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Six seek seats on IVCC board

By the IV Leader Staff

Six candidates will be on the April 5 ballot for four open positions on the Illinois Valley Community College Board of Trustees.
IV Leader recently sent the six candidates questionnaires, asking their positions on a variety of issues, including tuition increases.
 

Paula J. Endress
Earlville

Occupation:
Business Owner, Sun-Prairie Press.

Education:
Marquette High School; IVCC, A.A.; Northern Illinois University, B.A. Journalism/Public Relations

Previous Offices Held:
I currently am a Trustee of IVCC and hold the position of Secretary. I have been a Trustee since August, 2003. I am a current member of NCI Works, the local workforce development board, and a board member of Kishwaukee Women's Network. Previous board experience includes The P.H. Sullivan Foundation and the Hoosier State Press Association.

Why are you seeking a seat on the board of trustees?
As an incumbent who has served for the past two years, I would like to continue my service to my Alma Mater as I believe my past experience as a board member with other organizations, combined with my education, can assist in furthering the mission of the college. I want to do my part to insure that IVCC continues to touch the lives of its students for generations to come.

Why do you feel IVCC is important?
IVCC is a true gem of the Illinois Valley! The college serves as the area's educational resource to individuals and businesses and as such provides many with a wonderful array of educational opportunities that they may otherwise not be able to afford or participate in.

How do you evaluate IVCC's role in the community? How should that role be changed?
The college's role in the community should constantly be monitored to insure we are providing for the needs of our district.
This is evaluated based on a review of our program goals and their outcomes. It is necessary to solicit and listen to public input in this regard, as well as consider data collected through achievement. As times change and technology changes, the college must also change in order to continue to serve as the area's educational resource.

Given IVCC's present financial situation, how would you anticipate addressing budget concerns for Fiscal Year 2006?
I will continue to advocate that we continue our efforts to seek partnerships and additional revenue through grants.
Additionally, I would look at areas where we might be able to offer programs with business and industry. Private donations can also assist in our budgetary concerns and should be continuously cultivated. The board has received a three year financial plan from the administration and we continually monitor our financial situation.

Do you advocate a tuition increase to help resolve any budget shortfalls? Why?
Tuition is one of the three primary sources of revenue that the college has. This is important to remember as we consider how we fund our various needs. IVCC's current tuition is very favorable when compared to other institutions, however, we must look at remaining competitive so we can continue to maintain and improve our level of quality. I would favor small increases on an as needed basis as opposed to having a large increase at a later date that would have a significant negative impact. I pledge to listen to all concerns and ultimately make a decision on what is in the best interest for the entire college.

In light of the state’s financial situation, if cuts need to be made from IVCC's existing programs and services, what criteria would you use in making those cuts?
The need, cost, and enrollment for a program are key considerations that should be evaluated. Public input is vital as well and very much appreciated by myself as a Trustee. I never forget that every program and service that the college offers has a human face and that is always a consideration.

Do you support putting a referendum on a future election ballot for taxpayers in the IVCC district? If so, when and what would you ask voters for?
Not at this time; however, no one has a crystal ball as to what will happen on the state and federal levels with our funding.

David Mallery
Hennepin

Education:
A.A. IVCC 1998 cum laude

Occupation:
Self-employed home builder and developer of my properties. Self-employed CAD designer and consultant

Previous offices held:
Putnam County Conservation District president /trustee, 5years;
IDNR's Conservation Congress Executive Committee alternate/delegate, 3 years;
Putnam County School Districts Community Action Committee

Why are you seeking a seat on the board of trustees?
I believe that a community college has many important roles in our community. The most important of which is to provide an affordable quality education that can enable residents opportunities of workplace advancement, self-improvement, or for academic transfers. IVCC has always provided an affordable quality education and I want to insure that it continues to do so.

Why do you feel IVCC is important?
IVCC has always been an excellent institution where people are given the tools to succeed. The students, faculty/staff, businesses and property owners are those people. Our community benefits from every student receiving an affordable education or job skill enhancement. Every salary benefits community businesses and because of these overall economic benefits, each property in the district has the potential to appreciate in value.

How do you evaluate IVCC's role in the community?
Community colleges are to be low tuition and open access institutions. They are charged with providing academic transfer programs, career and occupational programs, and developmental and technical skills instruction. Further obligations can include are adult and continuing education, economic development training, public and community services programming, and student support services.

Given IVCC's present financial situation, how would you anticipate addressing budget concerns for FY2006?
One must first ask, "What is IVCC's financial situation?" According to the annual audit for the year ending June 30, 2004, IVCC has been able to increase cash and investments more than 6 million dollars since the failed referendum. Now totaling over $23 million in reserves, IVCC has a comfortable and responsible cushion for the general fluctuations of state and federal revenues.
Understanding these facts, one now needs to understand the budget process. Wants and needs are intermixed in any budget. Revenues are generally under estimated and expenses are over projected. Fair and consistent budgets must include an equitable distinction between wants and needs. Furthermore, one needs to understand that projected deficits do not always materialize as they failed to do these last two years.

Do you advocate a tuition increase to help resolve any budget shortfalls? Why?
Since budgets are largely biased toward conservatism, I would not increase tuition solely on such budgetary projections. Two years ago we were led to believe that the "sky was falling" and it did not! IVCC needs to bring its tuition and fees more in line with other colleges.


In light of the state’s financial situation, if cuts need to be made from programs and services, what criteria would you use to in making those cuts?
It would be irresponsible to make cuts solely based on state revenues. Decisions regarding "cuts" should be made the same way those decisions are made in our personal finances. We have to review each item and reach a consensus on where it ranks. Is it mandated, is it needed, or is it simply wanted?

Do you support putting a referendum on a future election ballot for taxpayers in the IVCC district? If so, when and what would you ask for?
No, we do not need a tax increase.
 

Lori E. Scroggs
Princeton

Occupation:
Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Human Service Administration Master's (M.A.) Program at Bradley University, Peoria

Education:
B.S. in Psychology from Illinois State University, M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Illinois State University, Ed.D. in Human Resource Education [Community College Leadership Emphasis] from University of Illinois

Previous Offices Held:
No previous public office held. Civic office includes past Peru Rotary President

Why are you seeking a seat?
I think it is an important time for citizens to step up and volunteer for service to schools, colleges and human service organizations; this is something I discuss often with my students. Leadership is needed in this time of limited resources, conflicting priorities and growing social and educational demands. I also recognize that IVCC has been an integral part of my life. I took my ACT test in IV's cafeteria in the 70s, returned in the 80s and 90s to take classes, and saw my daughter graduate from IV in 2001. I had the opportunity to be an administrator from 1995-2003 and learned a great deal about leadership that I now apply. It's time to give back.

Why do you feel IVCC is important?
IVCC serves its district through a comprehensive and community-oriented mission. It is an important piece in the fabric of our communities through baccalaureate preparation, occupational curricula, business and industry training; cultural offerings; and community service. Nearly every family in IVCC's district has likely been touched by the college, whether through continuing education classes such as quilting or investing, degree programs and training workshops, or ESL, literacy, or Adult Basic Education services. IVCC is important, too, statewide as a model community college, and nationally/internationally through its innovative programs. IVCC is important because it is "one of a kind."

How do you evaluate IVCC's role in the community? How should that role be changed?
I support IVCC's role in being at the center of its "community," and should ideally reach out in some way to every member of the community. The open door policy is an important one; any member of the community should feel welcome and be able to access the college's valuable curricular resources. A comprehensive community college prepares its students for meaningful work and a productive life. However, this is a daunting challenge with shrinking state support and property tax revenues. Rather than narrowing its role by specializing in any one certain area, I believe IVCC should continue to maintain services to all sectors of the community but do so through improved planning and increased collaboration with many sectors of the community.

Given IVCC's present financial situation, how would you anticipate addressing budget concerns for Fiscal Year 2006?
I would want to assess what costs have increased and why they have increased, then determine what revenue sources are predicted to increase/decrease in order to produce a coherent strategy. For example, the reevaluation of the tax dollars generated by Exelon Corporation could result in over $400,000 less to IVCC if other property tax revenues do not show a complementary increase. In order to address this potential budget deficit, we must increase revenue and/or reduce expenditures. In order to increase revenues, I would suggest looking at alternative funding streams, e.g. low-cost start-up, revenue-producing programs; federal grants or private foundation dollars, so long as these revenue sources fund activities consistent with the mission. To reduce costs, one must look at ways to voluntarily reduce expenditures through departmental cost-cutting measures. Secondly, one must consider efforts to collaborate to share costs while still maintaining offerings, or finally, when necessary cutting programs/services that are not economically viable.

Do you advocate a tuition increase to help resolve any budget shortfalls?
I do not advocate always relying on tuition increases to address budget shortfalls. By doing so, we run the risk of making IVCC inaccessible to some members of the community by making it less affordable, and this is contrary to IVCC's mission. Unfortunately, the major funding streams are tuition and fees; state reimbursement; and property tax revenues. It is unlikely that state support will increase, and the voters have indicated an unwillingness to increase support through a tax increase, therefore, raising tuition appears to be the only option available. I would like to see, instead, innovative collaborations with businesses and governmental organizations that help share costs of programs as a mechanism to address the budget shortfalls, but in absence of such offerings, I would advocate a tuition increase to either equal or only minimally exceed the state community college tuition average.

Thomas C. Setchell
Ottawa

Occupation:
Retired city comptroller

Education:
Mendota Township High School
Associates of Art - IVCC
Bachelor of Science - Finance, Northern Illinois University
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Northern Illinois University

Why are you seeking a seat on the board of trustees?
I have a life-long commitment to education for my family, the community and myself. Thirty-five years ago IVCC gave me the opportunity to further my education. I want to see that the same opportunity available for everyone at a reasonable cost. Now that I am semi-retired, I have the time to give something back to the community. My financial and governmental experience should add a valuable dimension to the board.

Why do you feel IVCC is important?
Keeping the college mission relevant to needs of the community is very important. The careful use of tax dollars and other financial resources available to the college is a challenge using budget and tax levy oversight. Keeping the cost of education reasonable and encouraging more residents to take advantage of all the college has to offer must be a top priority.

How do you evaluate IVCC's role in the community? How should that role be changed?
I believe the college should prepare students of all ages: For a changing work place where new skills are needed.
For an existing job inventory in local business like health care and industry. To be successful in further studies at other educational institutions.
I do not see that role changing as a result of trustee initiatives that do not have a legislative mandate or popular public support and funding.

Given IVCC's present financial situation, how would you anticipate addressing budget concerns for fiscal year 2006?
IVCC'S Financial situation as shown in its annual audit report is clearly stronger than it was two years ago when the taxpayers overwhelmingly defeated referendums to increase property taxes. During the last two years cash and investments have increased $6 million and net assets have increased nearly $7 million. The decisions we make in budgeting for IVCC should not be any different from those we make in our own households or businesses. We have to review items line by line and determine whether it is "mandated," a "need," or a "want." We should also obtain input from those most affected by our decisions before we act. Increasing costs primarily in salaries but also from utilities like heating can be supported by tax base growth and economic expansion of the community college area, non-real estate tax revenue searches including federal and state grants, prudent spending using a common sense approach to education and judging each expenditure carefully to identify cuts

Do you advocate a tuition increase to help resolve any budget shortfalls?
No.

In light of the state’s financial situation, f cuts need to be made from programs and services, what criteria would you use to in making those cuts?
I would apply the following criteria if cuts need to be made:
Does the expenditure help student core education delivery?
Do the results of the expenditure show positive evidence of success in the classroom and community?
Is the target item a "legal mandate" or a "need" or a "want"?

Do you support putting a referendum on a future election ballot for taxpayers in the IVCC district? If so, when and what would you ask voters for?
No.
 

Dennis Thompson
Princeton

Occupation:
Retired teacher and school administrator. Currently owns contracting and consulting business.

Education:
Educational Specialist Degree (Superintendent's certification) from Western Illinois University along with two master's degrees. BS from Western Illinois University. Has taken classes from IVCC, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University and the University of Hawaii.

Previous Offices Held:
I have not held any publicly elected positions although I have held many leadership roles in educational organizations over the course of my career.

Why are you seeking a seat on the board of trustees?
Illinois Valley College is a valuable resource for the surrounding area. I am interested in the success of the college and currently have the time to serve as a board member representing the citizens of this community.

Why do you feel IVCC is important?
The community college has a fundamental role to provide associate degree programs at a reasonable expense. It provides retraining programs to upgrade job skills, which is important not only for the individuals receiving the instruction, but also for improving economic development for the whole area. I believe the college plays an integral part in establishing a quality of life for all of us who live within its boundaries.

How do you evaluate IVCC's role in the community? How should that role be changed?
The college serves many purposes, both educational and cultural, and it is through the combination of programs that the value of IVCC is truly measured. It would be my priority to support the kinds of program opportunities that I have had the chance to experience; in addition, I would encourage the staff and administration to continually monitor the needs of the Illinois Valley and be ready to respond with excellent programs.

Given IVCC's present financial situation, how would you anticipate addressing budget concerns for Fiscal Year 2006?
I am familiar with the political process that provides funds for IVCC and will be able to work with the governor's office and the legislators to communicate our local needs. The general goals of the college should not fundamentally change when finances are limited. It is up to the staff, administration, and the board of trustees to provide the best and most diverse combination of programs for the IVCC community. By prioritizing objects of the college, reducing costs whenever possible, and seeking innovative ways to finance, staff, and provide programs, the college can be successful. If the fundamental role of the institution begins to be impacted by reductions, they you have a compelling reason to approach the community for a tax increase or substantial fee increases.

Do you advocate a tuition increase to help resolve any budget shortfall? Why?
I think my answer to the previous question indicates my interest in trying a variety of things before asking for a tax referendum or increasing student tuition.

In light of the state’s financial situation,if cuts need to be made from programs and services, what criteria would you use to in making those cuts?
There is never an easy way to make reductions because programs benefit the students, and, no matter how small in size, every program has value. Cuts result in not only losing programs, but also in reducing staff that the college has hired to provide needed services. Unfortunately, it is the Board of Trustee's role to make these difficult decisions about programs and services. Keeping in mind the fundamental mission of the college and prioritizing the programs that meet the main objectives give one a valid method of evaluating how cuts may be made.

Do you support putting a referendum on a future election ballot for taxpayers in the IVCC district? If so, when and what would you ask voters for?
When the college does not have the financial capacity to carry out its primary mission, then one would have a compelling reason to ask the citizens to support a referendum.

Todd Volker
Ottawa

Occupation:
Publisher

Education:
Magna cum laude graduate of Knox College, Galesburg, with additional college honors. Attended graduate school at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Previous Offices Held:
Served on boards of several local civic organizations, including the Illinois Valley Youth Symphony, Main Street Ottawa, the North Central Illinois Urban Forestry Council and the Ottawa Riverwalk committee. Served as advisor to Hegeler-Carus Mansion Foundation, Princeton beautification committee, Ottawa Lincoln-Douglas committee and Illinois Valley Fine Arts Trust. Worked to promote Kaskaskia Alliance Trail.
 

Why are you seeking a seat on the board of trustees?
Public service is important to me. I see this as a way to combine my personal interests in academic matters and education and my interest in public service. My strength is being able to analyze a situation and speak clearly. I don't care for bureaucratic jargon since it usually prevents you from really seeing into the situation.

Why do you feel IVCC is important?
Because it does so much for so many. For students out of high school, it's a way to start college work. It's a way to find what you want to do. For adult students, the college offers substantial programs for career development. It's kind of like a big truck that a lot of people can jump onto and it can take them to where they're going. The college pulls together all the towns in the area and helps make up the Illinois Valley lifestyle.

How do you evaluate IVCC's role in the community?
IVCC has always done a good job of outreach to the community. It would be nice to be able to offer more lectures and performances, of course, but this kind of thing depends on funding possibilities. I think most people respect IVCC instructors and look to them for insight and at least a certain amount of wisdom.

Given IVCC's financial situation, how would you anticipate addressing budget concerns for Fiscal Year 2006?
It's never fun to be in an elected position when money's tight! But money's tight all over. All levels of government, of governing entities, have to face the problem of revenue shortfalls. There are pains involved in all the options here: raise taxes and you hurt the business climate, raise fees and you directly impact students. It's my sense that the board really has no other alternative than to request a tax increase.
I've been quite disappointed in the lack of state leadership here. I doubt any great changes in Springfield will happen.

Do you advocate a tuition increase to help resolve any budget shortfalls?
It's not the mission of the community college to cater to wealthy students. The opposite's true - we want education open and available to everyone. This is a fundamental principle of the community college idea. So I am opposed to a tuition increase. I think the future of IVCC has to be in providing quality, affordable education for all. This is especially so if we want to build enrollment.

In light of the state’s financial situation, f cuts need to be made from programs and services, what criteria would you use to in making those cuts?
The board will need to review the administration's plan in this case; there are many, many different budget items. Overall, it makes sense to cut those things that affect the least number of people, or those programs or areas that can be temporarily shut down with minimal pain. This is the guiding idea here. As you can tell if you read the papers, it seems as though all governmental entities are having to do this kind of thing right now. But nobody likes it.

Do you support putting a referendum on a future ballot for taxpayers in the IVCC district? If so, when and what would you ask voters for?
Yes, I think it's time to make the case for an increase. But until I see it otherwise, I very much like the idea of making it a temporary increase.