Sheldon, Iowa — State lawmakers and Iowa employers say that developing a skilled workforce is a priority for them.
But a trifecta of issues has Iowa post-secondary administrators concerned. Administrators have been talking to legislators about rising tuition, mounting student loan debt and a potential cut in state funding.
Northwest Iowa Community College president, Dr. Alethea Stubbe says they try to do everything they can to keep tuition low for their students.
Stubbe says the administration gives the board of directors the information they need and make suggestions as to the tuition, but the cost of tuition is up to the board. She says that the administration team and the board realize the legislature has some tough decisions to make.
Stubbe says that they are aware that Governor Branstad is trying to fill a deficit in state revenues of over $110 million for the current budget year. She says any cuts that would have to be made in the current funding for the next five months would pose a challenge for NCC, but they’ll make sure they are reviewing all options and will focus on not adversely affecting their students and continuing to provide a skilled workforce for northwest Iowa.
