Kristie Fisher is the new Chancellor at Iowa Valley. Iowa Valley is composed of Marshalltown Community College, Esterville, and Continuing Education. She explained the many important roles played by Iowa Valley in all the communities that compose it.

People of all ages, who did not complete high school, can earn their high school equivalency through Iowa Valley. Persons who do not speak English can learn that language in Iowa Valley classes. Persons wishing to pursue education past high school have a multitude of opportunities with Iowa Valley. They can learn valuable trades like welding and plumbing. Also, they can become certified electricians and qualified to work with natural gas.

Those persons wishing to earn a four year degree can earn two years of credit at Iowa Valley and then transfer to the more expensive colleges an universities. Iowa Valley has the highest successful transfer rate of any community college in Iowa.

Iowa Valley has distinguished programs. They are No. 2 in the state in their nursing program; No. 2 in the nation in equine studies; No.3 in the nation in precision agriculture. Iowa Valley offers many options that will allow bright futures for its students.

A very important service provided by Iowa Valley in conjuction with South Tama is dual enrollment that allows high school students to earn college credit. In the last five years, 574 STC students have taken advantage of this opportunity. It has saved families close to $300,000 in college tuition by having their students earn college credits in high school. This is a great advantage for parents and students facing the expense college.

Currently, Iowa Valley is sponsoring a bond issue. The money that in this bond is targeted for particular areas. One area is improving the security system so students are better protected from school shootings. Another is updating classrooms, particularly science classrooms that need modernization. Of course, another challenge the money could resolve is keeping up with advances in technology. In some cases the schools’ needs in their infrastructure must be addressed.

The bond would amount to $32 million. When this is shared by all the citizens who reside in the Iowa Valley district, the coast would be $39.84 for every $100,000 of home value. For a home valued at $100,000 this would translate to $3.32 per month for 10 years.

Chancellor Fisher is excited to begin her career at Iowa Valley and has been meeting the people of the district. Her enthusiasm and knowledge should make her leadership very successful.