NIC trustee candidate forum announced
A forum featuring candidates seeking election to the North Idaho College board of trustees will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 in the Schuler Auditorium on the NIC campus in Coeur d’Alene.
This in-person event is organized by the Joint Chamber Public Policy Committee, which comprises members from all four chambers of commerce in Kootenai County.
“A robust educational system is vital to the health of the business community,” said a press release announcing the forum. “This election will significantly impact the future of North Idaho College.”
Election Day is Nov. 8.
The candidates invited to participate are running for the three trustee positions in Zones 1, 2 and 5 that are now held by trustees appointed earlier this year by the Idaho State Board of Education.
“The NIC Board has been in turmoil over the past several years,” said Alan Wolfe, co-chair of the joint chamber committee, in the release. “It is extremely important to select suitable trustee candidates who will lead with integrity and in the best interests of the entire community. We must not allow politics to decide the future of our students, faculty, and staff.”
Lauren Benedict, also co-chair of the committee, said NIC is vital to the health of the community and economy by providing thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in revenue each year.
“Not to mention that it is the talent pipeline for many of our businesses,” Benedict said. “We need to vote this November for candidates who will support NIC’s faculty, staff and accreditation. Every vote matters in these local elections.”
The chambers stated in the joint announcement that:
• Since 1933, NIC has continually provided traditional students and adult learners with access to quality, affordable local higher education opportunities.
• Even during times of crisis, the staff and educators’ commitment to the student experience, student success, and overall excellence have been unwavering.
• NIC also provides, through its dual enrollment program, our high school students with a local opportunity to complete up to two years of college while in high school. This allows them to potentially enter a four-year college or university as a junior and dramatically reduces the cost of a college education.
• North Idaho College makes Idaho a better place. NIC is a vital asset in Kootenai County. Loss of accreditation at North Idaho College will devastate our local economy.
“It is time for the leaders in our community to step up and take a stand for education and North Idaho College. We can no longer afford to remain silent on this important business issue, as it impacts our workforce as well as economic development,” said Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital and chairman of the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber board. “Get to know the candidates and where they stand on important issues, then cast an informed vote.”
To register to attend the North Idaho College Board of Trustees Election Forum, visit business.cdachamber.com/events/details/candidate-forum-north-idaho-college-board-of-trustees-27780.