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

Trustees authorized a capital project for purchase and installation of a Golf Team Hitting Facility, two Golfing Simulators, and all necessary design & construction with a cost not to exceed $600,000 funded through donations to the Foundation. The modular 16’ x 48’ Golf Team Hitting Facility will be manufactured by First Galena Corporation and the two Golf Simulators are from Design2Golf.

Authorization to Name the Barro Family Office

Trustees approved the naming of the offensive line coach’s office inside the Kaufman Football Building as the “Barro Family Office” in recognition of Bruce Barro’s financial support to Illinois State University. Barro is an alum, former Redbird football player, and great friend to Illinois State University’s football program. He was coached by current Offensive Line Coach Harold Etheridge during his time at Illinois State.