Dear Editor,

Everyone is aware that November 5 is Election day. Along with the officials we’ll be voting for is another item on the ballot about which I’d like to share some information. The ballot question is whether Iowa Valley Community College should be able to issue $32 million in school bonds to renovate, improve, etc existing facilities.

I’ll bet your first question is what’s in it for you? Mainly to sustain the viability, safety, and security of the college’s facilities in Marshalltown, Grinnell and Iowa Falls. Not only does your community college provide affordable Associate’s (2 year) degrees that transfer seamlessly to a 4-year college, but IVCCD also provides programs in nursing (ranked #2 in the state), equine (#2 in the nation), precision ag (#3 in the nation), welding, natural gas technician, electrician, gunsmithing and more. Not to mention the continuing ed programs for high school equivalency, English language learning, and job training partnerships with area employers like Lennox and JBS. Or how about the 159 STC students last year that completed 525 courses their parents didn’t have to pay for, saving them $287,953 (or about $1800 per family)!

Your second question is probably about the cost. Actually, not much when it’s shared across the Iowa Valley District. Because some prior financing issues have been retired, this issue would put your share at slightly less than your 2017 tax amount (about 3-4% of your tax bill). So for a home valued at $100,000 it ends up to be about $40 a year. Not a bad trade-off for the $1800 saved for those STC families last year.

Your third question is maybe what kinds of things are planned for this money? Lots of projects, none of which can be squeaked out of the district’s regular budget. Things like renovating STEM classrooms and labs, improving the library and the Student Success Center, and upgrading security systems (cameras, keys, fire safety, lighting). Also upgrading technology infrastructures and improving internet connectivity across the four-county service area, and infrastructure items like HVAC and electrical systems, accessibility, and renovating student housing buildings on the Iowa Falls campus.

To cast your ballot, you have several options. First, you can vote November 5 at your polling place. Or you could request an’absentee ballot from your County Auditor, which you’ll need to submit by October 25. Or, you can vote in person at your County Auditor’s office October 7 – November 4.

1 hope I’ve answered some questions about the ballot issue. if you have further question, check out Iowa Valley’s web site, or visit with me or anyone from the college.

Joanna Hofer

District 6

Iowa Valley

Board member

Rural Toledo