SWCC’s $6M center opens bids

After no comments against the project, the Southwestern Community College Board of Trustees has approved the next stage of SWCC’s long-term master facilities.

Bids go out for the roughly $6 million SWCC Skilled Trades Center on Wednesday, Dec. 17. Extensively overviewed at the last SWCC board meeting, construction is expected to begin spring 2026.

The center will be a 15,040-square-feet facility placed east of the existing Tech Center II building, with space dedicated to a 2,000-square-feet carpentry and trades lab, a 3,800-square-feet electrical technology lab and a 1,342-square-feet emergency management services lab, including space to house the program’s ambulance. Other space will include regular classrooms and a student lounge.

With bids going out this Wednesday, the board will consider the received bids at their Feb. 10 board meeting.

In other SWCC news...

The board held elections for the upcoming year. Tony Cass, who has served on the board since 2009, will remain as board president. Fred Shearer, who has served on the board since 2002, continues as vice president of the board. SWCC Assistant to the President and Coordinator of Special Projects Carmalee Woods was appointed as board secretary, and SWCC Chief Financial Officer Brandi Shay was appointed as board treasurer.

SWCC’s annual audit report showed no material weaknesses or noncompliance. The net position increased about 8.5%, or $2.3 million, since last year’s audit.

Brianna Maitlen has resigned as the college’s head volleyball coach, effective March 2. Maitlen has served as the head coach since February 2024.