The Rend Lake College Board of Trustees met last night and the board granted permission to close the Therapeutic Massage program effective at the end of the Spring 2016 semester.  The recommendation to close the program was based on low enrollment and poor job prospects and earning potential for graduates, and the situation is further magnified by the lack of state funding and tuition reimbursement.  Per Illinois Community College Board and Higher Learning Commission guidelines, a teach-out plan will be submitted to ensure that all students currently enrolled have completed the program before its closure.  Due to the closure, the board approved the non-renewal of the contract of Michael Adamson, Therapeutic Massage Associate Professor, effective May 6, 2016.  The move is considered an honorable dismissal and a reduction in force, and is a result of the state’s budget impasse and lack of funding to the college.  In addition, the contract for Dr. Vincent Hustad, temporary full-time biology instructor, will not be renewed when it expires on May 6^th.  This also is due to reductions and spending cuts resulting from the state budget impasse and lack of funding.  In other business, the board accepted the resignation of Shae’Ana Nelson, Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach, effective February 11^th.  They tabled any action on employment of a temporary full-time employee in the RLC Foundation Children’s Center.