View recaps from this year's board of trustee meetings (beginning with the July 2025 meeting). Select a month below to view that meeting's recap.
** Meetings scheduled for the third Thursday at 5:30 p.m. in the Sandburg boardroom (E200),
Carl Sandburg College, Galesburg, IL.
*** Scheduled to accommodate the 20-day review on tax levies.
November 2025 board meeting recap
Here are some items of note from the Sandburg board of trustees meeting that took place Nov. 18. View the complete agenda.
Graham Health System Atrium
The board approved a recommendation to name the atrium in the Science & Technology Center as the Graham Health System Atrium. The naming comes after Graham Health System made a $500,000 philanthropic commitment to Sandburg in support of the college’s nursing and health professions programs. Graham made an initial $250,000 pledge ($50,000 per year for five years) in January 2024 through its Graham Scholars program, and it recently made an additional $250,000 gift. The overall contribution exceeds the threshold in the college’s naming guidelines for major spaces.
Teaching & learning center presentation
Coordinators of instructional technology, Cindy Arthur and Brian Hutton shared a video highlighting some of the projects done by faculty, staff and students through the teaching & learning center and examples of Ovation virtual reality software, which allows users to practice customizable public speaking and meeting scenarios, then provides analytical feedback to the user.
$148K nursing school grant
Board members approved the acceptance of a $148,000 nursing school grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Grant funds for FY2026 will cover the cost of new equipment and resources, including a birthing simulator; wound VAC; medication dispensing system; hospital bed and headwall; nursing education consulting; NCLEX and end-of-program fees; and graduate survey stipends. Previous IBHE nursing school grants awarded to the college since 2021 have helped enhance Sandburg’s simulation labs, instructional technology and student support services.
Another step toward Carthage ADN program
Following authorization by the Illinois Board of Nursing on the college’s feasibility study for the addition of an associate degree nursing program at the Carthage campus, the board OK’d college administrators to proceed with the expansion process. The next steps include submitting proper documentation for review to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation as well as the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Medical insurance stays with BCBS; supplemental insurance switching to Principal
Trustees voted to renew the major medical insurance program with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. They also approved contracting with Principal for dental, vision and life insurance, effective Jan. 1.
Protection, health & safety projects
The board voted to approve the funding of protection, health and safety projects estimated to cost $1.3 million. The projects include:
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Upgrades to the boiler system, HVAC system, water heater, roof and elevator in the renovation of the 518 Collective. Estimated cost: $800,000.
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Hallway floor repair, hallway flooring, electrical wiring, switch relocation and bathroom door actuator installation at the Carthage campus. Estimated cost: $100,000.
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Bathroom remodels on the Carthage campus and in Building E on the Galesburg campus to ensure code compliance and safety. Estimated cost: $400,000.
Issuance of debt certificates toward Charger Center
Trustees approved a resolution to issue no more than $40.8 million of debt certificates for multiple building projects, including:
- Charger Center ($33M)
- Instructional facility improvements ($3.5M)
- Athletic field improvement ($2M)
- Building E renovations ($1M)
- Obsolete facility demolition ($500,000)
2026-27 academic calendar
Trustees approved the college’s academic calendar for 2026-27. The 2026 fall semester will begin Aug. 24, and the 2027 spring semester will begin Jan. 19. Graduation is scheduled for May 20, 2027.
2026 board meeting dates
The board designated the times and places of regular board meetings for 2026. Meetings are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Jan. 22 / Galesburg campus
- Feb. 26 / Galesburg campus
- March 26 / Galesburg campus
- April 23 / Carthage campus
- May 21 / Galesburg campus
- June 25 / Galesburg campus
- July 23 / Galesburg campus
- Aug. 27 / Galesburg campus
- Sept. 24 / Warren County board room, Monmouth
- Oct. 15 / Galesburg campus
- Nov. 12 / Galesburg campus
- Dec. 17 / Galesburg campus
Informational presentations
James Hutchings presented to the board about online course standards. Trustees also heard a report from students who attended the Leading Illinois Together Conference hosted by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Illinois Community College Student Activities Association last month at Illinois Central College.
Comings and goings
Trustees approved these personnel moves.
Next regular monthly meeting
5:30 p.m. / Dec. 18 / Galesburg campus
October 2025 board meeting recap
Here are some items of note from the Sandburg board of trustees meeting that took place Oct. 21. View the complete agenda.
That's our policy
The board reviewed and approved the following policies:
Teaching & learning center presentation
Coordinators of instructional technology, Cindy Arthur and Brian Hutton shared a video highlighting some of the projects done by faculty, staff and students through the teaching & learning center and examples of Ovation virtual reality software, which allows users to practice customizable public speaking and meeting scenarios, then provides analytical feedback to the user.
Medical, supplemental insurance update
Board members were updated on medical and supplemental insurance renewals for employees. An insurance renewal plan is expected to be presented for consideration at the November board meeting.Feasibility study for Carthage nursing program
Trustees approved a feasibility study regarding the addition of an associate degree nursing program at the Carthage campus. The study found that hospitals and long-term care facilities in the Carthage area reported continuous hiring needs for registered nurses, and regional employer surveys indicated projected RN vacancies increasing 15-20% over the next five years. If approved, the first courses for the program would be on track to take place in May 2027.
Comings and goings
Trustees approved these personnel moves.Next regular monthly meeting
5:30 p.m. / Nov. 18 / Galesburg campus
September 2025 board meeting recap
Here are some items of note from the Sandburg board of trustees meeting that took place Sept. 25. View the complete agenda.
$25K grant toward development of education program
Trustees accepted a $25,720 grant from the Galesburg Community Foundation. The award supports the development of an education program at the college to train future teachers and early childhood educators. Sandburg will also host community networking and training events to connect students to the program and provide professional development for regional educators.
Contractually obligated
The board accepted a bid from Dewberry Engineers to conduct a comprehensive electric feasibility study and energy audit. Funding for the study and audit will come from the Operations & Maintenance Restricted (protection, health and safety) Fund.
Faculty member granted tenure; non-tenure faculty contracts renewed
The board approved the recommendation to grant tenure to dental hygiene instructor Reghan Merry, effective with the spring 2026 semester. Trustees also approved contract renewals for Amy Kaufmann (radiologic technology) and Leah Knowles (nursing) as non-tenured faculty through the fall 2026 semester.Anderson appointed treasurer
The board appointed Leslie Anderson, VP of business & finance/CFO, as treasurer for the college.
Expense management software
Trustees approved the use of Ramp as an expense management software. The program is expected to provide more operational efficiency, greater financial transparency and increased security.
RAMP project submitted
The board voted to submit the Resource Allocation Management Plan (RAMP) to the Illinois Community College Board for sidewalk replacement and refurbishment on the Galesburg campus. The requested project, which requires approval from the state for funding, would replace the asphalt sidewalks in front of buildings C, D, E and F with concrete.
Comings and goings
The following personnel moves were approved:
- Employment of Megan Robbins as full-time education faculty, effective Aug. 14.
- Employment of Andrew Vanwinkle as building maintenance, effective Aug. 16.
- Employment of Jezhabeth Villegas as data & information specialist, effective Aug. 16.
- Resignation of Sydney Eklund as student success advocate, effective Aug. 22.
- Resignation of Sarah Morrison as student success advocate, effective Aug. 29.
- Resignation of Krista Skien as director of the Carthage campus, effective Aug. 22.
Next regular monthly meeting
5:30 p.m. / Oct. 21 / Galesburg campus
August 2025 board meeting recap
Here are some items of note from the Sandburg board of trustees meeting that took place Aug. 27. View the complete agenda.
I do solemnly swear…
Connor McLauchlan was sworn in as the student trustee for 2025-26, and Krista Winters took the oath of office as the faculty representative to the board for the current academic year.
Charger Center update
Legat Architects gave an informational presentation on the design process and schedule of the Charger Center. Construction on the new athletic and conference center is anticipated to be completed in the 2027 fall semester.
That’s our policy.
The board approved revisions to several policies. The policies concern:
- Hazing (2.62)
- Degrees & certificates (3.11)
- Grading (3.12)
- Honors (3.13)
- Academic classification (3.14)
- Discipline (3.16)
- Financial assistance (3.19)
- Credit hour (3.20)
- Institutional review board (3.24)
- Recruiting veterans (3.25)
- Academic integrity (3.26)
Grant for simulation/skills lab in Carthage
Trustees accepted a $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation Serving Western Illinois and Northeast Missouri. The award will support the purchase of a new hospital bed for the simulation/skills lab at the Carthage campus. The Quincy-based foundation has previously awarded the college grants to support the Carthage resource room and the expansion of the nursing program at the Carthage campus.
Anderson appointed treasurer
The board appointed Leslie Anderson, VP of business & finance/CFO, as treasurer for the college.
Expense management software
Trustees approved the use of Ramp as an expense management software. The program is expected to provide more operational efficiency, greater financial transparency and increased security.
RAMP project submitted
The board voted to submit the Resource Allocation Management Plan (RAMP) to the Illinois Community College Board for sidewalk replacement and refurbishment on the Galesburg campus. The requested project, which requires approval from the state for funding, would replace the asphalt sidewalks in front of buildings C, D, E and F with concrete.
Comings and goings
The following personnel moves were approved:
- Employment of Megan Robbins as full-time education faculty, effective Aug. 14.
- Employment of Andrew Vanwinkle as building maintenance, effective Aug. 16.
- Employment of Jezhabeth Villegas as data & information specialist, effective Aug. 16.
- Resignation of Sydney Eklund as student success advocate, effective Aug. 22.
- Resignation of Sarah Morrison as student success advocate, effective Aug. 29.
- Resignation of Krista Skien as director of the Carthage campus, effective Aug. 22.
Presidential salary
Following an annual review of President Dr. Seamus Reilly, the board approved a 5% increase in his base salary, effective July 1, 2025.
Next regular monthly meeting
5:30 p.m. / Sept. 25 / Galesburg campus
July 2025 board meeting recap
Here are some items of note from the Sandburg board of trustees meeting that took place July 24. View the complete agenda.
That’s our policy.
The board approved revisions to Policy 3.1 and Policies 3.3-3.10. The policies concern:
- Advisory committees (3.1)
- Curriculum development (3.3)
- First Amendment guarantees (3.4)
- Student records (3.5)
- Student governance/student clubs (3.6)
- Admissions (3.7)
- Attendance (3.8)
- Prior learning (3.9)
- Transfer credits (3.10)
$1.8M grant for 518 Collective
Trustees approved the acceptance of a $1.8 million grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to create an agriculture technology-focused incubator at the Annex. The incubator — known as the 518 Collective, pronounced “five-eighteen” and a nod to Sandburg District No. 518 — will provide physical workspace, business development services, workforce training's, mentorship and networking opportunities to help individuals and early-stage companies succeed. Sandburg was the only community college among the four grant recipients.
Program coordinator
The board approved Lindsey Smith as the nursing lab & simulation coordinator for the 2025-26 academic year.
Contractually obligated
Trustees approved a bid from River City Construction to install 17 automatic door-opening systems on the Galesburg campus and add a vestibule door at the north entrance of building B. Life Safety Protection funding will be used to support the project.
New student payment system
The board voted to implement the use of the Transact Integrated Student Payments Portal. The system features a unified payment portal with a single access point, multiple payment methods, real-time processing, seamless integration with existing systems, greater operational efficiency and increased security. The new system is expected to be deployed by Nov. 1, in time to accommodate spring semester payment processing.
Comings and goings
The following personnel moves were approved:
- Employment of Seth Austin as second shift custodian, effective Aug. 1.
- Employment of Jared Hawkinson as director of facility services, effective July 7.
- Employment of Valerie Hinderliter as coordinator of nursing & health professions, effective Aug. 1.
- Employment of Constance Lincoln as admissions & records support specialist, effective Aug. 1.
- Employment of Dustin Zimmerman as director of financial aid, effective Oct. 1.
Next regular monthly meeting
5:30 p.m. / Aug. 28 / Galesburg campus