from Chad Copple, Director of Marketing and Public Relations – Rend Lake College

Three nursing instructors appointed

Three full-time, tenure-track nursing instructors were appointed Tuesday. They are:

Sylvia Moore, effective Aug. 13, 2017. Moore holds an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Shawnee Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Murray State University and a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Indiana. She most recently was a Practical Nursing Instructor for Southeastern Illinois College.

Juliana Pickford, effective July 1, 2017. She holds an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Pearl River Community College, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Kaplan University and a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Liberty University. She most recently served as Certified Nurse Assistant Instructor for Mt. Vernon Township High School and also has served as a dual credit CNA instructor for Rend Lake College.

Susan Wiley, effective July 19, 2017. She holds an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing from Rend Lake College and both Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Nursing degrees from McKendree University. She also is pursuing a doctorate in nursing practice and ethical leadership from McKendree. She has been with Herrin Hospital since 1992, most recently as perioperative services supervisor.

2010 alternate revenue source bonds cancelled, forgiven

The board voted to approve, concur and ratify the cancellation and forgiveness of the Series 2010 alternate revenue source bonds which were purchased by and owed to the college’s insurance reserve fund. In September 2010, the college issued a series of alternate revenue source bonds for approximately $3.5 million. At the same time, the college liquidated investments which were held as part of the insurance reserve fund. The cash from the liquidation was used to purchase the alternate revenue source bonds, and proceeds from the bond sale were receipted as unrestricted monies which could be used to meet general operating needs.

Because there have been no payments associated with the bonds, no taxes have been levied on them. As the official bond holder, the college would in essence be paying itself for the obligations associated with the sale. The bonds did not increase the long-term debt of the college. This brought about Tuesday’s cancellation and forgiveness.

Student Records’ Ellis moving on

The board accepted with regret the resignation of Tyson Ellis, Records Specialist, effective June 30. “Thank you for the opportunity to work at Rend Lake College,” Ellis wrote in his resignation letter. “This is the best place I’ve ever worked, as much like a family as a place to work.”

PHS project proposal approved

The board approved the proposal from Premium Mechanical and Automation of Jackson, Mo., of $32,645 for the HVAC replacement in the Advanced Technology Center. The project will be accomplished with excess Protection, Health and Safety levy funds.

RAMP document approved

Approved the Resource Allocation Management Plan for transmittal to the Illinois Community College Board. The college is required to submit the RAMP document each year. This is a type of “wish list” submitted by higher education institutions throughout the state, with the various lists then combined at the state level and prioritized for possible funding. Projects on RLC’s RAMP list include a new Allied Health building, a Student Center addition and an Applied Science Center addition.

In other business, the board …

Ratified payment of college expenses, including travel reimbursements, as presented.

Approved creation of a new stipend position and job description for Excel Dashboard Developer. The stipend will be in the amount of $2,500 and will be for one year only.

Approved the 2017-2018 Student Handbook and the 2017-2018 Nursing Program Handbook.

Approved sections 2 and 3 (second reading) and section 4 (first reading) of the revised RLC Policy Manual.

Approved an engagement letter for the providing of both audit services and tax return preparation for Fiscal Year 2017.

Approved revisions to board procedure regarding stipends.

Approved a revision to the amount of coverage needed and the principal party insured under a surety bond for Rend Lake College as required by state statute. The state requires that the college execute and obtain a surety bond from a recognized agent for the treasurer of the district. Upon review of current cash balances, investments held and bonds outstanding, it has been determined that the college needs a surety bond in an amount no less than $16,828,300 to meet the legal requirement for protection of the district’s counties and the state.

Approved an action transferring up to $3.4 million from the Working Cash fund to the Education fund. This was due to the timing of receipts of funds from the state for various grant payments which may be delayed during future periods. The amount will be transferred back to the Working Cash fund when the money comes in from the state. Additionally, the board approved the transfer of $2,481,000 from the Education fund to the Working Cash fund to repay earlier transfers made in anticipation of revenues to be received by the college. The college is legally required to repay this transfer between funds within one year.

Approved the prevailing rate of hourly wages resolution.

Heard a report on the college’s reaffirmation of accreditation activities. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is due for an evaluation by the HLC in September 2018.

Mark your calendars …

Annual GED Recognition, 2 p.m. Thursday, June 8, RLC Theatre.

Summer Discovery Camp, Tuesday & Wednesday, June 20-21. Day one is spent on campus, day two is spent in area hospitals.

RLC eSports Open, June 24, Waugh Gymnasium.