Meeting Summary and Briefs: Joliet Junior College for November 12, 2025

Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, was marked by a major decision to approve a land purchase for a new campus in Grundy County, which passed despite significant opposition from two trustees. The board also engaged in a series of heated debates surrounding Trustee Maureen Broderick, ultimately voting to censure her twice for alleged policy violations and denying her request to be restored to good standing.

On a more celebratory note, the board honored retiring JJC Foundation Executive Director Kristin Mulvey for her 25 years of service, during which the foundation’s endowment grew to over $50 million. The college also received a clean audit report for fiscal year 2025, showing a strong financial position with a $21.6 million increase in net position. For more details on these topics, please see the full standalone articles.

News Briefs

Board Adopts Tentative Tax Levy:
The Board of Trustees approved the resolution for the estimated amounts to be levied for the 2025 tax year. According to a presentation by Chief Financial Officer Jeff Heap, the levy is structured to capture a 2.9% CPI increase and revenue from new property construction, with an expected final extension increase of about 4.1%. The board is scheduled to approve the final levy at its December meeting.

JJC Adopts Official Land Acknowledgment:
The board heard the reading of the college’s official land acknowledgment, which respectfully recognizes that JJC stands on the traditional homelands of Indigenous nations, including the peoples of the Council of the Three Fires. Dr. Escortina Ervin, Vice President of Student Development, explained the importance of the acknowledgment in honoring the past, present, and future impact of Native Americans, particularly during Native American Heritage Month.

Partnership with Will County Animal Protection Services Highlighted:
Anna Payton, administrator for Will County Animal Protection Services, spoke to the board about the organization’s successful partnerships with JJC. She praised the collaboration with the Veterinary Technology program, where students gain hands-on experience, and thanked participants in the President’s Leadership Experience for providing valuable data and recommendations to help reduce barriers to animal adoptions.

Faculty Union Head Raises Food Insecurity Concerns:
During his report, Faculty Union President Curt Ward noted the long lines at a recent food bank distribution held on campus, highlighting the significant food insecurity facing the community and JJC students. He issued a challenge to the campus community to donate to the JJC Wolves Pantry to help meet the growing need.

Student Trustee Accepted into Nursing Program:
Student Trustee Brenton Bishop announced during his report that he was officially accepted into JJT’s highly competitive nursing program earlier that day. His news was met with congratulations from the board and attendees. Bishop also reported on various student activities, including a successful dodgeball tournament and the collection of 619 pounds of compost in the first week of a new pilot program.