SWWC has announced a partnership with Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) and Marshall Public Schools to open a new Educational Learning Center (ELC) in Marshall, serving students with severe learning and/or behavioral issues who meet the criteria for a federal setting IV special education placement.  

Under the new partnership, SMSU will lease space to SWWC to house a space for up to 42 students and a similar number of staff. The new space will provide a positive, safe environment for students to learn. Students attending the ELC will come from area school districts within a 30-60 mile radius of Marshall.

SMSU will continue to own the building and lease it to SWWC for use. Marshall Public Schools will also occupy part of the same building to be used for their Alternative Learning Center. Districts who send students to the ELC are the primary source of funding for ELCs in addition to subsidies from the State’s special education budget.

The existing ELC in Belview will close at the end of the 2023-24 school year, with ELC - Marshall providing services for students at the start of the 2024-25 school year. ELC - Belview is outdated and is no longer fit for serving students. The students currently served in Belview will transfer to the new ELC in Marshall, which will provide a better learning environment for students. SWWC is working closely with SMSU and area school districts to ensure the process is as seamless as possible for residents, students, and staff. 

BCI Construction is leading the building project for SWWC and has plans to complete construction by the end of June 2024.