Educating our Students; Educating our Workers

On September 11, the Eastern Iowa Community College District (EICCD) will be asking voters to approve a $33 million, 10-year, bond referendum.

This is the first time in EICCD history that it has approached voters with a request of this type. The following answers some of the more frequently asked questions regarding the referendum:

What is the Eastern Iowa Community College District?

EICCD is comprised of Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges. It includes all of Clinton, Jackson, Muscatine and Scott Counties, and parts of Cedar and Louisa Counties.

What are the intended projects?

• New science and technology additions at Clinton, Muscatine and Scott Community Colleges.
• Upgrade technology labs district-wide, including software, fiber optics and wireless capabilities.
• Update several buildings throughout the district.
• Renovate the Blong Technology Center, just off Interstate 80, for additional advanced manufacturing programs.
• Open new satellite centers in Maquoketa, West Liberty and Wilton, and renovate the current facility in Columbus Junction.
• Contribute funding toward a second entrance/exit road at Scott Community College.
• Renovate career technology building at Scott Community College.
• Renovate or move Career Assistance Center in downtown Davenport.

Why a bond referendum?

Funding from the referendum will be used to better educate our colleges’ students and our area’s workers:

• More than 80 percent of area employers have indicated that their need for employee training will increase. EICCD is the number one source that local employers turn to for training outside of the business’s own facilities.
• Approval of a bond referendum today will result in new and improved facilities beginning in the next two to five years. This one-time request from the citizens of our service area will allow us to position ourselves for the next 20 years and beyond.
• There is a nationwide effort to increase the focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education. There is also a continuously growing need for increased computer-based training and instruction. It is financially impossible to upgrade all of our science facilities. Further, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain pace with needed computer upgrades and replacements.
• It is important that we reach out to those who do not live close to one of our colleges. For many years we have worked to provide services to these areas by partnering with area school districts and others. This does not, however, allow us the flexibility to expand offerings that having our own facilities will provide. 
• Many of our structures are 40 years old. While the colleges have been good stewards of their buildings, it is normal for upgrades to be needed after such a period of time.

How much will it cost?

Less than 30 cents a week. The cost for a home with an assessed value of $100,000 is $15.18 per year.

Is the bond issue renewable?

No. Bond issues are intended for specific projects and it will not be renewed.

How is EICCD currently funded? 

Student tuition comprises the largest share of the district’s funding. Currently tuition is $102 per credit hour for an Iowa resident.

Per pupil state funding of community colleges has decreased by 13% between 1999 and 2007. Community colleges receive less per pupil funding than either the state universities or private colleges.

Who are our students?

• More than 40% receive some form of financial aid.
• Nearly half are 23 and above. These students are primarily place bound, for whom we are the only affordable option. In addition, this age group is most likely to be enrolled in career training/re-training leading directly to employment.
• A total of 1,149 current high school students were enrolled in classes for the fall 2006 semester. Our classes are a popular choice for high school students interested in getting a head start on their college or career education.
• 90% of our students are from the state of Iowa. Also, the vast majority of our graduates lives and works in this area.
• More 30,000 students complete continuing education and other non-credit classes each year. Many of these are workers learning new skills for their current position and out-of-work or underemployed individuals working toward a new jobs.