By Eric Stock and Howard Packowitz
Following almost two years of uncertain state funding, Illinois State University’s Board of Trustees has approved a spending plan for the fiscal year that’s well underway.
The board gave preliminary approval to a $427 million budget in May, but it was pending commitment of state funding. ISU wound up with a seven million dollar reduction in the budget that was adopted by the state legislature.
The board also approved a $50,000 performance-based bonus for President Larry Dietz. He thanked trustees for their support, but stressed that there is still work to be done around campus.
“Thank you to you and to all the board members for your vote of confidence in me and in the essence of the leadership team of the university, it’s greatly appreciated,” said Dietz.
“We’ve got a lot more to do. We’ve got a lot more to do, we’ll work very hard to continue your confidence in us,” Dietz also said.
University staff laid out a $300 million wish list for construction projects for trustees to submit to the state.
The university is requesting money for new buildings for the Mennonite College of Nursing, Metcalf and University High Schools.
ISU is also seeking funding to rehabilitate Milner Library, DeGarmo, and Williams Halls.
Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]
