McHenry County College Board Now Has Full Board

McHenry County College will have a full seven-member board following Monday's Special Meeting of the College Board of Trustees. In the November 2 Election, Donna Kurtz was elected to the McHenry County Board. By State Statute, it was ruled that the two positions are in conflict and Ms. Kurtz had to resign from the College Board.

Following public interviews Monday evening of four candidates, Dennis Adams of McHenry was selected to fill the vacancy of Ms. Kurtz. Adams is the owner of an auto collision business with locations in Harvard, Lake in the Hills and Huntley. He also spent ten years with Metra and serves as a treasurer for a political campaign.

Adams told the Trustees present that he had attended classes at McHenry County College and some of his employees also took classes at the college.

He also informed board members that being on the board would mean he would be responsible to two groups, the students and the taxpayers and it is necessary to balance quality with the taxes.

"I'd like to serve on the board and be involved in the community and learn from others," Adams explained. When asked if he saw himself as a micro-manager or a policy-setter, he responded he was a policy setter.

His idea is that board members should be going to civic organization as the board is the visible extension of McHenry County College.

As to what skills he possesses that would be most advantageous to the College, Adams related that it would be common sense. "When getting the large budgets, a small business man has a lot to offer," Adams told the Trustees.

On a question of how the College could improve its image, Adams suggested that the board talk to community organizations and offer the positive things taking place at the College, and ask for help from the community. "The public will think positive, if the Board thinks positive," he says.

When questioned about his understanding of the challenges facing community colleges, Adams suggested that working with four-year schools will keep a demand for the facility viable for the future.