Local districts show support for NIACC bond levy

To the editor:

As educational leaders in the NIACC region, we know firsthand the positive economic impact North Iowa Area Com-munity 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 collabo-ratively 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 Hampton, this translates into larger contribu-tions to our tax base, greater consumer spending power, and more revenue for local busi-nesses.

Thirty-five percent of all North Iowa high school gradu-ates attend NIACC. Over 80 percent of NIACC graduates live, work and pay taxes in Iowa. NIACC consistently enrolls new students from eve-ry county in North Iowa. These students choose from one of 45 academic programs, graduate and enter the work-force, 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 as-sessed at $100,000 will pay approximately 85 cents per month, or $10.17 per year, toward NIACC's fund to re-place, repair and upgrade col-lege 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,

Todd Lettow, Hampton-Dumont-CAL Mike Kruger, West Fork Barb Schwamman, Osage Dave Versteeg, Mason City Keith Turner, RRMR Steve Ward, Central Springs Chad Kohagen, Lake Mills Doug Gee, Clear Lake Mike Fisher, Charles City Tyler Williams, Garner-Hayfield Ventura Dan Frazler, Belmond-Klemme Joe Erickson, North Iowa Mike Crozier, Northwood-Kensett and Saint Ansgar Darwin Lehmann, Forest City Joel Foster, North Butler and Clarksville Sam Miller, Central Rivers AEA