Creston—The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met on Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at 5:30 p.m., in the board room of the college’s Administration Center.
In personnel, the board accepted the resignation of Travis Hamilton, criminal justice instructor. Hamilton asked to be released prior to the end of his current contract. The board approved Hamilton’s resignation based on a mutually agreed upon date, provided college administration is able to secure a suitable replacement for the position.
Tia Samo, SWCC chief financial officer, spoke concerning the college’s asset protection. She said the college’s insurance rates would be increasing for the coming year. She introduced Devon Leith and Phil Tyler of Tyler Insurance Services, Inc., in Creston, to explain the reasons behind the increase. Leith noted property risks make up the bulk of the rate increase. She said overall the college will experience a 15 percent increase. She said this was considered one of the lower increases statewide, and that colleges with adverse losses are experiencing increases of 20-25 percent. Samo explained that Southwestern is a part of a pool of community colleges, referred to as the Iowa Association of School Boards Safety Group, so that the colleges can pool together to reduce the risk and help keep premiums down. Samo said the college budget was increased in anticipation of this change in premium and therefore will have funds to cover the increase.
Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president of economic development, reviewed the Bond Trac report. Lesan said there are three companies in Southwestern’s region in the current Bond Trac. He advised there should be another issuance this fall.
Kim Bishop, SWCC dean of student services, reported preliminary enrollment figures for the fall 2021 semester to the SWCC board. Bishop said enrollment numbers are looking strong compared to the 2020-21 academic year with headcount up 2.8 percent and total credit hours up 1.9 percent.
Bishop told the board two COVID-19 vaccination clinics were held for students and employees during move-in weekend and the first week of classes. Following the clinics, a prize drawing was held as an incentive for students to get their COVID-19 vaccines. Approximately 150 students entered the drawing by showing vaccination documentation. Bishop said additional vaccination clinics will be held on campus this week.
Emily Shields, executive director of the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT), introduced herself to the SWCC board. She became IACCT director in early-2021 and has now traveled to the board meetings of all 15 community colleges. She briefed the board on education opportunities, legislative priorities, and conference updates. She shared the redistricting of legislative and congressional district boundaries will be redrawn in 2023 and will not affect elections until fall 2023.
Dr. Marge Welch, SWCC president, recognized Clint Williams, science instructor, was in attendance as the faculty representative. She introduced Barb Godden, SWCC vice president of institutional effectiveness, to the board. Godden started in her position in August.
Jerry Smith, board member from Osceola and SWCC representative for IACCT, provided a brief update of staffing changes in the IACCT office. Smith said Shields started in her position eight months ago and already has done a lot. Dave Palmer, community college legislative liaison is retiring, and IACCT will not be rehiring for his position. Instead, Shields will be picking up some of the duties of the position.
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