Voters in York County have an important reason to get to the polls on Election Day, this coming Tuesday. Among the five state referendum questions is a bond that would give a major boost to York County Community College, which is located in Wells.

Question 5 on the ballot asks voters to authorize bonding $15.5 million to upgrade buildings, classrooms and laboratories on the seven campuses of the Maine Community College System. The proposed projects, if completed, would increase capacity to serve more students through expanded programs in health care, precision machining, information technology and criminal justice, to name a few.

At YCCC, the $3.4 million the college would receive would help construct a new academic building to address overcrowding as well as expand offerings in the college’s associate degree and workforce development programs. There would also be space for students to study and take part in cultural programs.

In an editorial board meeting earlier this week with YCCC interim President Dr. Christopher Hall, he said this building is critical to the college’s future, and to fulfilling the region’s need for skilled workers. Currently, he said, the school has about 2,000 students taking classes, between its degree programs and short-term professional development courses. With the new building, that number could increase to about 2,600.

The college has seen increased demand for its offerings, and increasing enrollment over the past several years ”“ it’s even had to turn students away. It just recently added a precision manufacturing program, with a site in Sanford, and in the last decade, added a nursing program, in conjunction with Southern Maine Community College, and a criminal justice associate’s degree.

With all of its programs and space to accommodate the programs ”“ like new labs ”“ the college has outgrown its current building. Hall said some students even have to study in their cars between courses, when weather permits, because there is not enough space in the library or other non-classroom spaces for them to work.

Although the $3.4 million bond would not pay for the entire $6.5 million building proposed, Hall said there is private funding that would be committed if the bond is approved, and the college would be very close to the amount needed to start planning and construction. The building is part of a grander plan for YCCC, that includes several more buildings, and hopefully, an access road to Route 1 in Wells.

This project ”“ and the others proposed throughout the community college system ”“ will help move the state, and its residents, forward into the 21st century. Times have changed, and so have people’s ability to pay for expensive, private education. Many students are now looking to their local community college or other state school to earn their education, or at least get it started. YCCC, after all, costs just about $3,000 per year for in-state tuition and fees. That’s a real bargain when most private colleges are charging upward of $40,000 a year now.

YCCC ”“ and others, like SMCC ”“ are also partnering with industries that need skilled workers now, and more in the future. Pratt & Whitney, the jet engine manufacturer based in North Berwick, put up its own money to help the precision manufacturing program become a reality at YCCC, and it will continue to work with the college to get students ready for careers there and at similar companies in the county and around the state.

To ensure these types of programs continue and Maine residents get the skills and training they need to acquire good jobs, education is key. That is why we’re also encouraging a yes vote on Questions 2 and 4.

Question 2 asks voters to approve a $15.5 million bond to update and improve existing laboratory and classroom facilities throughout the University of Maine System. This is separate from Question 5, as it funds similar improvements at the state’s four-year colleges, including UMaine, USM, and University of Maine campuses at Presque Isle, Machias, Fort Kent, Augusta and Farmington.

These funds, like those for Question 5, are necessary to keep Maine students competitive and trained for the kinds of careers that will be in demand in the future. From science to nursing labs to housing and technology upgrades, the state needs to continue investing in education to ensure young people get properly educated and hopefully finds jobs here after graduation.

Question 4 asks voters to bond $4.5 million to fund a public-private partnership for a building a new science facility at the Maine Maritime Academy, which will be matched by other funds.

Again, keeping the state competitive will be important for the future growth and a healthy economy. If businesses see the state investing in education ”“ especially STEM programs and facilities ”“ and there is a trained workforce waiting to begin those types of jobs, Maine could become a hub for industries like bio tech, medical research, manufacturing, engineering and more.

All of the bonds on the state ballot this Election Day are key to improving the state’s economy and ensuring a bright future for generations to come.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.