Creston— The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors met Tues., October 10, 2017, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center on the Creston campus.
During the meeting, Dr. Tony Cass, of Creston, was elected as president of the college’s board. Cass, who has been on the SWCC board since Feb. 2009, had served as the board’s vice president since 2015. Fred Shearer, of Corning, was elected as vice president of the college’s board of trustees. Shearer joined the SWCC board in 2002. SWCC Assistant to the President Mary Jo Skarda was appointed as board secretary and SWCC Chief Financial Officer Tia Samo was appointed as board treasurer. Skarda noted the remainder of the college’s board members had completed their Oath of Office affidavit as prescribed by law.
The board re-appointed the following members to the Education Foundation board for the 2017-18 year: Amy Hook of Creston, Randy Huewe of Creston, Rick Oshel of Osceola, Allen Pohren of Red Oak, Jerry Smith of Osceola, Alec Turner of Corning, and Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC representative.
A brief discussion of the board was held concerning portable third party credentialing.
Rachel Ramaeker, SWCC secondary programs coordinator, and Emily Uhlenkamp, Vocational Rehabilitation Intermediary Network coordinator, presented to the board concerning the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation (IVRS) Intermediary Network. Uhlenkamp explained the purpose of the IVRS Intermediary Network is to work in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, school staff, parents, and students to meet the identified needs and provide learning opportunities for students. Examples of services provided by the Intermediary Network include coordinating internships, job shadows, pre-apprenticeships, and teacher externships; as well as workplace tours, job exploration counseling, workplace readiness training, and self-advocacy skills development.
Iowa community college legislative liaisons Dave Palmer, Jerry Fitzgerald, and Matt Fitzgerald briefed board members regarding the current legislative session.
Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, reported to the board regarding the official results from the college’s Six Cent Levy vote in September. Crittenden said the measure passed at 77.8 percent.
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