Board of Trustees action items, May 9, 2025

The Board of Trustees of Illinois State University approved several resolutions at its regular meeting on May 9, 2025. Full text of the resolutions can be found on the Board of Trustees website.

Consent Agenda: All items listed on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and enacted in one motion. Details regarding Consent Agenda items may be found on the website.

Approval of FY 2026 Spending Authorization

The Board of Trustees authorized the University to obligate and expend funds according to the FY2026 Spending Authorization until the Board takes further action on the final Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. As the University transitions to a new budget calendar and process, FY2026 spending authorization is based on revenue projections at the fund level. The review of the operating budget is expected to occur in July 2025, but is reliant on legislatively approved, final appropriations from the State.

Authorization for Expenditures for College of Engineering Construction Services

Trustees approved expenditures not to exceed $41.5 million for all necessary College of Engineering Phase 1 - Project Construction & Classroom, Lab, and Audio/Visual Equipment for the renovation of the property at 1709 GE Road, Bloomington, IL. The approval of Phase 1 expenditures follows the development of a preliminary budget to implement all the necessary project components to implement the new College of Engineering functions. The plan for the first phase is to accommodate 600 new engineering students. Phase 2 of the College of Engineering is planned to include the costs of renovating additional space within the property at 1709 GE Road, that could accommodate more than 1,000 students.

Authorization for School Street and South University Street Parking Garages Repair Project

Trustees voted to authorize expenditures not to exceed $1,200,000 for a capital project for repairs at the School Street Parking Garage and South University Street Parking Garage. The project will complete the necessary repairs and restorations of the top parking level, and the ramp to the top parking level, including the underside of that ramp. The repair work will begin in the summer of 2025 and completion is expected by the winter of 2025.

Authorization for Golf Team Hitting Facility Project

The board approved the naming of the field inside the OSF HealthCare Athletics Training Center as the "Barnett Family Field" in recognition of financial support to Illinois State University. Danny Barnett is an alum, former Redbird football player, and great friend to Illinois State University's football program.

Authorization to Name the Barro Family Office

The board also approved the naming of the court in the north gym of Horton Field House as the "Lynch Family Court" in recognition of financial support to Illinois
State University. The court will now recognize Glen and Janet Lynch for the family's generous donation to enhance experiences for student athletes. Lynch Family Court will be used as a practice space for the volleyball, men's basketball, and women's basketball, as well as for KNR classes throughout the academic year.