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Flathead Valley Community College wants room to grow

Flathead Valley Community College President Jane Karas connects a vote for growth at the college to economic expansion and quality of life.

"We’re providing real training for real jobs," she said.

By Candace Chase
The Daily Inter Lake

Late this month, Flathead County voters should receive mail-back ballots asking for approval of a $15.8 million bond issue to expand the campus.

Residents have until Dec. 12 to make their decision and return their ballots.

Without the expansion, Karas said the college faces the prospect of limiting growth. Over the last decade, student growth and program additions have consumed all available space for classes as well as community events.

To address overcrowding, the board of trustees decided to put the bond request to a countywide vote.

"This is the culmination of a multi-year, master planning effort to meet the needs of the community and address the growth of both the community and the college over the last decade," Karas said.

The college estimates property owners would pay about $36 more a year for each $100,000 in taxable valuation if voters approve the $15.8 million bond.

Karas said current low interest rates provide an additional incentive to seek bonding authority now.

She said overcrowding was apparent five years ago.

She said the two-year college’s ability to quickly respond to community and work-force needs brought a 59 percent increase in course offerings over 10 years. Meanwhile, student numbers grew almost 30 percent.

Karas cited recently added programs in radiology plus heating, ventilation and air conditioning as examples of the college responding to local employment needs.

The community college also developed agreements with two universities to offer four-year teaching and nursing programs.

Karas said students trained here keep ties to the community and are less likely to leave for higher-paying jobs.

For classrooms for these programs, the college uses library quiet areas, study halls and the boardroom. The college also faces a shortage of computer lab space since classes crowded out independent student use.

"We’re looking for the valley to continue to grow," she said.

During 19 community meetings in the last year, Karas said she learned many people weren’t aware of the pivotal role the college plays.

She said 81 percent of today’s jobs require less than a four-year degree, "so there’s a real need for a two-year education."

Karas also points to the savings the community college offers students on the first two years of a four-year degree. A student could save 50 percent on the cost of tuition and fees by attending FVCC for the first two years.

Along with the cost savings, she said students benefit from smaller class sizes. And instructors, rather than teaching assistants, conduct courses.

"We offer a quality education at a reasonable price," she said.

As voters decide whether to support the bond issue, Karas wants them to consider the ways the college impacts every person in the community beyond providing an education for them or their children.

She points to training given people who serve the community, such as emergency medical technicians, radiology technicians, home builders, surveyors, day-care providers and more.

"We serve more than 10,000 people in this valley," she said.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at [email protected].

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