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 21st 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
