Call to Order/Roll Call
Chair Susan Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:32.
Members Present
Joe Cassidy
Kevin Bass
Mary Keating
Susan Ryan
Tiffany Rotondo
Others Present
Jamie Brown
Members Absent
Jane Clark
Public Comment
- There was no public comment.
Approval of the February 26, 2025, minutes
Approval of the February 26, 2025, Executive Committee minutesÂ
- Motion to approve by Member CassidyÂ
- Second by Member BassÂ
- All ayes, motion APPROVEDÂ
- Review minutes here
Training Provider Approvals
College of DuPage has implemented a tuition increase of $4.00 per credit hour, effective Fall term 2025. All WIOA-programs are affected. Â
- Motion to approve price increase of $4.00 per credit hour for all WIIOA programs by Member KeatingÂ
- Second by Member BassÂ
- Abstention by Member CassidyÂ
- All ayes, MOTION APPROVEDÂ
College of DuPage is offering a new RN 8-week refresher course for nurses who have been away from nursing practice. The course prepares students for the NCLEX exam. Â
- Motion to approve RN 8-week refresher course by Member KeatingÂ
- Second by Member RotondoÂ
- Abstention by Member Cassidy Â
- All ayes, MOTION APPROVED
Â
ETI-School of Skilled TradesÂ
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and RefrigerationÂ
Skilled WelderÂ
- Motion to approve by Member RotondoÂ
- Second by Member KeatingÂ
- All ayes, MOTION APPROVED
State Funds Update
Jamie informed the group that for the second year in a row, a portion of the States General Revenue Funds (GRF) has been allocated for workforce development activities in each LWIA across the State. DuPage County has been awarded $148,000. These funds are unrestricted dollars and are not subject to WIOA eligibility guidelines. The proposed program involves hiring youth to create TikTok videos that showcase a variety of occupations. As part of the initiative, the youth will visit local companies throughout the county to produce these videos. This approach aims to raise awareness about diverse career paths, particularly for the many young people who visit the center and may not be familiar with the wide range of available occupations. The Center will likely partner with a marketing firm to help develop the workplan and review the videos. Â
Member Keating commented that this may be an opportunity to partner with COD’s marketing department. Also, procurement may be needed if there is a contract with an outside firm. Â
The workplan will need to be approved by DECO, it is expected to be reviewed quickly so the LWIAs can move ahead with their respective projects.
Federal Updates
There continues to be a great deal of uncertainty at the federal level regarding funding across many programs, including WIOA. There must be a budget in place by October 1 to avoid a shutdown. In March of 2025, Congress passed a continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government thorough the end of the fiscal year which ends on September 30, 2025. Member Keating indicated that another continuing resolution is likely to be passed. A CR generally extends funding from the previous fiscal year. Â
Foundation Donation/501(c)3
Jamie informed the group that a private donation has been made to the foundation in the amount of $2500. The funding will be used to assist clients with emergency needs that are preventing them from attending training, working, etc. Reinstating the 501(C)3 is still being explored, Member Keating stated that there may be a way to expand the scope of her 501(c)3, the by-laws would need to be revised. Jamie will discuss with Lisa and keep the group informed.Â
Executive Committee Vacancy
Kate Wollensak’s resignation from the board leaves a vacancy on the Executive Committee. The group discussed possible replacements and agreed that Larry Blackburn would be a good replacement. Jamie will reach out to Larry to gauge his interest in joining the committee. Â
Old Business
There was no old business.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:42.
