Recently a few individuals have claimed that North Idaho College has increased taxes by 107 percent since 2007. They claim that NIC's graduation rate is unreasonably low and that the budget is excessively high to meet the needs of education in our community. Some assert a lack of public openness and policies designed to limit communication. These claims are misleading at best and often simply wrong.

NIC has experienced unprecedented enrollment growth over the last six years. From 2007 to 2012 enrollment grew by 46 percent! When unemployment is low - so is enrollment. When the economy slides into recession, people seek re-training for careers or additional duties at their employment. Laid off workers seek new career avenues. People fill in gaps in their education. Enrollment goes up and goes up rapidly.

Community colleges are unique in higher education. They provide a wide range of opportunities to meet the needs of the community; academic degrees, work skills, single topic learning and job specific training. Unlike universities, which limit enrollment and only admit students with acceptable academic scores, community colleges are open to all. We are dedicated to the promise of not limiting enrollment and providing an affordable education.

The claim that NIC has a policy which lacks public openness and has limited communication, disregards the fact that trustee meetings are public and are televised to enhance public access. The Trustees are steadfast in their efforts to maintain an open, transparent and communicative relationship with the public, the faculty, staff and the students. There is a policy at NIC which encourages not only campus, but, community participation. The policy states in relevant part:

"It will be the practice of the board of trustees to utilize the advice of all interested individuals and groups in the solution of its educational and financial concerns, although the board alone will be the final policy agent.

The board of trustees recognizes the right of the public to receive information concerning all of its actions, policies and details of its educational and business operations. (see policy 2.01.05 at NIC website)

The claim that NIC's graduation rates are unusually low lacks understanding of community colleges. The concept of "graduation rates" cannot realistically be used to determine the real effectiveness of community colleges. Graduation rates are calculated using the credits earned within a normal education cycle and the resulting degree. They do not fit the community college mission. The average age of students at NIC is 27; 68 percent are age 20 or older. At NIC, students do not attend simply to obtain a degree. Some attend to obtain credits for transfer to a four year institution without obtaining a degree. Some attend courses then return to work having obtained the education they needed for their work. Some take courses as their schedule permits. Community colleges are designed to accommodate people as their needs, time and resources permit, not to require them to move through the education system to get "graduation" points.

The claim of poor fiscal management at NIC illustrates a lack of understanding of the operation over the past six years.

The rapid acceleration of enrollment and decline in state funding created a critical shortage of operating capital. We had to choose between capping enrollment and raising revenue. Yes, we took some "foregone" taxes to finance the purchase of the mill site adjacent to the campus. That decision came at a difficult economic time for this community. A portion of the criticized tax increase was dedicated to that endeavor, not operating costs. That real estate was a wise investment in the future needs of our community. If we had not acquired it, it would be the next downtown condo site.

The claim that NIC took more in taxes than was necessary is misleading at best. The claim that students pay 25 percent of NIC's budget with the State of Idaho contributing half and the taxpayers of Kootenai County accounting for the other 25 percent is simply wrong.

The real story is different and more complicated. Computation of property taxes is a complicated formula. The claim that property taxes went up 107 percent is wrong. The tax increase for operations varies with many factors but is more accurately 37 percent not 107 percent. At the same time taxes increased the homeowner's exemption (the amount deducted off the home valuation) varied almost 25 percent which reduced taxes actually paid. During this period, property values fell, reducing the amount of tax assessed. Assessments changed based on the total valuation of property in the county. It is misleading to use any one element as an accurate accounting of the real funding.

From 2007 through 2012, while enrollment increased by 46 percent, and state support was reduced by 14 percent, the operational budget growth was held to 23 percent. Using budget controls, the cost per student decreased by 15 percent. Yes, property taxes and tuition increased to meet these rapid revenue changes. Tuition increased by 53 percent and property taxes for operations increased by 37 percent. In the 2011-2012 fiscal year students contributed 31 percent of NIC's uncommitted general fund revenue; Kootenai County taxpayers contributed approximately 36 percent; and the State of Idaho contributed approximately 22 percent. The remaining 11 percent came from committed federal grants, dedicated professional technical funds, training contracts and other outside sources.

A recent economic study concluded that NIC contributes more than $164 million to our regional economy each year. More valuable is the incalculable contribution education makes in the lives of all who are impacted by NIC.

When the Board has faced difficult and complex decisions we have searched for the necessary information and data and endeavored to balance the interests of the students and community while maintaining the vitality of the college.

We all need valid information and data to make our decisions in the upcoming election. However, we must question and verify whenever possible. As we prepare to vote we have two options:

We can be skeptical and verify political claims by seeking additional information and carefully evaluating the "facts" and "statistics" used to support a claim, or, we can simply believe all of the claims and assertions and disregard the critical thinking and reasoning skills we have been taught.

In our minds the choice is clear. Vote wisely.

Ken Howard, Christie Wood, Ron Vieselmeyer are NIC Trustees who are not up for election.