The Board of Trustees of Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson.
A public hearing was held regarding the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Following the hearing and having received no comments, the board approved the FY2027 budget as presented. The board also authorized the chancellor to file the budget with the Illinois Community College Board in accordance with applicable requirements.
The board approved the minutes of its regular meeting held August 18, 2026.
The 2026 Annual Security Report was accepted as presented. The report includes campus crime statistics for 2023 through 2025 and new hazing reporting requirements under the Stop Campus Hazing Act.
The board received the 2026 Violence Prevention Plan, which outlines IECC’s framework for identifying, assessing and responding to potential threats and concerning behavior. The annual update reflects current institutional contacts and membership on the Threat Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Team.
The board also received the 2026 Crisis Management Plans for all four IECC campuses. The annually reviewed plans outline emergency response, communication, coordination, recovery and continuity procedures to support institutional safety and preparedness.
The board approved a resolution recognizing the distinguished service of Dr. Ryan K. Gower and conferring upon him the honorary title of Chancellor Emeritus of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.
Proposed revisions to Policy 100.38, the General Gift Policy, were received for first reading. The revisions establish an updated framework for gift acceptance, donor recognition and naming opportunities. Final consideration is expected at the board’s regular meeting in October.
The board accepted a $39,000 bid from Entec Services, Inc. of Mattoon for the Terry L. Bruce West Richland Center HVAC Unit Replacement project. The administration was authorized to execute the necessary contract documents.
Personnel actions included the employment of Chris Forrest as Frontier Community College head men’s basketball coach and Mac Alexander as manager of technology infrastructure. Both appointments are effective September 21, 2026.
Andy Hill was approved for a change in status from Frontier Community College bookstore manager to district campus store manager, also effective September 21.
Additional personnel actions included recognition of non-college employment for Carrie Brown, approval of the annual bonus for Mining and Industrial Technology instructors and ratification of Juliet Graham’s resignation as Wabash Valley College student services specialist, effective August 21, 2026.
The next regular meeting of the IECC Board of Trustees will be held Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at Olney Central College in Olney.