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Iowa Lakes approves budget amid rapid aviation-program growth and facility plans
Summary
Iowa Lakes Community College approved a conservative FY26 budget and described rapid growth in its aviation program, plans for a 28E agreement with the city for airport management, a potential $1 million donor for a new facility, and facility and bond-related capital pressures.
Iowa Lakes Community College reported rapid enrollment growth in its aviation program and won board approval for a conservative FY26 budget that includes capital pressures from roofing and HVAC work.
College leaders told the meeting that the aviation program grew from 33 students when the current presenter began in February to 53 by fall 2022, 84 by fall 2023 and 93 this year, and that growth has strained maintenance capacity at the municipal airport in Estherville. "We are actually looking to hire [an] aviation mechanic, 1 or and possibly 2," the presenter said, and the college is pursuing a 28E agreement with the city so an employee could serve as airport manager while supporting the program.
The college said a donor has “possibly donating a million dollars” toward planning for a new facility at the Estherville Airport;…
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