Additionally, the Board voted to maintain the College's current leadership structure, reaffirming its commitment to continuity in administrative operations and strategic direction.