CENTRALIA — The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees met Monday for its regular monthly meeting and approved a resolution to discontinue the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at the KC Vandalia Campus. 

The college will now be consolidating all of its LPN classes to the college’s new Nursing Education Center located on KC’s Main Campus. As a result, LPN courses at the Vandalia campus will conclude following completion of the fall 2016 semester in December this year. No other classes or programs currently scheduled at Vandalia are to be affected this fall. 

Due to the lack of a State budget for FY16 and 17, which has resulted in only “stop gap” State funding for KC over two years, the College is facing severe financial challenges.

In other action, the Board approved a resolution to suspend the Guest Artist and Speaker Series, as part of the Season of Entertainment program. Due to the lack of funding by the State of Illinois and the dire budget situation the College faces, it is no longer feasible for Kaskaskia College to provide the Guest Artist and Speaker Series.

The College Board approved a resolution that the College President is authorized to enter into additional preferred lender agreements with lenders who are determined by the College Administration to be a good fit for the College.

The College previously participated in the Federal Direct Student Loan program, but in February 2014, after a comprehensive review of the student loan program and processes, a determination was made to end participation.

Since ending participation in the Federal Direct Student Loan program, the College has used preferred lenders as the sole source for student loans where the College does not have any financial commitment. This removes the risk for default from the College. Upon review of the preferred lender program since 2014, it is recommended that the College continue with such program as the sole lending source available to students.

In personnel matters, the Board approved the resignation of Steve Cox, Director of Advising and Adam Esses, Head Women’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director.

The Board approved a resolution for the renewal of the College’s health insurance plan.