SIC Board Approves Bond Issue to Save Tax Dollars

Southeastern Illinois College’s Board of Trustees voted to secure bond counsel to authorize a proposed bond issue that could produce tax savings for the district.

 The bond issuance, if executed, would save at least $150,000 for taxpayers.  The savings would occur over the total period of payments for both principal and interest.

“This is a great opportunity for the board to provide tax relief for the taxpayers if the bond issue is possible,” said Dr. Pat York, chairman of the board.

In other good financial news, the board was presented with the fiscal year tentative budget.

“Our budget once again is in the black,” said Dr. Jonah Rice, president of SIC.

A tentative 2012-13 budget was submitted to the board for review.  A public hearing will be conducted at the Sept. 18 board meeting.  A copy of the budget is available for public review in the Office of Business Affairs.

“All our budget officers at the college did a remarkable job in holding down costs, which was especially important since we did not have a tuition or fee increase this year,” Rice added.

SIC has the fifth lowest tuition in the state.

The board also learned of financial modeling and assessment work that has been completed.  For two years in a row, SIC has been above the median score with its composite financial index (CFI), something not accomplished in the past ten years according to the Higher Learning Commission.

“SIC is very proud of its CFI scores as they show sound financial stewardship in these challenging times,” said Board finance sub-committee member Jim Ellis.

Other News & Events

The board authorized an expenditure of up to $30,000 for various repairs, restorations and installations within Building B and the outdoor patio south of Building B.  These funds will be used for multiple repairs in cooperation with funds from the SIC Foundation and SIC Student Government Association.

After more than a year of planning and design on a new college website, it came to life on Friday Aug. 3, around 8 a.m. With a “student first” philosophy in design, the new site enhances the learning and work environment at SIC through easier navigation and search properties.

Allan Kimball, Humanities Co-Chair and theatre director, has received the W.P. Stanford Award for Service to the Illinois Speech and Theatre Association.  As co-director of the college auditions for the Illinois High School Theatre Festival, Kimball has also been asked to run for the Association’s Board of Directors as the college representative.

The SIC Foundation’s annual Fantasy Auction has been set for November 17.  The theme is “Winter Wonderland.”

Personnel                                                                                                                                           

Maggie Calcaterra of Herrin was employed as the new academic counselor and transfer specialist.

Chrystal Pollard of Norris City was hired as the early school leaver transition specialist.  She takes the place of Stephen Humphrey, who resigned the position.

Mark Stucker was approved for the position of part-time grounds/custodian.

New adjunct instructors approved by the board include Kristy Fox, Nishanth Visagarantnam, Emily Elliott, Brittany Johnson, Kaylie Kisner, Debbie Burdon, Amy Jones, Crystal Tibbs, and Fred Marsh.

Transfers were granted for Debbie Suh from education technology specialist to Student Support Services counselor, and to Cammy Duggins of Golconda from temporary office assistant instructor at the Golconda Job Core to medical office support career specialist. 

The next SIC board meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Rodney J. Brenner Board Room at SIC.

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