News

IVCCD Board Learns of Cybersecurity Efforts

IOWA FALLS – During the monthly Iowa Valley Community College District Board meeting, Board members learned of cybersecurity efforts throughout the District. Protecting online information has become increasingly important, and IVCCD IT personnel are working hard to ensure student information remains secure. Mike Mosher, the Chief Information Officer for the District, highlighted the need for a secondary data center to improve redundancy, the increasing threat of data breaches, and the ongoing threat of ransomware. The IT team has been working to stay ahead of threats and has provided training to the faculty and staff. The District is also testing for security vulnerabilities and working on developing a formal incident response plan.

Board Hears Update on Ellsworth Equine Center, Roof Replacement

The Friends of the Equine Center presented a plan to expand the current equine facility at Ellsworth Community College. The group is exploring an outdoor arena to provide expanded classroom space. The group is also looking to make facility upgrades to expand show options. Local sources have already raised $26,800 for the project.

The Board also held a public hearing about the Equine Arena roof construction project. A metal roof overlay for the existing equine roof is the most cost-effective approach, according to OPN Architects. This project is slated for summer and will be timed so it does not interfere with planned shows.

Board Approves Concurrent Enrollment Master Agreement

The Board approved a plan to extend the existing master agreement with area school districts to provide concurrent enrollment opportunities in high schools. Ashtyn Beek, Academic Dean at Iowa Valley Grinnell, indicated the District worked to clean up the language on the existing agreement, more closely aligning with the guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Education. The school districts anticipated to enter agreements for the next fiscal year include AGWSR Community School District, BCLUW Community School District, BGM Community School District, East Marshall Community School District, GMG Community School District, Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, Iowa Falls-Alden Community School District, Marshalltown Community School District, Montezuma Community School District, Eldora-New Providence Community School District, South Tama Community School District, and West Marshall Community School District.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for May 8, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in Marshalltown and will be available via Zoom.