CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – During its regular meeting on Wednesday, the Parkland College Board of Trustees reviewed the tentative budget for the fiscal year of 2026 and heard an enrollment update, alongside other agenda items.

The proposed budget will be published in The News-Gazette prior to final approval at the board’s meeting on September 27. Questions regarding the budget prior to that meeting may be directed to Senior Vice President for Administrative Services, Chris Randles.

Dean of Enrollment Kristin Smigielski presented the board with end-of-semester enrollment data for the Spring and Summer semesters of this year, both of which increased. She also presented data trends for the upcoming Fall semester.

Trustees also revised the contract for Parkland College president Dr. Pamela Lau, executive officer of the Board, and chief administrative officer. Lau’s new term is July 1 of this year through June 30, 2029 with an approved 5.45% annual salary increase for administrators.

Trustees also approved the following in the meeting:

  • the filing of grant applications:
    • Illinois Community College Board (ICCB): FY2026 Pipeline for the Advancement of the Healthcare Workforce (PATH)—SWFT Healthcare
    • ICCB: Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI)—Support for Workforce Training (SWFT)
    • ICCB: FY26 Rev Up EV Community College Initiative (Continuation Funding)
  • funds awarded to the college from external sources:
    • Local Workforce Development Board 17—LWIA 17 Youth Committee (via CCRPC): 2025 Youth Providers Grant (WIOA)
    • ICCB: FY25 Noncredit Strategies at Work Grant (Supplemental Funding)
    • Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT): FY26 Highway Construction Careers Training Program (HCCTP)
  • personnel appointments and modifications:
    • Stacey Brown, Operations Assistant, Community Education
    • Thurman Culpepper, Senior Technical Support Specialist, Campus Technologies
    • Haiti Eastin, Financial Aid Compliance Specialist, Financial Aid
    • Megan Kirkhart, Career Services Manager, Career Center
    • Skyler O’Connor, Video Production Specialist, Arts, Media & Social Sciences
    • Maddie Sneddon, Career Services Associate, Advising