Kaskaskia College President George Evans got to show off the college and some of its recently completed renovation work last week during separate visits by Congressman Mike Bost and representatives of the Capitol Development Board.
Evans says he was able to show the CDB how the college is stretching its dollars as much as it can, that they are fiscally responsible, and have stabilized enrollment after COVID-19. He also asked for additional funding.
“The biggest thing we emphasized was enhanced cost related obviously related to inflation. Our HVAC cost when we went to bid two years ago, we are about 2 million dollars higher now due to inflationary cost and there is a lot more asbestos throughout this institution than we ever thought there was.”
Evans notes the renovation of the auto mechanics program was also expanded to provide an area to train technicians for the anticipated large number of electric cars coming onto the market. He feels both federal and state help will be necessary to correct drainage problems created by the creek running through the campus.
Members of the college administration reviewed the college’s operations and provided a tour during Congressman Mike Bost’s first visit to the campus now that he represents part of the Kaskaskia College District. Bost says he has been a supporter of community colleges since his time in the state legislature.
“They provide a service that is so fantastic. Whether it’s a student who doesn’t want to go to a 4-year degree, or if you are someone laid off and looking for a new career they do it. Most are doing it at the best possible price.”
Bost spent some time visiting with those assisting veterans at the college. Evans feels they have a friend in Bost when higher education bills come before Congress.
Kaskaski College President George Evans, facing away from the camera, fills in Congressman Mike Bost on the significant water damage the campus received during the subzero temperatures just before Christmas. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
KC Board of Trustee Bryan Holthaus (left) with Congressman Mike Bost (center) and President George Evans during a tour of Lifelong Learning Center which is now housing student services during a renovation of its offices. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
