Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 5:30 p.m. in the Administration Center on the Creston campus.
The board held a public hearing for the resurfacing of Spartan Drive, the road winding around the Instructional Center on the north side of campus. No oral or written objections or petitions were heard or submitted. Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president for economic development, reported there were five bids received for the project. The bids ranged from $499,000 to $933,108. The board approved the bid from Crain Construction, of Clarinda, for $499,000. The project is slated to begin this summer.
Lesan reminded the board of the college’s 50th Anniversary Open House, to be held Sat., April 16, from 2-4 p.m. in the Student Center. He said the open house would be a come and go event with tours of the nursing simulation lab, career and technical education program areas, and the residence halls. The professional music department will be providing live music in the courtyard area of the Instructional Center during the event.
During the President’s Report, Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, told the board the college’s spring commencement ceremony will be held on Fri., May 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the Student Center gymnasium. There was also discussion of RAGBRAI, which comes to Creston on Mon., July 25. Requests for camping accommodations from various groups are being received. It is expected as many as 6,000 people could be housed on campus that night.
Ann Schlapia, SWCC Workplace Learning Network coordinator, presented to the board regarding the details of her program. She demonstrated the online Career Coach program the Workplace Learning Network utilizes.
Tia Samo, SWCC chief financial officer, informed the board consideration is being given to refinancing the 2010 dorm revenue bonds due to lower interest rates. With the refinancing, Samo said the new rate would be locked at 2.95 percent and the college would save $166,000 over the life of the bonds. The recommendation will be addressed at the May board of trustees meeting.
Crittenden told the board the college’s athletics department is planning to host its annual Four-Person Best Shot Golf Tournament on Sat., May 28, 2016 at Crestmoor Golf Course. Tee times are 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Jerry Smith, SWCC board member from Osceola and Iowa Association for Community College Trustee’s (IACCT) representative, told the board he and Crittenden would be presenting information on Carver Policy Governance on Wed., April 13 via a Webinar.
The board held a Collective Bargaining Strategy Session following adjournment of the meeting.
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