As a 30-year instructor, administrator and program planner at Iowa Lakes Community College, I feel compelled to respond to Larry Loeschen's letter to the editor. Granted, I am retired, but I still consider my employment at Iowa Lakes a highly rewarding experience. I still care.
As I evaluate the editorial, I do share some concerns Larry expressed, notably the unfortunate timing during an unstable economy and the purported absence of information about why the levy renewal is so vital, how the money will be utilized, and what the repercussions to the 5-county area would be if votes failed to renew. Voters are always entitled to see what the college board and staff have in mind to respond to the continued growth in student numbers and to the constant need to upgrade equipment and technology that will prepare students to join the workforce.
The Iowa community college "experiment" that legislators created in 1967, the year I joined, has turned out to be the best investment Iowa citizens have ever made. Our 5-county area, as well as the entire state, has profited tenfold in terms of graduation rates, job placement figures, and student satisfaction surveys. The explosion in student numbers through the years has translated into an increasing number of staff who live and spend in their communities.
As a fiscal conservative often unhappy with the way our elected officials have thrown money to the wind, I sincerely believe that Iowa Lakes Community College has proven to be a wise steward of the taxpayers' money. The college boasts many attractive and functional buildings. Now, the greatest need lies in responding to the need to ensure the plant and equipment funds are available to maintain what is now in place. I really doubt that "spending spree" is appropriate in this case. While at the college, I participated in creating and implementing several specialized programs. I and other staff constantly worked on 5 and 10-year projections-an exercise in futility if we would not have been assured of adequate funding.
I agree with the board's decision to place the levy renewal on the ballot two years prior to expiration. Voters must give them the tools necessary to capitalize on a successful venture. Renewal is necessary far enough in advance to determine needs and accommodate them.
I urge all citizens to ask question, attend information sessions, and seriously consider supporting this renewal. The college is dependent upon continued support.
Dallas Freeman
Iowa Lakes Community College Employee 1967-1997