The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees met last night for the regular monthly meeting. The Board approved a resolution to authorize College Administrators to wire transfer funds and authorized the signatory representatives. This was necessary due to changes in staffing. The Board approved a resolution to proceed with the development of a voluntary Faculty Early Retirement Plan. With the lack of a State budget and the lack of State revenue dollars, the finances of Kaskaskia College have been negatively affected. Due to these issues, the College is currently reviewing many cost saving options, which will allow it to withstand the difficulties of the State budget crisis and help strengthen the long-term financial outlook for the College. The retirement plan is contingent upon implementation funding being secured and agreement with the faculty union, and approved by the Board of Trustees. Additionally, a resolution for consideration and action of intent to issue General Obligation Working Cash Bonds in the amount of $3.2 million and a resolution for the consideration and action of intent to secure a line of credit in the amount of $3.5 million with Midland Bank were both approved. These actions are needed to maintain working cash due to the state budget impasse. The Board also approved a resolution for abating the tax for 2015 for alternate revenue bonds. Therefore, the tax levied for the year 2015 is hereby abated in its entirety. The Board also approved a resolution for a tax extension of $7,704,299 for operating funds and $1,994,603 for the bond fund for a total of $9,698,092 for Levy Year 2015 to be received in Fiscal Year 2017. The Board approved a new Plumbing Certificate which was created to provide an additional employment skillset training opportunity for those seeking employment within the plumbing industry. The proposed certificate is based upon coursework that assimilates the local plumbing unions training standards and course materials. It prepares students for successful positions in plumbing, pipefitting and industrial maintenance. This certificate will allow graduates to begin work as an entry-level handyman or maintenance worker, as well as seek employment as a union plumber’s apprentice. This certificate also fully prepares the student for taking the State of Illinois Licensed Plumbers examination. This program will be started with minimal expense to the College, as it can be taught with a part-time program coordinator and adjunct instructors. Start-up expenses are projected to be less than $10,000, with some Perkins funds to be used in support of the program. The Board approved a resolution to accept the donation of a Mobile Agriculture Lab and accompanying items for use in the Kaskaskia College Agriculture Department. Local Farm Bureaus from Bond, Clinton, Fayette, Jefferson, Marion and Washington Counties each made contributions toward the purchase of the Lab. The College will use the $30,500, 24 foot trailer and 12,000 watt generator as an outreach tool for area high schools and ag-related events. The Mobile Ag Lab was formally presented to the College on October 27th, with a large group of Farm Bureau members, KC Ag students, and Kaskaskia College personnel in attendance.