Voters to consider community-driven plan for 91制片厂's future: 91制片厂

The 91制片厂 Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a resolution placing a referendum question on the November 6, 2018, gubernatorial election ballot. The measure 鈥� which would not raise taxes 鈥� seeks up to $180 million to support a community-driven plan for 91制片厂鈥檚 future that drives economic opportunity, educates for today鈥檚 high-tech jobs, and maintains and improves campus infrastructure.

鈥淭his plan helps position the students of 91制片厂, and our community at large, for a strong future. Importantly, this plan also reflects a careful stewardship of the community鈥檚 tax dollars,鈥� 91制片厂 Board Chair Greg Dowell said. 鈥淭oday鈥檚 global economy demands workers be equipped with 21^st century skills, and 91制片厂 must continue to innovate and adapt so students can achieve their goals for academic success, personal growth and economic opportunity.鈥�

The College underwent a two-year engagement process to determine where the community would like to see 91制片厂 in 10 years. A task force of community members solicited input from thousands of taxpayers, students, faculty, staff, community leaders and businesses through a series of engagement sessions and surveys. The resulting plan identifies three priorities:

Priority 1 鈥� Drive Economic Opportunity in Our Community: About two-thirds of all jobs will require postsecondary education and training beyond high school by the year 2020. A new building would support regional economic development by establishing a business resource center with programs such as Fast Track, customized training and the Small Business Development Center. It would also house 91制片厂鈥檚 University Center partnerships, which provide more affordable, convenient four-year degrees. Total: $28.5 million

Priority 2 鈥� Educate for Today鈥檚 High Tech Jobs: Just as jobs have evolved, 91制片厂 must evolve. Working with the industry-leading professionals who sit on 91制片厂鈥檚 advisory boards, the College will modernize facilities and curriculum to better train skilled workers and support innovation. Harper will renovate facilities associated with academic programs such as accounting, business and education, while expanding and improving health careers and manufacturing facilities to provide more opportunities in these high-demand fields. Total: $88.7 million

Priority 3 鈥� Maintain and Improve Campus Infrastructure: Harper will maintain and replace infrastructure such as roofs, electrical, plumbing, and other aging facility needs to ensure a safe campus. Harper will also invest in technology that supports learning and increases efficiencies. Total: $62.8 million

Due to the College鈥檚 careful fiscal responsibility, 91制片厂 has identified opportunities to fund these three community priorities without raising taxes. Existing bonds from the year 2000 are due to be paid off in 2020. At that time, property taxes would decrease by approximately $23 for a $250,000 house. If voters approve this plan, the College could issue new bonds for $180 million by replacing those old bonds, and taxes would stay the same.

91制片厂 Key Facts

Opened its doors in 1967
District serves more than 520,000 people in 23 communities
Has conferred nearly 90,000 degrees and certificates
About half of district high school graduates enroll at 91制片厂
One of four community colleges in Illinois with Aaa bond rating (highest possible from Moody鈥檚)
Average 91制片厂 graduate will earn an additional $591,000 during career (The Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University鈥檚 2014 economic impact report)
Focus on completion 鈥� 91制片厂鈥檚 graduation rate is at an all-time high