Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. in the SWCC Administration Center for their regular board meeting.
During the meeting, the board approved a bid of $215,000 from Bill Messerole and Devon Leith for the sale of the student-constructed carpentry house at 1301 N. Mulberry Street in Creston.
Uncollectible account write-offs were approved as presented by Teresa Krejci, SWCC chief financial officer. Krejci said the accounts presented to the board, most of them from fiscal year 2009-10, had been at collections with little or no activity for 18 months or more. Krejci explained although the account balances are written-off, students’ transcripts are held and students cannot register for additional classes until the balance is paid.
Bill Taylor, SWCC vice president of instruction, spoke to the board concerning negotiations underway with the Union County Development Association (UCDA) for construction of a home by the 2012-13 college carpentry program. Taylor explained the property, which will be located in Creston, would be owned by UCDA. Taylor said within 60 days of completion, the home would be purchased by UCDA if it was not already sold. Taylor reminded the board that the college has three remaining lots in the College Park Subdivision as well. Following Taylor’s summary, the board authorized the SWCC administration to enter into a Building Partnership Contract with UCDA for the construction of the home.
During the president’s report, Charlie Mundy, SWCC Osceola high school carpentry instructor, presented to the board concerning the many service projects his students have completed. The group has traveled to locations affected by disaster to assist with rebuilding efforts. Trips have included locations such as Louisiana, Texas, South Dakota, and Joplin, MO.
Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, and Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president of economic development, presented to the board regarding the recovery effort that has been underway on the Creston campus following the April 14 tornado. Crittenden showed the board a presentation outlining the damage on campus and Lesan updated the board about progress-to-date, as well as upcoming reconstruction that will take place. According to Lesan, reconstruction quotes are due from contractors by Friday and reconstruction could start as early as next week.
Crittenden reminded the board about Spring 2012 Commencement, which will take place Fri., May 11, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President of the United States Joe Biden, will be the guest speaker.
Other upcoming events Crittenden mentioned included Summer 2012 Commencement, which is scheduled for Fri., June 29, at 7:30 p.m. and the 13th Annual Athletic Golf Tournament, scheduled for Sat., May 19, at Crestmoor Golf Club in Creston.
Jerry Smith, SWCC board member and Iowa Association for Community College Trustees (IACCT) representative, reported the annual IACCT Retreat will be held at Okoboji from July 25-27.