Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor:
As educational leaders in the NIACC region, we know firsthand the positive economic impact North Iowa Area Community College has in our communities  each year. NIACC has been an integral part of the community since it opened in 1918 and now it’s our turn to be there for them.
NIACC serves as a catalyst to promote new job creation in North Iowa and works collaboratively with local employers to meet their customized training needs. NIACC educates future graduates for professional work and provides assistance to residents who want to earn more. In fact, experts estimate that there is a 10.4 percent return on every dollar invested in NIACC. For Lake Mills, this translates into larger contributions to our tax base, greater consumer spending power, and more revenue for local businesses.
Thirty-five percent of North Iowa high school graduates attend NIACC. Over 80 percent of NIACC graduates live, work, and pay taxes in Iowa. NIACC consistently enrolls new students from every county in North Iowa. These students choose from one of 45 academic programs, gradaute and enter the workforce, or enroll in a four-year college in our area to continue their education.
Please join us in casting a “yes” vote for NIACC’s bond levy on March 3, 2020. A homeowner with property assessed at $100,000 will pay approximately 85¢ per month, or $10.17 per year, toward NIACC’s fund to replace, repair, and upgrade college buildings and technology.
NIACC turned 100 years old this year, and this bond levy—the first request of its kind in its history—will ensure the future for thousands of North Iowa residents who are served by NIACC every year.
Respectfully,
Chad Kohagen, Lake Mills
Barb Schwammen, Osage
Dan Frazier, Belmond-Klemme
Darwin Lehmann, Forest City
Dave Versteig, Mason City
Doug Gee, Clear Lake
Joe Erickson, North Iowa
Joel Foster, North Butler
Keith Turner, RRMR
Mike Fisher, Charles City
Mike Kruger, West Fork
Sam Miller, Central Rivers AEA
Steve Ward, Central Springs
Tyler Willams, Garner Hayfield Venture
Mike Crozier, Northwood-Kensett & St. Ansgar
Todd Lettow, Hampton Dumont & CAL