Galesburg Area Vocational Center director Mr. Sini presented the GAVC FY26 budget and program goals, reporting student enrollment growth, expansion of work‑based learning and the addition of several dual‑credit career pathways. The board approved the GAVC FY26 budget during the meeting.

Enrollment and program goals

Mr. Sini said he based the FY26 budget on projected enrollment of 446 students — an increase of just over 5% from the prior year — and that area student enrollment rose to a projected 192 students from about 120 the previous year. He described continued emphasis on career and technical programs, expanded college and career pathway endorsements (including planned pathways for firefighting, nurse assistant, medical assistant and welding), and more intentional employability‑skills instruction in response to employer feedback.

Grants and revenue assumptions

Mr. Sini said Perkins and CTEI allocations for the year had not been issued to schools at the time of his presentation, so his budget used the previous year’s grant figures as a placeholder. He also said SkillsUSA fees previously covered by a hunger‑collaborative grant have been rolled into the GAVC operating budget so students will continue to have access to those opportunities.

FY26 financials

Mr. Sini presented comparative figures: FY25 revenue just over $1,031,000 and projected FY26 revenue just under $1,243,000; FY25 expenses a hair over $923,000 and FY26 projected expenses just over $997,000. Mr. Sini said the GAVC ended FY25 with a fund balance of about $164,489.59 and projects a FY26 surplus of nearly $246,000.

Capacity and work‑based learning

When asked about capacity, Mr. Sini said some programs are near capacity but estimated the center could add about 40–50 students spread across programs, and he described plans to expand welding and consider advanced career offerings such as AI, cybersecurity and computer programming. He also highlighted growing internship placements (automotive internships at three local shops beginning the next day) and several students entering registered apprenticeships.

Board action

The board moved and approved the GAVC FY26 budget by roll call. During the approval vote Allison and other members verbally recorded “Aye.”

Ending

Mr. Sini said the budget and program planning aim to sustain and grow student opportunities in career and technical education while maintaining fiscal prudence as grant allocations are finalized.