The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees met on Tues., August 9, 2016, at 8 a.m. at the president’s office in the college’s Administration Center.
Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president of economic development, spoke to the board regarding the HVAC update in the college’s Instructional Center, as related to the college’s Five-Year Facilities Plan. Lesan said the HVAC update is noted in 2016 and 2017 of the plan, as well as a Phase 4 update for the HVAC system, listed in the 2018 section of the plan. Lesan stated the majority of these projects are being completed during the remodel of room 220, which is currently underway. Following Lesan’s report, the board approved the college’s Five-Year Facilities Plan as presented. Later in the meeting, Lesan updated the board on progress in room 220, stating that all the HVAC units have been delivered and the steel for the platform will be delivered next week. Lesan anticipates a completion date of mid-October for the room 220 project.
Following a report to the board by Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, regarding updates made to the Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT) defined contribution retirement plan participation agreement, the board approved the plan as presented. Crittenden explained the changes, related to the TIAA contribution plan, help clarify the rate of contributions made under the IACCT plan. The rate of contribution made to TIAA under the IACCT plan, is the same as the rate for employees in IPERS. According to Crittenden, if there are further modifications to those rates, the revisions will be brought back to board as necessary.
The board held a brief discussion regarding the college’s Intermediary Grant teacher externships available, through SWCC’s Workplace Learning Network, to all teachers in Area XIV. The externships provide teachers with opportunities to be in the workplace with a professional in a selected career area for 40 hours. Teachers are paid a $600 stipend for completing the externship.
Lesan reported to the board regarding the repaving of Spartan Drive on the northwest side of the college’s campus. According to Lesan, the project has been delayed due to recent heavy rainfall. He said the hope is that the concrete can be poured early next week. In addition, a main gas line was damaged and should be repaired this week.
Lesan spoke briefly to the board regarding RAGBRAI being on campus July 25-26. He said the effort was a success and the college and the Creston community have received many compliments from biking participants.
Jerry Smith, board member from Osceola and SWCC Iowa Association of Community College Trustees (IACCT) representative, briefed the board regarding the recent IACCT meeting prior to the meeting being adjourned.
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