The Kaskaskia College Board of Trustees met last night for the regular monthly meeting.  They approved a resolution ratifying an intergovernmental agreement with the State of Illinois for the ownership of the building which housed the former Animal Disease Lab located on KC’s Main Campus.  State Agriculture Director Robert Flider was on the KC campus on Friday to formally sign the 48,000 square foot building to the College.  The Board also approved the authorization of College Staff to dispose of remaining equipment and supplies in the former Animal Disease Lab.  In personnel action, the Board hired Kelsey Tate of Salem as the Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Student Success and Lisa Kampwerth of Carlyle as the Network Support Specialist.  The Board approved the purchase of classroom and office furniture for the Trenton Education Center in the amount of $133,993 to Business Interiors by Staples of Saint Louis and approved the purchase of computer and technology equipment from Dell, Incorporated in the amount of $35,585.80 and CDWG of Vernon Hills, Illinois for the amount of $17,814.57.  The Board approved a new Residential – Commercial Electrical Technician AAS Degree Program.  This new curriculum, which compliments existing offerings in the electrical and electronics fields, is the product of special collaborative partnerships with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Illinois Locals 309 and 702.  Demand for these technicians is very strong, and an anticipated national growth rate of 23% and 59 replacement positions per year in the W.I.A. districts served by Kaskaskia College.  The new program, which is equivalent to the first two years of a union apprenticeship, offers students the knowledge and skills needed for employment and for certification and licensing in the field.  The Board heard a report on a new class being offered for Ameren employees who need to pass a Construction and Skilled Trades Test.  This test must be passed by utility workers nationwide for them to be eligible for hire, regardless of any other qualification(s).  The class that consists of two full days of training using an intense, “boot camp” approach, was taught on consecutive Saturdays at the Trenton Education Center, for the convenience of prospective Ameren employees in Western Clinton County, Belleville and surrounding areas.  The CAST preparation class exemplifies KC’s responsiveness to area employers and our flexibility in developing and scheduling new offerings tailored to their specific needs.  The Trustees heard a report on the College’s comprehensive correctional center courses, a popular non-credit workshop that occurs monthly at the Centralia facility.  “How to Start a Business in Illinois” is conducted each month by Riley Barker from the Small Business Development Center staff.  Once incarcerated and realizing that the term “felon” limits future job prospects, workshop participants are eager for the information provided by the SBDC regarding self-employment.  The SBDC workshop builds confidence, stresses disciplined planning and offers new insights to participants.  Creating business plans that build upon ideas and interests creates a more powerful vision of what can be accomplished by each individual.  Workshops also highlight current marketing & technology tools so participants are prepared for the most current business practices and techniques.  The Centralia Correctional Center program will start its third year in February 2014.