The John A. Logan College Board of Trustees met last night. To observe the meeting, or to read the Southern Illinoisan article about it, you would think few, if any, in the Logan community have a sense of history. Last night was the last meeting for student trustee Christina Lipe. It was one year ago that then student trustee Brandi Husch, at her last board meeting, exposed the Board as cowards and sneaks. As readers may recall, Ms. Husch was cut off by Board chair Don Brewer when reading her farewell statement. In that statement, she attempted to charge that a Board member, in closed session, had attempted to intimidate her with a dossier of incidents in her pre-student life. The video, if you've forgotten or not seen it, is here. It has been viewed over 9,600 times on various platforms. No mention of the incident, or Ms. Husch, was made last night.
Absent were Board members Bill Kilquist and Jake Rendleman. Absent also was any sense of outrage on the part of the unions, given that the massacre of staff took place just 12 months ago. The representatives of the full time faculty, part time faculty and operational staff all seemed to fall all over themselves making nice with the Board.
The Southern Illinoisan apparently had a reporter present as they reported on a (single) item from the meeting, the bond issue. No article appeared after the previous meeting, when former history professor Helen Nall made a plea for the reinstatement of history professor David Cochran. That meeting also saw former psychology professor Gary Caldwell read a letter from 13 retired faculty expressing their lack of confidence in President Ron House and the Board of Trustees. It was met with silence from the region's major news sources.
Last night, Mr. Caldwell spoke again. He asked several questions regarding the upcoming Higher Learning Commission visit. Among them: Will there be an opportunity for the public, faculty and students to address the visiting HLC team? Caldwell finally managed to extract a 'yes'. Will the date, time and place be posted, in adequate time? This answer was fuzzy. Vice President Melanie Pecord repeatedly said, "It's on Announce. ...It will be on Announce." Announce is apparently a listserv for faculty and staff, a wholly inadequate means of communicating with students or the public. The consensus, eventually, was that it will be on the Board website.
Caldwell also took the opportunity to point out that Shawnee College is advertising for two full time history professors. He found it ironic that such a small school could hire two, while John A. Logan has no full time history teachers. Chairman Brewer's response was that he found it ironic that Shawnee, with 80% part time faculty, could afford to hire full time teachers. He ignored any reference to the College, for which he is Board chair, and the fact that his school now has zero full time history teachers.
We will close with a quote from the school's press release. It assumes you have no access to a newspaper or the internet.
Brewer noted that last year was a difficult time with layoffs within the College, but, he said, most community colleges in Illinois had to layoff more employees than JALC did because of the state’s budget statement. “No one wants layoffs, but when there is no other choice, you want those layoffs to be as limited as possible,” Brewer said. “We survived very well compared to other colleges.”
A reader has pointed out that many may be unable to post comments, at least when using Safari. We've done a little research at several websites and it turns out this Safari/Blogger issue has been a problem for years.
We've tested four browsers tonight: Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Mobile Safari. We tried Firefox, IE and Chrome all on a PC. One can successfully post comments, in Blogger, from each of these. Our understanding is that mobile device users, using a browser other than Safari and/or accessing our blog from a website rather than mobile app should not have problems. However, we were as unsuccessful as anyone else, when using Safari on a mobile Apple device.
With further research, and some more testing, we discovered a solution, though you won't like it (we don't either!). We don't understand the technical issue, so we won't attempt to explain it. Here's what you can do on your iPhone or iPad: Go to
- Settings
- Safari
- Privacy & Security
- Block Cookies
- Change the setting to Never
Most of you probably have 'Block Cookies' set to "From third parties and advertisers". Blocking third party cookies prevents the script from running that allows the comment to post (as near as we understand). Changing the setting to "Never" will allow you to post comments to Blogger. Assuming you won't be constantly posting comments to this blog, or others, you can then set Safari back to blocking cookies from third parties and advertisers. Told you you wouldn't like the solution!
Bluntly, where are the Spring numbers? Enrollment counts are called "tenth day numbers" for a reason. The snapshot is taken at the tenth day of classes. Tomorrow starts the ninth week of the term, at John A. Logan College. How hard is this?
As you may remember, Muddy Williamson took the College to task for their claims of increased enrollment and their methods of comparison after they released Fall 2016 numbers. Maybe they realize their Spring 2017 report will make no more sense. Maybe enrollment will not be the improvement they claimed would result from the reorganization.
Hey, that reminds us! Let's talk about the layoffs and the fact that administration hasn't brought all needed full time faculty back. In searching the JALC website, looking for the Spring 2017 enrollment count, we stumbled across a press release regarding the Quiz Bowl team. The team went to nationals! It is coached by Sociology assistant professor Tom Chandler. Mr. Chandler was one of the full time faculty the current BOT booted out, last March. Fortunately, Chandler was one of those called back. This is an example of the good teaching, and service, the students, College and district get when excellent faculty are recalled.
Recall 'em all! ...And release those numbers.
The Old Guard has shown its hand. Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, John A. Logan College Board of Trustees member, Jake Rendleman, has a letter published in yesterday's Southern Illinoisan. Rendleman endorses Orrill, Ellis and Poshard. This tells us all we need to know: the old guard thinks they can "work" with these three. That means the good old boys club thinks these three will be most in line with their anti-reform, union busting, faculty firing ways. If they are endorsing those three, it confirms our belief that Becky Borgsmiller and Mandy Little are the best two candidates, of the five.
The League of Women Voters sponsored a candidate forum for candidates standing for election to the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees, Tuesday evening, March 7, in the Conference Center, on the college campus. There are three vacancies. Vying for two of the seats are Becky Borgsmiller,
Mandy Little, William Orrill and Bob Ellis. Glenn Poshard, who was appointed to temporarily fill the late Bill Alstadt's position, is running unopposed for the third seat.
There has been scant news coverage of the forum and there appeared to be scant attendance by current faculty of the college. The Marion Daily Republican and the DuQuoin Evening Call each ran a story by Chandra Green, but the Southern Illinoisan and the TV stations all ignored it.
Absent, also, was candidate William Orrill. Ms. Green reported he had a "prior commitment". That's not good. The forum was at 5:30, so it's doubtful it was a doctor's appointment. Rumor is that it was work related. If so, that could be a recurring problem. If the voters are to elect him, his time must be ours. How will he guarantee attendance at Board meetings? What about committee meetings? Will he be available to meet with students during regular hours? Bosses cannot legally ask some personal questions of job candidates, such as those directly related to family status etc. However, they may state the job requirements, time commitments, hours of business and then ask, "is there any reason you cannot fulfill the duties as described?"; "is there any reason you cannot work the times and days described". Right now Mr. Orrill is a blank slate to most of us in the community college district. Tuesday night was the one opportunity for the public to see the candidates, hear them and compare them to each other. He was a no show.
Candidate forums in the last couple of elections have provided some sparks, some tension and some entertainment. This one offered none of the above, with only four candidates attending and only three of those running for the same seats. There was little disagreement, no animosity and little humor. On the other hand it was civil and candidate answers were usually concise, perhaps a testament to the no nonsense demeanor of moderator Dr. Mary Pohlman of the League of Women Voters. We say usually, because Dr. Poshard ran long, even after the "red card" was held up a couple of times.
Full time faculty
One thread ran through the evening's discussion and that was full time faculty vs. part time. The College has been replacing full time faculty with part timers. The general consensus was that this is bad and must not happen again. Mandy Little offered that faculty need to be invested in the college and that while part time faculty would be OK for "specialty classes", there was a need for full timers to teach required courses. Glenn Poshard wandered on this issue, saying, "I'm on the finance committee. I have access to the governor. I'm in contact... " and wound up essentially saying, 'there's no money'. Becky Borgsmiller said, regarding the full time faculty (or lack thereof) issue, that "there are HLC guidelines" and that the college must work with faculty on creative ideas to solve budget problems. As an example, she mentioned, but stressed she was not advocating for, larger class sizes.
How to cut the budget
What strategies should the college use if further budget cuts are required? Raise tuition? Cut MAP funding? Cut sports programs? Cut funding for the Historical Village? Cut administrative positions? Cut faculty? Poshard said no to tuition hike, keep MAP, would not replace full time with part time, that he knew little about the Historical Village's finances and no to cutting sports. He said he would use his experience at SIU. " We cut travel. Attempted furloughs... "
Borgsmiller said the Board needs reliable data to make decisions. They must be creative; state funding is not coming back. She pointed out that dual credit students do not pay and bring no revenue to the college. Logan does, however, claim their credit hours and these students appear in the headcount.
Ellis strongly stated that tenured faculty are the backbone of education. He would "never" raise tuition and would not replace full time faculty with part timers. Then he kind of got lost trying to not insult part timers. Little would cut some unnamed areas of the college not making money.
What ideas to enhance experience and increase retention?
Borgsmiller said the answer is simple. "Have good full time faculty. Give students a good classroom teacher and they will remember that teacher. They won't remember board members or even the college president, but they will remember a good teacher."
Ellis good naturedly acknowledged that Borgsmiller's answer was a hard one to follow and that he wished he could have given it. Then he diverted into saying he'd recruit "not the little guys with the crew cuts and sweaters, but the old retired people".
Little said that, "Becky described my experience" as a student. Faculty made her experience and it's why she and others spread the word about Logan.
Poshard said there is a need to track students and fund remedial programs. There needs to be early intervention and that the "most at risk are developmental students".
What to do to work with and interact with SIU?
Ellis said that SIU was coming out to Logan for the first time in 50 years. Mandy Little pointed out that there had been a 2 + 2 program with SIU for many years, and explained how it worked for seamless transition. Poshard pointed out that SIU has had an office, at Logan, for several years. He thought SIU should be encouraged to offer research programs at Logan. Borgsmiller also thought Logan should work toward student's seamless transition when tranferring, but pointed out that Logan should not be tied exclusively to SIU.
Should JALC continue to support athletics? Should they fund scholarships for out of district athletes?
Little said sports has to be looked at. She pointed out that when Logan gives a scholarship to an out of district athlete, the student's room and board must also be paid. She was for recruiting local athletes.
Poshard was rah rah for sports, but didn't speak to the out of district issue. He did say that Logan should promote intramural sports and that sports was no different than other extra curricular activities.
Borgsmiller said the priority has to be academic programs. Athletics is a cost that may not be supportable at this time. Ellis said it is necessary for recruitment and was absolutely opposed to eliminating athletics.
How is the CHEC building a benefit to the far flung residents of the district?
Poshard said Marion has the Hub and Carbondale has the SIU Recreation Center. If the CHEC only serves locals, that's OK.
Borgsmiller said the CHEC has a positive impact on so many, especially the elderly. She could say nothing negative about it. Ellis said it was finally getting viable and was a source of pride. Little suggested discounts for those who live far away.
Former President Mike Drieth was paid a $290,000.00 contract buyout. Was he forced out?
Borgsmiller said it was a firing. The troubles started when he was pushed. Ellis said he had no direct knowledge of the matter.
Little said all three students involved in the hiring process were for hiring Mike Drieth. "Was he forced to leave? Absolutely!" It was a huge loss for the college.
Poshard said, "I don't have the knowledge. Don't agree with severance pay for voluntary departure. I don't know what happened there."
What do they think?
Bob Ellis thinks faculty and staff should be sent out into the community to solicit ideas and advice. Mandy Little believes it is not the Board's job to meddle in day to day operations or reorganization. The current Board has created fear in the faculty. It has lowered student morale by their treatment of their teachers.
Poshard said he had seen no intimidation in the three months he has been on the Board. He pointed out many community service projects Logan helps with and took the opportunity to tie himself to the college and promote the Poshard Foundation.
Borgsmiller said the biggest issue at Logan is instability. The huge RIF hurt the school. She said the reorganization was a failure. The number one priority is stability.
What to think of them?
This was a well behaved bunch who seemed to have no animosity toward each other. For the most part, they stuck to the questions they were asked and two of them seemed like they would bring needed change to the Board. Glenn Poshard is running unopposed for the seat that was held by the late Bill Alstat, prior to Poshard's appointment. We will focus on the race for the other two seats.
Bob Ellis describes himself as a journalist, master editor, writer, former mayor of West Frankfort. He said he got into the race because "many have said JALC could use your expertise". He thought West Frankfort should be represented. Mr. Ellis seems like a conscientious candidate, but his expertise is not in higher education. This was apparent in his answers throughout the night. This isn't a good fit. The current situation calls for new Board members who are familiar with higher education, have an intimate knowledge of John A. Logan and a clear understanding of the events that have take place there in the last couple years. Anyone else is going to have the wool pulled over their eyes by the dark forces of nepotism, retribution and "reorganization".
Mandy Little says she wants to serve because she remembers what it's like to be a student and wants to bring that perspective. She is concerned that this board has not offered respect to the student trustee. She also remembers what it's like to be one of those. While we were not impressed with Ms. Little the last time she ran for the Board, things (and she) have changed. Then, she seemed enthralled to the older board members, with whom she'd served while a student. It was hard, then, to picture her saying 'no' to power. This a different candidate. She gets it. She knows how the place works, knows what's happened and is calling B.S. The firing of Mike Drieth obviously was a shock. Her sense of outrage was evident, when the candidates discussed whether he was pushed or jumped. Hers was the voice of someone who's been betrayed, knows it and is now clear eyed.
Becky Borgsmiller says she has 40 years' association with the College and wants to bring that experience to bear. Her focus is on needed stability. She points out she has many years banking experience, a couple decades experience working at Logan and previously served a stint on the Board. She says, "I feel an obligation to serve, given the situation."
Mr. Orrill is the job candidate who couldn't come to the interview. This employer (the voting public) has a deadline to hire. The election cannot be delayed and their will be no more League forums for these candidates. Voters can't base decisions on yard signs.
Based on the one opportunity the public has had to view these candidates, it's clear to us that the two open seats should be filled by the two candidates who will most assuredly be agents for change, have institutional experience and love the College. Those two candidates are Mandy Little and Becky Borgsmiller.
Former John A. Logan College psychology professor Gary Caldwell made a statement and read a letter to the Logan Board of Trustees, at the last Board meeting. The letter was signed by 13 retired faculty members and expressed their lack of confidence in President Ron House and in some Board members. Video of Professor Caldwell's statement can be found here.
Before we dig into the candidacies for the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees, let's devote a couple more short posts to the last Board meeting. As we pointed out yesterday, former professors Gary Caldwell and Helen Nall each spoke during the public comment period. To read the news release, on the College web site, you would think they merely seconded the stated concerns of Board members Glenn Poshard and Ray Hancock that state finances are a mess and adversely affect the College.
While acknowledging that Ms. Nall "spoke out about the layoff of a full-time history instructor " and that she said, “This breaks my heart”, the release focuses on Poshard, who the article headlines and who is mentioned six times.
A Muddy Williamson reader has provided a link to video of Helen Nall's comments to the Board. They are powerful, they are specific, they are damning. And, they name, and make the case for the reinstatement of the full time history instructor: Dr. David Cochran. The video is here.
What Poshard said is trued, but it's nothing different than what every citizen of Illinois is saying around the kitchen table. What the retired professors spoke to was specific to John A. Logan College. We will post a link to video of Professor Gary Caldwell's statement as soon as we get it.
We will post about the JALC candidate forum in the next couple days. In the meantime, it should be noted that it is March 7. A year has gone by since the firings at the College.
Larry Peterson has gone. His reorganization is still in place. Those who gained promotions remain in place. Interim president Ron House has become President House. Those who lost chairmanships, or offices, remain without. Those who lost jobs fall into two categories, the lost and the traumatized. Some are both.
Some faculty and staff took retirement. They lost their plans for the future; Logan lost them for good. Some faculty were called back. They have jobs, but not security. Who, once granted tenure, and then fired, would feel secure after being called back? It's the stability of a the yo-yo. (Yes, we said 'fired'. We, here at Muddy Williamson do not use the term Reduction In Force, or RIF. It's too much a safe and antiseptic euphemism, like "enhanced interrogation" rather than "torture")
And then there are those faculty who were fired and not called back. The college limps along with three full time English teachers and zero full time History teachers. This issue was highlighted at the most recent Board meeting by presentations from two retired faculty members. Former Psychology professor Gary Caldwell read a letter, signed by 13 former Logan professors and department chairs, expressing a lack of confidence in the Board and current President. Former History professor Helen Nall decried the lack of any full time History teachers. There is video of both speeches floating around Facebook. If whoever shot the video would post it to YouTube, and let us know in the Comments section, we'd be happy to post the link.
And now MW will go to bed and dream about new JALC Board members.
The League of Women Voters is sponsoring a candidate forum for candidates for the John A. Logan College Board of Trustees. The event is
- tonight, Tuesday, March 7, in the
- Carterville Room
- F118 Conference Center
- John A. Logan College
