Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for November 2025

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | November 2025

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees met on Monday, November 10, 2025, to address infrastructure improvements, financial planning, and personnel matters. The meeting was highlighted by the approval of a $2.5 million contract to upgrade campus entrances and a review of the proposed 2025 tax levy, which anticipates a slight increase.

The board also focused on community relations and student support, approving a temporary lease for a fire-damaged catering business that serves local non-profits and accepting significant donations and grants. Enrollment news was positive, with Trustee Denise Walk noting that the Illinois Community College system has beaten national trends with approximately 274,000 new students entering the system.

New Dean of Instruction Appointed:
Following a closed session, the board voted to appoint Mike Downton to the position of Dean of Instruction, effective January 5, 2026. This appointment was part of a broader personnel discussion that also included the approval of cyber security insurance renewal.

Technology Purchases Approved:
The board approved several technology upgrades. A purchase and service agreement was authorized with Konica Minolta for $49,166.85 to replace 17 copiers/printers across campus and Department of Corrections locations. Additionally, the board approved the purchase of “Nook Huddle Pods” from School Outfitters for $36,084.96 to support the Mental Health Early Action on Campus initiative.

Virtual Tour Contract:
Trustees retroactively approved a three-year agreement with EAB Global for a virtual tour platform. The contract, valued at $25,527 for the current renewal term (July 2025 – July 2026), allows prospective students to explore the campus online.

Welding Competition Waiver:
To encourage participation in skilled trades, the board approved a special event tuition waiver. The top senior winner of the District Welding Competition, scheduled for March 26, 2026, will receive a $500 tuition and fee waiver to attend Lake Land College.

Insurance Renewals:
The board approved the renewal of the college’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy with the Illinois Public Risk Fund for 2026 at a cost of $170,608. Following a closed session, trustees also approved a cyber liability coverage renewal with At-Bay Specialty Insurance Company for $33,261.

Medical Equipment Donation:
The board accepted a gift-in-kind donation of a medical chair from the Lake Land College Foundation. Valued at $13,927, the chair was donated by Midpoint Medical, LLC, and is intended for use by the athletic trainer and student-athletes.

Named Spaces Updated:
Updates to the “Named Spaces Planner” were approved to align with current naming opportunities. The updates set a $1,000,000 donation threshold for naming rights to major facilities such as the Northwest Building, Northeast Building, Workforce Development Center, Vo-Tech Building, and Ag Tech (John Deere) building.