Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees approves FY25 budget; appoints new vice president of administrative services

Centralia, Ill. - On September 23, 2024, the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees convened at the Kaskaskia College Salem Education Center for its monthly meeting. Attendees included Board Members Bill Hawley (Odin), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Jim Beasley (Centralia), Craig Finke (Nashville), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), and Student Trustee Connor Wademan. Linda Stover (Centralia) was unable to attend.

During the meeting, the board unanimously approved the fiscal year 2025 budget, with an estimated financial impact of $55,827,000. In her presentation during the budget hearing, Interim Vice President of Administrative Services Sara Hanks reassured the board that the college remains fiscally sound and is committed to responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. The college boasts a nine-month operating reserve and anticipates similar financial stability by the end of FY 2025.

The board also approved several resolutions, including:

• Automotive Technology Program Enhancements: A fully funded grant for the purchase of workbenches and shelving units from Southwest Solutions Group of Lewisville, TX, totaling $82,329.90.
• Parking Lot Repairs: A combined bid of $293,000 from Rooters Asphalt of Beckemeyer, IL, for essential repairs to the John D. Cavaletto Agricultural Center parking lot and a section of the East Parking Lot.
• Elevator Repairs: Emergency repairs to the elevator in the John D. Cavaletto Agricultural Center, awarded to KONE, Inc. of St. Louis, MO, for $135,430.

In personnel matters, the Trustees approved the appointment of Sara Hanks as Vice President of Administrative Services, officially removing her interim title. Hanks has served in this capacity since the retirement of Judy Hemker in April. The board also welcomed Jeff Thomas as the new Director of Purchasing, who will replace Craig Roper upon his retirement in early 2025.