OPINION: Community colleges and NIC
What was once a place of learning has been hijacked into a playground for politics. Many of us have watched with disappointment as the drama surrounding North Idaho College has played out. This has been a case study in the dangers of electing people who put their own warped views ahead of the needs of the community. A beloved education institution has become a den of divisiveness leaving many to walk away.
After the very real danger of losing accreditation earlier this year, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is giving NIC until April 2025 to get in good standing or their accreditation may be revoked. After a school loses accreditation, there is a very real possibility the school may close entirely. If the school does remain open and students continue to attend, their completed degree is at risk of being considered unaccredited
Like all community colleges in the state, NIC has an immense impact on its region. Families from around the state and region benefit from their children being able to attend such an institution. Students are paying tuition in hopes that they can earn a respected degree and enter the workforce at an advantage. Employers in the area benefit from the wonderful caliber of students that emerge from local community colleges. With the current NIC situation, many are left wondering what the future of this institution may be. Concerned parents are left second guessing their decision to send their child to NIC. Accomplished professors with impressive credentials who just want to teach are dealing with this nightmare situation. And local business in search of well trained workforce are concerned that their search may need to expand.
Fortunately there is hope on the horizon. President Nick Swayne is committed to addressing the issues at hand and returning NIC back to a place of normalcy. He has the tall task of dealing with rogue trustees but he is supported by many in the community. It is a compelling reminder of how important it is for all members of the community to participate in the processes of local government.
The last year at NIC has been disappointing. While many are absolutely exhausted with this drama, we applaud those who are not letting the pirates sink the ship. Education is all about learning and changing. We need to ask ourselves what we have learned from this and what we can do to ensure it never happens again.
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The Main Street Idaho Caucus is a group of Idaho legislators. For more information, visit idahomainstreet.org.