LLC President Doesn't Get Much Assurance from Governor

Lake Land College President Josh Bullock didn't get much assurance as to the budget impasse in Springfield during a recent meeting with the governor.

Bullock told the Lake Land Board of Trustees at this month's meeting that he met with Governor Bruce Rauner and Illinois Chief Operating Officer Linda Lingle on the lack of a budget. He told the Board that the governor supports the work of Illinois' community colleges, but was unable to shed light on when the budget impasse may end or whether colleges will be fully funded for the fiscal year.

The State currently owes Lake Land about $7.5 milion.

The Lake Land Board approved a $32,000 contribution from the Lake Land College Foundation Board to fund 20 GED prep and English as a Second Language Adult Basic Education courses in the spring term. These courses will be offered in Effingham, Arthur, Mattoon, Marshall, Pana and Paris, and are anticipated to serve at least 180 individuals. The college was going to cancel the classes due to the lack of state funding, but Foundation Board members said they had the funds to cover the expense.

Also, the Lake Land Board:

--heard that the college reached agreement with AFSCME to clarify the current inclement weather policy for Department of Corrections facilities in which the College provides educational services

--learned that the south wind turbine has been seriously damaged, quite possibly due to a lightning strike, and will likely not be functioning for an extended period of time

--took part in an award presentation to present a check to the college for a geothermal incentive grant of $50,000 through the GeoAlliance Program sponsored by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives and the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation

--appointed Dr. Robert Luther to serve as the Trustee Liaison/Ex-Officio member to the Alumni Association

--approved the health insurance premium plans and rates for calendar year 2016

--approved a resolution for the Vo-Tech Building Safety and Accessibility Renovation