JWCC Board of Trustees continue tuition freeze
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By DAVID CAMPHOUSE
At its June 18 meeting, the John Wood Community College Board of Trustees approved a tentative $19.57 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2025–2026.
The proposed financial plan includes no increase in tuition or universal fees, continuing a trend now in its third consecutive year. JWCC President Dr. Bryan Renfro emphasized the college’s focus on minimizing student costs.
“More than half of our students can attend at no cost through federal and state grant assistance and privately funded scholarships,” Renfro said in a release provided by JWCC. “This achievement underscores our dedication to keeping tuition as low as possible, ensuring everyone can attend.”
In order to keep tuition flat, the College is counting on increased enrollment to drive a six percent increase in credit hour delivery compared to the prior year. That growth is central to JWCC’s budget, as tuition and fees account for 44 percent of total revenue. Property taxes contribute another 39 percent, while state funding is expected to provide 11 percent, and the remaining 6 percent comes from facility rentals and miscellaneous sources.
While the College anticipates an increase in enrollment, the College anticipates a 15 percent reduction in state funding, with projected revenues from that source falling to $2.08 million—down from last year’s $2.45 million.
The tentative budget will remain open for public inspection for 30 days before the Board formally adopts it at its July meeting.
Additional items approved during the meeting included the renewal of the United Way Partner agreement for FY26 and the write-off of $52,177.45 in uncollectible student accounts. Trustees also adopted the 2025–2026 college catalog and authorized a $9 million School Treasurer’s Bond through The Hartford via the Illinois Community College Risk Management Consortium.
A one-year sublease agreement with the Regional Office of Education for space at the Southeast Education Center was approved, as was the hiring of a professional search firm to identify candidates for the college’s presidential vacancy. The Board also confirmed an employment agreement appointing Mr. Josh Welker as Interim President.
The next meeting of the JWCC Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday, July 28, at 6:00 p.m. on the Quincy campus.
