Lake Land Monitoring State Funding Situation

Lake Land College trustees heard that things are still up in the air where state funding is concerned.

The lack of a state budget agreement is affecting Lake Land, in that the State owes the college $3.3 million. Add to that, approval of a bill by the State Senate that would impact the College's budget due to a proposed property tax freeze for the coming two fiscal years.

Lake Land President Josh Bullock said college leaders are closely monitoring the bill, which is now before the Illinois House for consideration.

Trustees heard a report from Effingham Kluthe Center Interim Director Dustin Heuerman on events and programs at the Effingham campus this year, and were updated by Dr. Bullock and Senior Executive to the President Jean Anne Grunloh on strategic planning for the college for the coming three years. Accepted by trustees was a grant that will provide 160 low-income, first-generation and/or disabled students with services, including academic tutoring, advice and assistance in course selection, financial aid information and assistance, financial and economic literacy education, and transfer assistance to a four-year institution. The college will receive $231,103 for the first year of the project, which is expected to continue for five years.

Lake Land trustees approved appointment of Justin Onigkeit as transportation training coordinator, and Joshua Fulk as civil engineering technology instructor.