By Steven Stilt
During its meeting Monday evening, the Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees approved a resolution stating the college’s intent to levy an equity tax pursuant to the Illinois Public Community College Act. The equity tax allows community college districts with lower equalized assessed valuations to be funded at a level more comparable to districts with higher local property tax revenue. While KC is permitted to levy an additional 3.79 cents per 100 dollars of assessed valuation, the college will pursue a lower rate, at 3.72 cents per 100 dollars of EAV, which according to KC President George Evans is consistent with the college’s goal of easing the burden on taxpayers.
“I will say that we think that we’re a fair bargain and that each year we try to do our best to make sure we keep taxpayers’ needs in mind, and this year is no different. We’d like to make sure that everybody understands that we are taking the fiscal responsibility as a steward of the taxpayer very serious.”
College officials say the equity tax will generate around $923,000 for KC’s operating funds.
In other action, the board approved a Protection, Health and Safety project for the Fiscal Year 2026, which consists of a gymnasium addition project. Evans clarified during the meeting that the project will pertain to tying the existing fitness center and gym into the new gymnasium, construction of which got underway last month and is expected to wrap up around December of 2025.
Trustees also approved renaming the Kaskaskia College Art Studio the “Violet Hollenberg Art Studio.” Hollenberg had a 33-year career as a civil servant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farmers’ Home Administration and the U.S. Civil Service Commission. She passed away in 2022.
Trustees approved the creation of charters for two new student clubs, the “Chem the Science Club” and the Esports Club. The board also accepted the retirement of associate professor of psychology Jay Garrett and accepted the resignation of CNA program coordinator Mandy Wollin.
Also during Monday’s meeting, college officials, along with Vandalia Mayor Ricky Gottman and paramedicine instructors Travis Field and Cynthia Field, held a check donation ceremony. An anonymous donor has made a $50,000 contribution to assist the paramedicine program, which is held at the Vandalia Education Center. Gottman acknowledged the anonymous donor as well as KC officials for making the donation possible.
“I just want to say thank you all for putting a program in Vandalia that will be there for many years and will only be a class that we offer at the Vandalia campus. That’s what her goal was, and that’s how we ended up with the $50,000 check tonight to present to the college and the foundation.”
The board also presented a resolution recognizing “National Apprenticeship Week,” which runs November 17 through November 23. Board Chairman Bill Hawley, Board Secretary Laura Wedekemper and KC Dean of Workforce Engagement and Industrial Career Services Joy Fitts each signed the resolution. Fitts informed the board that KC will host an apprenticeship forum on November 20, where local employers can learn about apprenticeship opportunities.
