Minutes

• Chair Susan Ryan presided over the meeting. The meeting was called to order at 7:35am and a membership quorum was present.

• There was no public comment.

Chair Ryan introduced Yeena Yoo, Chair of the Economic Development Committee of the DuPage County Board.

• Motion to approve by Member Giles
• Seconded by Member Szczepaniak
• All ayes, MOTION APPROVED

Member Rahnee Patrick presented the Member Minute. Member Patrick is the Director of the Department of Human Service- Division of Rehabilitative Services for the State of Illinois for the past 6 years. Member Patrick discussed her role and the services provided by the agency. She welcomed the opportunity to sit on the WIB, she knows how critical WIOA services are to the community and wishes more are aware of the successes of the program.

Member Cassidy presented the fiscal report. The program year ends on 7/1/25 so most monies have been obligated. Obligations for 1A and IY are above the 80% required obligation and 1D is just below at 76%. In regard to the 50% Minimum Training Expenditure, 1A and 1D combined are at 49.9%. Member Schvach has been in close contract with the fiscal team, and they have assured her all required measures will be met.

Jamie reviewed the Presidential Executive Order issued on April 23, 2025 “Preparing Americans for High-paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future” The EO sets forth a 90-day timeline for the Secretary of Labor, Commerce and Education to review all Federal workforce development programs and submit a report identifying ways to integrate systems and realign resources to address critical workforce needs. The order requires a plan to be submitted outlining how the number of apprentices will be increased to over one million

The Skinny Budget was also released which is a high-level overview of the FY26 budget. One of the components of the budget is Make America Skilled Again which suggests a state block grant that could replace the WIOA system of local control.

There is a great deal of uncertainty around the future of WIOA funding but organizations like the National Association of Workforce Boards are advocating for the system. Jamie explained that there are strategies being reviewed by the State association (Illinois Workforce Partnership) and members may be asked to sign on to letters of support for the system. Jamie will keep the group informed as things progress.

Jamie presented the WARN report and there were two events: KSM Electronics and Cardinal Logistics Management. The KSM event affected 85 employees and most were assemblers. A Rapid Response workshop was held in English and Spanish and 35 employees attended. The Cardinal Logistics Management (Ryder) affected 43 employees. All employees were past of IBT local 673 and the union is working to assist with reemployment.

Jamie reminded the group that the DuPage Workforce Foundation exists as separate entity from the Board as a not-for-profit organization. Given the uncertainty around federal funding, Title I is exploring the formation of a 501(c)(3) to diversify revenue streams and pursue new funding opportunities and enhance long-term stability. Jamie has done some preliminary research and has been told the process could take up to a year. Member Szczepaniak commented she believes it could be accomplished in six months. By laws would also need to be developed. Jamie stated that there are established for the not-for profit. Member Cassidy commented that grant staff would need to be hired to pursue grants. The group was in full agreement that they would like to receive more information.

Jamie informed the group that there was one submittal to the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the One Stop Operator (OSO), the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. The Western DuPage Chamber previously served as the OSO form 2017-2021. The Chamber did not reapply for the position in 2021. The RFP review team consisted of Lisa Schvach (Title I) Annie Davis (Title I), Susan Ryan (WIB), Kevin Bass (WIB) Doug Potts (IDES) and Jonita Ellis (COD). Jamie reviewed the scorecard, and the Chamber earned 99/100 points.

Member Wollensak asked if the Chamber is aware that the role is now a part-time role, when the Chamber was previously the OSO it was a full-time role. Jamie indicated yes, the scope of work indicates it is a part-time role. Member asked if there could be more informal performance reviews as there were some challenges last time the Chamber served as the OSO. Jamie indicated that the performance would be reviewed and if challenges present themselves, they would be addressed. Member Wendorf asked if there were data systems in place when the Chamber previously served as the OSO and Jamie said there were not systems in place, as it was a new role at the time. Jamie indicated that there are systems in place to track referrals and outcomes which have streamlined the role. Member Wendorf voiced his strong support for the Chamber and its president, Dave Sabathne.

• Motion to approve award to Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce OSO contract in the amount of $20,000/year by Member Giles
• Seconded by Member Wendorf
• All ayes, MOTION APPROVED

Jamie informed the group that a significant portion of the Youth allocation is subcontracted out to community partners. The Center is awaiting the Youth allocation for the next Program Year and as soon as it is released, a Request for Proposals for perspective youth providers will be released. Jamie and one of her colleagues have spoken to several entities who are interested in responding to the RFP. Board approval will be required before contracts can be extended to youth providers.

Many of the approved healthcare programs are above the 10K training cap and at the last meeting the Board expressed interest in possibly increasing the cap for healthcare programs. Jamie presented the Board with data as it relates to the number of clients enrolled in healthcare programs over the 10K training cap and the programs that are above the training cap. For PY 24, there are 15 clients enrolled in programs that exceed the training cap. This number is down from PY23. The average cost of a healthcare related voucher in PY24 $3515.45 down from $4246.62 in PY23.  Jamie also reviewed the healthcare training participant pre and post training wages. Chair Ryan asked if a potential increase could be incremental depending upon the cost of the program and Jamie said yes that is a possibility. The Board indicated they would like to review and consider the data presented before making a decision.

Training Provider Approvals

 Ambria College of Nursing
Associates of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Practical Nursing Program

These programs are annual renewals

• Motion to approve by Member Wendorf
• Seconded by Member Allen
• All ayes, MOTION APPROVED

Alpha Truck Driving School

        160 Hour CDL Program

200 Hour CDL Program

240 Hour CDL Program

These programs are annual renewals

• Motion to approve by Member Giles
• Seconded by Member Romanowicz
• All ayes, MOTION APPROVED

College of DuPage

             Adult ELA/HSE ICAPS Pharmacy Technician Certificate

CIT Networking Professional

Cybersecurity and Defense AAS Degree (for a specific client)

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

• Motion to approve by Member Wollensak
• Seconded by Member Allen
• Abstention by Deasy, Kuglin Seago
• All ayes, MOTION APPROVED

Parents Alliance Employment Project presented on their programming.

There was no old business.

Member Schvach explained to the group that she is exploring a program which is offered by ComED called Tools of the Trade. The program is a 6-week pre-apprenticeship program that prepares that prepares 17-19 year olds for entry-level jobs in the skilled trades. She mentioned that WIOA eligibility may affect the ability to fund such students.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:14am.