Margaret (last name not provided), president of Isothermal Community College, presented a proposal to the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 4 to build a new "career commons" that would consolidate student services, workforce partners and career training space.

"Who are we not serving?" Margaret said, describing the college's recent strategy of using data to identify populations not pursuing postsecondary education and deploying accelerated eight‑week terms and career outreach to reach them. She said the college has recorded a cumulative 13% enrollment increase over the past four years and highlighted recent philanthropic and grant support, including a $750,000 award from the North Carolina GlaxoSmithKline Foundation.

The college presented a facilities case that relies on an FCAP (Facilities Comprehensive Assessment Program) report the president said estimated about $49 million would be needed to bring older campus buildings up to current code and program standards. The president said the proposed career commons would replace four aging buildings and provide upgraded electrical and instructional infrastructure to support high‑demand technical programs.

Margaret emphasized partnerships with local employers, career coaches in high schools and new training programs — including a local truck‑driver training program funded with philanthropic and ARC support — as ways to connect local residents to family‑sustaining wages without sending talent out of the county.

Commissioners asked about the FCAP timeline and immediate priorities; the president said the report identified roughly $14 million in emergency items with a broader three‑year timetable for remaining repairs. Commissioners also discussed program outcomes, high‑school outreach (including private and homeschooled students) and how the college partners with employers to create credentialed pathways.

The presentation was informational; the board did not take a funding vote at the session but acknowledged receiving the report and indicated the facilities committee will continue work with the college on priorities and options.