Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for Dec. 8, 2025

Lake Land College Board of Trustees Meeting | Dec. 8, 2025

The Lake Land College Board of Trustees met on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, in Mattoon to finalize business for the calendar year. In addition to approving a significant $6 million technology migration and the 2025 tax levy, the board handled various personnel matters and heard updates on college finances.

Surplus Items Declared: The board authorized the disposal of several surplus items deemed obsolete or unusable. This includes a 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid (VIN ending in 65532) used by the Department of Corrections Dean, which requires extensive repairs. Other items include various laptops with harvested parts and furniture from the Effingham Technology Center that cannot be reused during the remodel.

Circa Compliance Renewal: Trustees approved a three-year renewal of the Circa Compliance Suite for $25,635.68. The service helps the college meet Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations regarding job postings and diversity outreach, which is a requirement for receiving federal grants like the Perkins Grant.

FOIA Policy Update: The board approved revisions to Board Policy 02.16 regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The update removes specific procedural details that change frequently with the law and instead references compliance with the Act and the appointment of trained FOIA officers.

Navigator News Awards: Vice President for Student Services Heather Nohren recognized the staff of the student newspaper, The Navigator News, for awards won at the Illinois Community College Journalism Association conference. Student Trustee Jay Bliler also praised the publication during his report, noting the staff’s dedication to journalism.

President’s Report: Dr. Jonathan Bullock reported that the college received $1.14 million from the Illinois Department of Corrections in November, though $1.56 million remains outstanding. The college also received $3.6 million in property tax payments in November. Bullock congratulated the Academic Services Unit for receiving Higher Learning Commission approval for the college’s first competency-based education programs in Automation.