The Southwestern Community College (SWCC) board of directors held its regular board meeting electronically on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., originating from the Administration Center board room.
Wayne Pantini, SWCC vice president of economic development, spoke to the board about planned improvements for the Creston campus roads, sidewalks, and main entrance on Townline Street.
Pantini said the main entrance plans include constructing a boulevard and adding turning lanes. A portion of the funding needed for the $291,294 project will come from the Iowa Department of Transportation Institutional Road Funds grant received by the college, with the remainder of the funds coming from the college. Following Pantini’s presentation, the board approved the resolution with a roll call vote and authorized the college to seek competitive bids on the main entrance and sidewalk improvements project.
Brandi Shay, SWCC chief financial officer, updated the board regarding the college’s audit report. Shay said the number of credit hours eligible for financial aid varied slightly from the draft report given during the December regular board meeting, therefore, she brought it back to the board for final approval. Following Shay’s explanation, the board voted to receipt and file the audit report.
In personnel, the board approved the resignation of Tobi Crawford, professional music instructor, as well as early retirement requests from Scott Helm, director of information technology and information security officer, and Darla Helm, director of adult literacy. Both early retirements will be effective June 30, 2026.
During the president’s report, Lindsay Stoaks, SWCC president, asked Pantini to offer the board an update regarding the skilled trades building project. Pantini briefed the board regarding the pre-bid meeting for the project. He said the meeting was well attended by contractors. Bids for the project are due Jan. 28, and the bid selected will be brought to the Feb. 10 regular board meeting.
Sue Stearns, SWCC board member and Community Colleges for Iowa representative, spoke to the board briefly about continued discussions related to bachelor’s degrees being offered by Iowa community colleges.
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