Southwestern Community College (SWCC) is anxiously awaiting final results from the school election held Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017. On the ballot was the college’s Six-Cent Levy, in place since 2007.
Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, said initial reporting is looking good for the college.
“From what we’re able to determine from the unofficial results being reported by the counties in the college’s region, it looks as if the levy will pass with approximately a 78.5 percent majority,” stated Crittenden.
The levy is in place for the purpose of generating funds to be utilized for the purchase of instructional equipment. Examples of purchases made with levy funds include training equipment and tools for career and technical education programs and computers and laptops utilized in labs and mobile labs at the main campus, as well as at the centers in Osceola and Red Oak.
According to Bill Taylor, SWCC vice president of instruction, these purchases are vital to the college and its students.
“Because the levy funds are restricted to the purchase of instructional equipment, they directly benefit all students attending all locations of Southwestern,” Taylor stated. “It is imperative students are trained and taught using the latest technology, so they will be prepared when they enter the workforce.”
Crittenden said the college is feeling good about these initial results and the support the college has received from throughout the region.
“We appreciate the ongoing support we have received from the communities we serve in southwest Iowa,” stated Crittenden. “Your votes mean a lot to the college and the students we serve.”
Each year, SWCC serves more than 2,000 credit students, including approximately 600 high school students each semester. In addition, the college serves approximately 5,600 individuals each year in adult and continuing education programs.
All 15 Iowa community colleges have Six-Cent Levies in place.
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