In 1966 Hawkeye Institute of Technology opened with nine programs and 227 students. Today, Hawkeye Community College has over 5,800 students.

About half of those are enrolled in arts and sciences programs. The other half are enrolled in the dozens of technical career preparation programs. The institution has changed with the times and has become a major player in the efforts to train the Cedar Valley's work force. It has also developed into a viable education option to area universities.

On Tuesday, HCC will be asking voters to pass a property tax levy for purchasing or replacing classroom equipment. The levy is set at 6 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $2.44 annually for the owner of a $100,000 home.

A simple majority is required. If approved the levy would go into effect with the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008, and be in effect for 10 years. It is expected to generate approximately $380,000 per year. The money from the levy can only be spent on instructional equipment.

HCC is already behind in implementing an instructional equipment levy. Twelve of Iowa's 15 community college's have the levy in effect. In 2002, the state eliminated funding for technology improvements, at an annual cost of $200,000 for Hawkeye.

"This money, it would touch every program, every career field on our campus," said Kathy Flynn, HCC's vice-president of instructional advancement.

Flynn gave an example of a defibrillator unit being used in the EMS program -- a unit that was purchased in 1992.

"It desperately needed replacement," she said.

The unit was recently replaced at a cost of $14,500. It's one example of the needs across HCC's many programs -- from health care to truck driving.

According to HCC officials, faculty have identified $6.5 million in current instructional equipment and technology needs.

"We need to train our students on up-to-date equipment," said HCC President Greg Schmitz, who noted that students will eventually enroll in other institutions that have the viable equipment.

Hawkeye Community College has been instrumental in working with local and state economic development organizations. More than 1,200 jobs in the community have been created or retained through Hawkeye and the Iowa Job Training Program. Companies such as Target, ConAgra, Nestle, Iowa Laser, Bertch Cabinet Manufacturing, Tyson, and Traer Manufacturing have cited Hawkeye as a major factor in their decision to locate or expand their operations.

Over the years, Hawkeye Community College has diversified its offerings. In addition to a comprehensive arts and science program, Hawkeye provides training in several career areas including: Health care, industry and manufacturing, power technologies, computer and software technologies, business and management, engineering technologies, police and emergency response, agriculture and natural resources, arts and communication.

We encourage a yes vote on the instructional equipment levy, allowing this important Cedar Valley institution to continue with its quality education and work force training.