Tensions Flare as JJC Chairman Rebukes “Entitlement” After Trustee Lists Demands

Article Summary: Apparent tensions on the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees surfaced during its meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, when one trustee requested to be returned to “good standing” and Chairman Jim Budzinski later delivered pointed remarks about the difference between “privilege” and “entitlement” among board members.

JJC Board of Trustees Key Points:

• Trustee Maureen Broderick requested several items for the next board agenda, including being “brought back to good standing.”

• Chairman Jim Budzinski used his report to address board conduct, stating membership is a “privilege” that “does not give anyone any entitlements.”

• Budzinski emphasized the board’s responsibility to support policies after they have been approved.

JOLIET, IL – A dispute over board policies and conduct became public during the Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, culminating in sharp comments from the board chairman regarding trustee responsibilities.

During the trustee updates portion of the meeting, Trustee Maureen Broderick requested that several items be added to the next month’s agenda. These included a request for her “to be brought back to good standing,” a revision of the budget development policy, a review of billing options, a closed session for a personal issue, and several other reports.

Later in the meeting, Chairman Jim Budzinski delivered a prepared Chair’s Report that appeared to directly address the earlier comments. “There are three words that the definitions have been really, really blurred on this Board,” Budzinski stated. “One is privilege, one is entitlement and the last one is responsibility/code of conduct.”

Budzinski continued, “Being a Board member at JJC is certainly a privilege but it does not give anyone any entitlements.” He noted that college policy requires trustees to be in “good standing” to attend and represent JJC at sponsored events.

He concluded by stressing that it is the board’s duty to uphold the policies it passes. “The Board’s responsibility after approving a policy is then for the Board to support it, not argue about it every single meeting,” he said.