The Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees on Nov. 14 approved two new certificates designed to propel computer networking graduates to the next level in their technology career and amplify a manufacturing workforce capable of assembling and maintaining automation/robotics equipment.
The CISCO/CompTIA Certificate is a step forward in preparing students for positions in the networking or cybersecurity fields. The courses will allow students to upgrade networking skills.
A new series of stackable certificates in manufacturing robotics, mechatronics and automation could open new doors for technicians in a rapidly emerging online and automated environment.
In a report presented by Mark Grzybowski, Vice President for Student Services, the Board learned that fall enrollment increased. Fall enrollment includes 1,072 full-time students, a 2 percent increase over last year and 1,648 part-time students.
Also, the Board adopted a tentative 2024 tax levy requesting $17.1 million, including $2.1 million earmarked for a new microbiology lab and classroom.
The increase over last year’s extension of $14.9 million is due to the estimated increased equalized assessed valuation provided by the county assessor’s office, as well as an increase in the Protection, Health and Safety fund which will finance lab renovations.
The levy will result in a property tax increase of $7.96 for an average $100,000 home.
Since the requested increase is greater than 5 percent, a truth in taxation hearing will be scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Dec. 12, at the Board meeting.
The new microbiology lab will have advanced technologies and be relocated to the college’s lower level.
Other campus services being relocated as part of this update, including the IT department and the Assessment Center, will be paid for through fund reserves.
In other action, the Board:

• Approved the following appointments: Juliana Dzurisin, CNA Instructor/Program Coordinator and Michele Cheshareck, Nursing Instructor.
• Adopted the College’s Strategic Plan that includes institutional and strategic goals and objectives. 
• Learned of the following appointments: Kyle Carr, IT support lead; Julia (Summer) Studstill, Assessment Center Coordinator; Michelle Johnson, Grant and Payroll Specialist; Kristin Babio, Auxiliary Services Assistant; Lauren Gehant, Administrative Assistant, Continuing Education and Business Services; Dawn Lockwood, Instructional Technologist; Carrie Danekas, Adult Transition Specialist in Career and Technical Education; and Stacey Cervantes, Enrollment Services Specialist. 

• Learned of the following resignations: Sandra Safranske, custodian; Madeleine Hunter, Financial Aid Administrative Assistant; Theresa Carranco, temporary administrative assistant; Curtis Pinter, Truck Driver Training Specialist, and the retirement of Bonnie Jasiek, Continuing Education administrative assistant.