Quincy The John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved a balanced budget of $19,566,691 for the 2025–2026 Fiscal Year on Monday during their July meeting. In addition to projecting a 6% increase in credit hours offered to JWCC students over the previous year, the budget includes a zero-dollar increase in tuition and general fees.
Since tuition and fees make up 44% of JWCC’s overall revenue, enrollment determines the majority of the institution’s budget. Eleven percent comes from governmental financing, six percent comes from other sources, and 39 percent comes from corporate and personal property taxes.
It is anticipated that state funding will drop by almost 15% to $2,077,360 from the $2,454,961 allocated amount for the previous fiscal year.
The municipal property tax rate was reduced by about 1 cent per $100 EAV by JWCC compared to the prior year. An estimated $665,898 in operating revenue will be generated by an increase in the equalized assessed valuation of district property.
Additionally, the Deters Land Trust and the Weiman Family Trust made proposals to sell real estate to JWCC, which the trustees accepted. For $1.02 million, JWCC will purchase two parcels of land totaling 40 acres north of its existing holdings. The purchase will be made with funds that are restricted for facility and property operations and retained in reserve.
According to JWCC Interim President Josh Welker, the College was given the first right of refusal on this property about thirty years ago as part of our initial campus planning, and the owners approached us to take action on that choice. Purchasing the land is a calculated, long-term investment that guarantees we can expand with the area, meet future community and educational demands, and preserve our campus’s worth for future generations.
According to Board Chair Bob Rhea, the Trustees see the purchase of the site as a duty the Board has to the community and future students, and JWCC does not currently have any plans for the property’s development.
According to Rhea, it is our duty as a Board to consider the needs of the community and kids far into the future, not just today. By securing this site, we uphold the original campus concept and make sure we’re ready to expand and serve whatever comes up in the future.The Deters and Weiman families and JWCC have a bond based on respect for one another and a common dedication to community and education. As we continue to serve this region, it is an honor for us to continue that legacy.
The Pauly Group was also engaged by the Trustees to search the entire country for the College’s next president. In order to hire the College’s next leader by late fall, the trustees anticipate starting the search shortly. As interim president, Josh Welker is the Dean of Business Services and Institutional Effectiveness at JWCC.
In further matters, the Board:
authorized receipt of $1,994,875 in grant monies from the Department of Education for TRiO Student Support Services, or $389,975 per year for five years.
approved the Illinois Cooperative Work Study program’s $18,000 grant application to be submitted to the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
The Illinois Community College Board will receive six Resource Allocation and Management Project (RAMP) documents and a matching funds commitment for the 2026 fiscal year budget when they have been approved.
approved signing of a contract with Quanada to acknowledge the company’s offerings and keep lines of communication open.
Approved signing of a 22-month lease with Bella Ease to terminate the lease with Bella Ease at the Mt. Sterling Education Center and to utilize space within JWCC’s Southeast Education Center.
approved the payment of $3,744 toward the first half of the Illinois Community College Trustee Association dues.
The JWCC Board of Trustees will meet again on Wednesday, August 20 at Bella Ease, which is located in downtown Quincy.
