There will be a lot of new faces in key positions next fall at Southwestern Community College.
The Southwestern Board of Directors has recently approved a number of early retirements for longtime staff members meeting the designated requirements.
Among those retiring at the conclusion of the current contract on June 30 is Dr. Susan White, who has chaired the nursing department at Southwestern since 2002. She became a full-time employee on the nursing faculty in 1988 after starting as a part-time clinical instructor in 1981.
Also retiring is SWCC Registrar Sandy Webb, an employee at Southwestern for more than 42 years.
At its April 11 meeting, the Southwestern board approved the retirements of Dr. White, Webb and Ed Trullinger, chemistry instructor.
In previous actions, early retirements were approved for Jason Smith, vocal music instructor; Dr. Lori Lester, biology and physiology instructor (math and science department chair); Randy Hughes, history instructor; Kathryn Scott, nursing instructor; Marilyn Werner, Assessment Center coordinator; Georgia Paulsen, student records/veterans coordinator; John Doyle, PC technician, computer information services; and Rose Vanderplum, housekeeping supervisor.
In other recent action, the SWCC board:
• Set a public hearing for 5:30 p.m. May 9 for replacement of the gymnasium floor. Tom Lesan, SWCC vice president of economic development, said the floor was totally replaced in 2008 after flood damage, but now has issues. The south side is warped, the southwest corner has a large crack and the area under the east basket is “spongy.” Public notices including estimate summary will be published.
The college will be accepting sealed bids until 2 p.m. May 4. At that time, bids will be opened publicly in the board room at 1501 W. Townline St.
The project, slated for completion by July 31, includes removal and disposal of the existing gym floor, removal and reinstallation of the existing bleachers, installation of a 6-mil poly or better moisture mitigation system and installation of a new flooring system.
• Approved a proposal for continuation of the 6-cent equipment levy originally passed by the board in 2007. Funds generated can only be used to purchase instructional equipment. The levy would be for a 10-year period and generates approximately $182,000 annually. It will be placed on the regular school board ballot in September.
• A report by Dr. Barb Crittenden, SWCC president, included spring commencement set for 7:30 p.m. May 12. The annual SWCC golf fundraiser will be held May 27 at Crestmoor Golf Club.
• Approved renewal of lease agreement with the City of Creston for the fine arts wing of the Crest Area Arts and Recreation Center. The college board can only obligate future boards for a nine-year period of time.
• Approved new dormitory room and board fees and deposit amounts for the 2017-18 year. The rate for West Hall and Wilson Hall will be increased $125 per semester to $3,230. New rates for the apartment-style dorms — Spartan Suites, Spartan Hall and Spartan Court — will be increased $150 per semester to $3,630.
In each case, $25 of the increase will be used to increase the three levels of meal plans for the Spartan Cafe to $925, $1,125 and $1,325.
The contract buyout amount is increased by $150 to $750.