Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees receives private donation for Vandalia Campus; signs resolution to recognize National Apprenticeship Week

The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees held its monthly meeting on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Kaskaskia College. Attendees included Bill Hawley (Odin), Linda Stover (Centralia), Laura Wedekemper (Shattuc), Louis Kalert (Centralia), Jim Beasley (Centralia), Craig Finke (Nashville), Bryan Holthaus (Carlyle), and Connor Wademan (Student Trustee).

Vandalia Mayor Ricky Gottman was present to deliver a $50,000 check from an anonymous donor to Kaskaskia College. This generous donation will enhance the Vandalia Education Center by supporting the expansion of the Paramedicine program to the Vandalia Campus, ensuring its continued growth and success while benefiting the entire district.

Mayor Gottman said Travis and Cynthia Field are great instructors and fantastic paramedic professionals. The City of Vandalia is grateful to them, the anonymous donor, and the college for coming together to bring this healthcare program to our area and work with local healthcare providers to provide an educated workforce.

We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation, which comes at a crucial time for our growing program, said Cynthia Field, Kaskaskia College's Paramedicine Coordinator. Over the past year, we've seen our enrollment double. This support will allow us to expand into a larger facility and strengthen partnerships with community service providers who need emergency personnel. Local firefighters and EMS teams are especially excited to have this program based in Vandalia, with half of our current class coming from local EMS companies. Once they graduate, they'll be serving right here in the Vandalia community. Given the high demand for paramedics, anyone who completes the program will have job opportunities waiting for them.

The board unanimously passed and signed a resolution recognizing National Apprenticeship Week, which will take place from November 17 to November 23, 2024. This week highlights the value of registered apprenticeship programs, an effective "earn and learn" model that benefits students, workers, and employers while fostering collaboration between industry, workforce development, and career and technical education. Joy Fitts, KC's Dean of Workforce Engagement, noted the strong growth of the college's registered apprenticeship programs over the last three years, with 11 apprentices currently enrolled in various programs this semester. KC will host an apprenticeship forum on November 20 for any interested businesses thinking about starting an apprenticeship.

The board also approved the resolution to levy the equity tax. The purpose of the equity tax is to increase the colleges' taxing authority for operating funds (education and operations/maintenance) so districts with lower EAVs can attempt to be funded at a level comparable to wealthier districts, wealthy in terms of local property tax revenue. The Illinois Community College system was only funded at 80% of the calculated equalization for fiscal year 2025. The fiscal impact of the equity tax for a taxpayer for a home valued at $100,000 amounts to $12.39, which is a $1.30 increase from last year. Additionally, the board approved the Protection, Health, and Safety Project for fiscal year 2026, which will finish renovations to the existing fitness center in conjunction with the new gymnasium project, expected to be finished in December 2025.

The trustees unanimously approved a resolution to rename the Kaskaskia College Art Studio to the Violet Hollenberg Art Studio in recognition of Violet Hollenbergs remarkable contributions and trailblazing career. Hollenberg dedicated 33 years as a civil servant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farmers Home Administration and the U.S. Civil Service Commission while also being a passionate advocate for the arts. Her love for the arts was passed on to her son, Larry Hollenberg, who continues to honor her legacy. Violet Hollenberg, who passed in 2022, left a lasting impact on both the community and the college. The renaming honors her legacy of service, creativity, and passion, as well as her family's ongoing support of Kaskaskia College.

Two new student club charters were approved: Chem the Science Club and an Esports Club. In personnel matters, the board accepted the resignation of Mandy Wollin, CNA Program Coordinator, and the retirement notice of Jay Garrett, professor of Psychology, effective May 31, 2025. Amanda Krydynski was hired into the CNA Program Facilitator position.