Iowa Central Community College Announces Renewal of Bond Proposal to Expand Job Training & Workforce Development

Proposed Bond Will Not Increase Property Tax Rate

For Immediate Release:                                       

Contact: Emily Denholm, Director of Marketing and Communications, Denholm_e@iowacentral.edu 515-574-1055

(Fort Dodge, IA) – Iowa Central Community College today announced that it will seek the community’s support for a GO bond renewal aimed at expanding job training and enhancing educational opportunities for students across the region. This bond proposal, which will not raise the current property tax rate, will play a key role in strengthening the local workforce and providing long-term benefits to students and taxpayers alike.

The proposed bond is a renewal of an existing levy that supports educational infrastructure. If passed, the GO bond will provide critical funding for a series of improvements that will enhance workforce training programs and help meet the region’s growing demand for skilled professionals in various fields.
Key components of the proposal include:

• Healthcare Workforce Development: The proposed bond will help fund expanded workforce training for students pursuing careers in healthcare, including dental hygiene and nursing, meeting the rising demand for healthcare professionals in the region.
• Expanded Workforce Training: The bond will fund enhanced training programs in critical trade fields, including HVAC, plumbing, and welding, addressing the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the local economy.
• New Center for Ag-Science: The proposed bond will fund the construction of a state-of-the-art Center for Ag-Science, dedicated to training students in agribusiness, agriculture science, animal science, precision agriculture, and veterinary science. This center will be a crucial step in maintaining the region’s strong agricultural industry and supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders.
• Building Repairs & Maintenance: The bond will support critical building repairs and upgrades, ensuring that older facilities are well-maintained and reducing ongoing maintenance costs, ultimately saving taxpayers money in the long run.
• Continued High School Career Training: More than 2,000 local high school students will benefit from expanded career and job training programs, preparing them for success in both higher education and the workforce.

Currently, over 6,000 students are enrolled at Iowa Central Community College, with the institution providing quality education and career preparation to individuals of all ages. Iowa Central is one of the region’s largest employers, supporting approximately 1,200 employees and playing a vital role in the regional economy. The proposed bond is designed to continue building on the College’s longstanding commitment to the community and to creating opportunities for future generations.

“We are incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at Iowa Central to train tomorrow’s workforce,” said Dr. Jesse Ulrich, President of Iowa Central Community College. “This bond renewal is a critical investment in the future of our students and our community. By expanding our workforce training programs and enhancing our facilities, we’re ensuring that Iowa Central remains a pillar of economic development and opportunity for our region.”

Iowa Central will be hosting several community meetings in the coming weeks to provide more information about the GO bond and answer any questions from the public. More information will become available at www.IowaCentral.edu/bond.

About Iowa Central Community College:
Iowa Central Community College serves a nine-county area consisting of Buena Vista, Calhoun, Greene, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster, and Wright. The College offers more than 99 academic programs, over 30 athletic programs, and numerous performing arts opportunities. Iowa Central partners with high school districts within the region to offer college credits as well. Iowa Central’s Fort Dodge campus spans across a 114-acre site where approximately 1,200 students live in apartment-style residences. Additionally, Iowa Central has campuses in Storm Lake and Webster City, and Career Academies in Laurens, Eagle Grove, and Jefferson. Besides traditional academic offerings, Iowa Central also provides services for local and area businesses through a variety of programs, career connections, and community education.