CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – The Parkland College Board of Trustees made several significant decisions during its recent meeting, addressing fiscal, operational, and personnel matters:
Key Approvals:
- President’s Contract Extension:
- Extended President Pamela Lau’s contract through June 30, 2028.
- Lau has been with the college since 1995 and became president in January 2023.
- Property Tax Levy:
- Approved a $37.3 million property tax levy for FY2025.
- Funds allocated to educational ($22.2M), operational/maintenance ($8.5M), protection/health/safety ($2.7M), and tort liability ($2.2M) costs.
- Tax Abatement:
- Abated 2024 taxes on $5.86 million in general obligation bonds (Series 2018C), funded through a student facility fee.
Additional Approvals:
- 2026-2027 Academic Calendar.
- Contracts:
- $62,000 contract with Pauly Group for services.
- Utility services contract with Constellation Energy for electricity and natural gas.
- Capital and Equipment Investments:
- $712,395 for Electrical Distribution Panel Safety Improvements – Phase I (Bodine Electric).
- $42,476 for furniture/installation (Kruger International).
- $58,630 for a 2025 Tesla Model 3 vehicle (Tesla).
- Grant Applications for various initiatives, including workforce training and mental health projects.
- Grant Funding awards, such as the Federal Perkins Grant and Workforce Equity Initiative.
Personnel Updates:
- Appointments included roles in physical plant management, child development, marketing, public safety, academic advising, and accessibility services.
These measures underscore Parkland College’s focus on long-term leadership, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced educational and operational support.
