College of Western Idaho Trustees Vote to Pursue Bond Measure in November

At a special board meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 6, College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Board of Trustees voted in favor of placing a $180 million general obligation bond on the November 2016 ballot. The bond would fund campus development in Boise and Nampa to expand program offerings and serve more students.

The bond would impact Ada and Canyon county taxpayers based on property assessed value. The bond would cost taxpayers an estimated $22.31 per $100,000 of taxable value each year for 25 years. The College of Western Idaho Bond Measure will be on the November 8, 2016 ballot in both Ada and Canyon County.

CWI has grown from 1,200 students in its first semester in 2009 to serving more than 20,000 students a year with projections for continued growth in the years ahead. This is the first time Ada and Canyon County voters have been approached for a bond since the College was founded.  

“College of Western Idaho’s impact on the Treasure Valley since its inception is tremendous,” said Board Chair Mary Niland. “As we look to the future of the Valley, we understand the need for affordable, innovative, industry-driven higher education is going to continue to grow. We are committed to strategically positioning CWI to ensure it not only supports the community now, but well into the future.”

The Board has identified several major development projects that are needed to support CWI’s current student population while also positioning the College to meet projected growth and demand. The list of proposed projects include:

Nampa Campus

Health Science & Central Services Buildings

• State-of-industry health career training in support of high demand jobs including:
  • Nursing
  • Medical & Surgical Technicians
  • Emergency Response Professionals
• Centralized infrastructure facility serving all current and future campus buildings
  • Campus site infrastructure including utilities, roadways and campus commons that will save the College money and prepare for future campus growth.
  • Designed to provide flexibility for future campus growth through sustainability and high efficiency systems

Student Success Center & Career Technical Facilities:

• Student Success Center will serve as central hub for supporting students, staff and the community. Services and resources, including:
  • Library Learning Commons
  • Registration and financial advising 
  • Career advisement and transferability
  • Clubs and Organizations Center
  • Community Meeting Space
• Career Technical Facilities will centralize and expand program support for high demand agriculture, horticulture and truck driving career ready programs

Ada County Campus in Boise

• New urban campus supporting Boise metro students, businesses and community

• Initial phase of Boise campus to include high-demand programs such as two-year associate degrees that transfer and career technical programs including Information Technology, Management and Business Support Services
• Designed with strong flexibility for training labs, dynamic classrooms and meeting spaces
• House programs already offered in Boise serving more than 7,000 students with anticipated growth

CWI’s Trustees have been in ongoing discussions about the best way to address challenges associated with the College’s explosive enrollment growth since opening its doors in 2009.

“College of Western Idaho is at an exciting and critical point in its history,” said CWI President Dr. Bert Glandon. “As we plan for the future, we must continue building a sustainable infrastructure and prepare for anticipated growth in demand for new programs and more offerings. CWI is positioned to expand its role as a catalyst for education and the economy in the Treasure Valley for years to come.”