Board Notes – January 2026

Following is a summary of topics addressed at KCC's Board of Trustees meeting, Jan. 20, 2026.

Action Items. The Board approved the following:

• Board of Trustees policy revisions
  
• Travel rates for 2026
• Architectural services for athletic locker rooms
  
• East-end elevator replacement
  
• Request to purchase computers and bid lighting for the North patio
  
• Transfer of working cash funds for capital projects
  
• Grant awards
• Tuition and Course reimbursement
  

• Kudos to Dr. Lesley Cooper and Beth Nunley. Both were accepted as Higher Learning Commission Peer Reviewers. This is a selective-entry program, and they will be trained to evaluate colleges and universities to help them continuously improve.  
  
• KCC is prepared to help students utilize Workforce Pell. New legislation expands Pell Grants to offer financial aid for short-term training options, making career paths more affordable for low-income students.
  
• Mike Yaquis, an employee with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will have an office at KCC's Riverfront Campus to strengthen collaboration with KCC, support regional economic and workforce development efforts, and provide direct access to DCEO resources for local businesses and community partners.
  
• Improvements to KCC's brick façade will be made possible with funds from the Capital Development Board (CDB) and could take place sometime this summer.
  
• Langlois Roofing is on site repairing the roof damaged by recent weather.
  
• Enrollment is trending up from our projected expectations. Early numbers indicate that retention numbers are also rising. We'll know the final numbers as Census Day concludes on Jan. 26.

Trustee's Report. Eric Peterson said…

• The ICCTA worked with Lightcast to produce an economic impact study for community colleges. KCC administrators are in the process of finalizing the data and analysis with Lightcast. Results are expected to be shared after they are reviewed.
  
• A new law requires trustees to take an oath of office prior to being seated. KCC already has this practice in place.
• Next meeting for ICCTA is in March.