Community Groups Step Forward to Support LSCS Bond Proposal

Community Groups Step Forward to Support LSCS Bond Proposal

Article Body
Ten area hospitals, nine chambers of commerce and four economic development or community associations have sent letters to Lone Star College System supporting the system’s May 10 bond referendum.

Trustees have put a $420 million bond proposal on the ballot to build new facilities, renovate existing buildings, and provide necessary traffic, security and technology infrastructure that is expected to grow from 49,263 students today to about 72,000 by 2015.

The bond proposal, if approved by voters, will not raise the tax rate, college officials have said.
“Each of these resolutions is important and appreciated,” said Richard Carpenter, chancellor. “Each organization recognizes the important role the college system plays in developing a relevant workforce in our community, and understands that a population that is growing dramatically means the college will need to add classrooms and learning sites if it is to keep pace.”

LSCS has received resolutions of support from these chambers of commerce: Community Chamber of East Montgomery County, Cy-Fair Houston, Greater Conroe/Lake Conroe, Houston Northwest, Humble Area, Magnolia Area, North Houston Greenspoint, South Montgomery County Woodlands, and Tomball Area.

The North Houston Association, South Montgomery County Economic Development Partnership, Woodlands Community Association, and Woodlands Association have also passed resolutions in favor of the bond.

“Nationwide, we are facing a serious shortage of nurses and healthcare workers at a time when the baby boom population is reaching Medicare age and demand for healthcare services is rising,” said a resolution signed by ten hospital executives.

“The Lone Star College System is growing to meet our needs,” the letter read. “Enabling the growth of Lone Star College will lead to the graduation of more nurses and other health care employees.”

The letter was signed by Jerry Nash, CEO of Conroe Regional Medical Center; Terry Wheeler, CEO of Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center; Drew Kahn, CEO of Houston Northwest Medical Center; Gay Nord, CEO of Kingwood Medical Center; Louis G. Smith, Jr., CEO of Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital; Steve Sanders, CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital; Andy Cochrane, CEO of Methodist Willowbrook Hospital; Robert A. Behar, M.D., CEO of North Cypress Medical Center; Debra Sukin, CEO of St. Luke’s Community Medical Center in The Woodlands; and Lynn LeBouef, CEO of Tomball Regional Medical Center.

“Lone Star College System is proud to partner with organizations within our community,” Carpenter said. “We are grateful for such positive resolutions of support.”

Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. It is the largest institute of higher education in the Houston area, and third largest community college district in Texas. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.

###
Posted by Demilliano, Emily F on 4/29/2008 8:05:00 AM
Lone Star College System
5000 Research Forest Drive
The Woodlands TX 77381-4356
Phone 832.813.6500
Search