OTTUMWA — Registered voters in Indian Hills Community College’s 10-county district will go to the polls next Tuesday, Dec. 6, to decide the fate of a bond referendum.  The college is asking its constituents to approve spending up to $36 million to make needed improvements to facilities, technology and equipment, all of which will enhance the student experience, according to IHCC President Dr. Marlene Sprouse.

“The fact that we were careful in our facilities planning process we hoped would create a situation in which the projects that are to be supported by the bond funds make sense to people,” said Dr. Sprouse, who has been criss-crossing the IHCC district to provide information to various community and civic organizations.  “During the process we asked students, faculty and industry advisors what facility and infrastructure changes would meet their education needs.  Science labs, learning centers, tech labs and fine arts practice spaces are some of the most attractive elements of the projects.”

Dr. Sprouse says the message she has been delivering on behalf of the college has been well-received.  “Indian Hills has proudly served the citizens, businesses and communities in our 10-county area for 50 years,” she says, “and the many projects that would be supported by this bond issue would lay a strong foundation to prepare our students to achieve success well into the next 50 years.”

The polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6.  The polling locations in Mahaska County are the Oskaloosa Ag Extension Building and the New Sharon City Park Building.