Published: July 27, 2007 10:22 pm      

Bond referendum set for EICCD

CLINTON — The Eastern Iowa Community College District Board of Directors has approved asking voters for support of a $33 million bond referendum.

The measure will be on the ballot during the Sept. 11 general school election. The EICCD includes Clinton, Muscatine and Scott community colleges.

According to a release from Alan Campbell, EICCD spokesman, funding from the measure would be used toward updating facilities at all three colleges, for workforce development and an increased emphasis on science and math education.

The funding also would provide for new or updated satellite centers.

This is the first time that EICCD has asked voters to approve such a measure. If approved, it would be spread over a 10-year period and is not renewable.

“Throughout our 40-year history we have successfully used our resources to meet the needs of both our students and area employers,” EICCD Chancellor Patricia Keir said.

“For us to continue to meet those needs, we feel it is important for us to ask the public for its support at this time.”

EICCD plans to use the funding to improve its technology labs as well as its applied technology and manufacturing technology areas.

The improvements are being made to keep pace with the demands of area businesses for increased workforce training.

EICCD provides training and re-training opportunities for area workers — the district has provided $83 million in training to area businesses during the past 24 years.

“This measure will allow us to position ourselves for the next 20 years and beyond,” Keir said. “We will not be able to accomplish this without approval of this referendum.”

Following an increased nationwide emphasis on science and math education, the funding will be used to construct new additions at all three of the district’s colleges.

This would include lecture and lab rooms for such areas as chemistry, physics, microbiology and engineering.

The district also plans to create new centers in Maquoketa, West Liberty, Wilton and west Davenport and upgrade its current facility in Columbus Junction.

The referendum requires a 60-percent approval from voters districtwide. The district primarily includes Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott counties. The cost for residential property valued at $100,000 is estimated at $1.27 per month.