The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of trustees held their regular board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., in the Administration Center board room.
During the meeting, the election of officers for the board took place for the upcoming year. Dr. Tony Cass of Creston, who has served on the SWCC board since February 2009, was re-elected as board president. Cass served as the board’s vice president from 2015-17 and became president in October 2017. Fred Shearer of Corning, who has served on the board since 2002, was re-elected as vice president. Shearer has served as vice president since 2017. Carmalee Woods, SWCC assistant to the president and coordinator of special projects, was appointed as board secretary and Brandi Shay, SWCC chief financial officer, was appointed as board treasurer.
Dave Ellis of Denman & Company, LLP, presented the college’s annual audit report. According to Ellis, the college received an unmodified opinion with no material weaknesses or significant findings. Ellis said there was no noncompliance disclosed as a result of audit procedures related to credit or contact hours. The audit showed the college’s net position increased approximately 4.7 percent or $1.2 million from the June 30, 2023, balance. Following the report, board members voted to receipt and file the college’s annual audit report as presented.
Wayne Pantini, SWCC vice president of economic development, talked to the board about the college’s fleet of shuttles, used to transport students and employees. Pantini said the college currently owns three shuttles and the vehicles are starting to show age and have high mileage. The college researched leasing and purchasing options for newer vehicles. Pantini said the existing shuttles would be retained and used as back-ups for the current fleet, as well as for the new CDL program. Following his report, the board approved the college administration’s request to spend up to $250,000 toward the purchase or lease of a new shuttle bus during 2025.
Pantini then gave construction updates related to the ORBIT Center in Osceola and the Transportation Training Center at the ag site on the Creston campus. He said the Transportation Training Center is nearly finished and they will soon be grading the area around the range. The ORBIT Center is almost fully enclosed and sidewalks will be poured later this week. Both projects should be complete in early-2025.
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