SWWC currently leases space in Willmar to house our Educational Learning Center (ELC). The building requires many updates and renovations that are outside our budget range. To that end, SWWC has partnered with the New London Economic Development authority and is constructing a new ELC in New London and will close the Willmar location at the end of the 2023-24 school year.

 

The new ELC building in New London will serve up to 50 students from around the region and bring around 15-20 new jobs to the area. The 25,000 square foot building is being constructed along County Road 9, about 2 miles east of Highway 71, which provides easy access for students and staff to come and go daily. 

The City of New London will own the building and lease it to SWWC for use, which is the same model used for SWWC’s ELC - Montevideo. 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. City of New London Taxpayers will not be financially impacted by the building or operating of the ELC.

BCI Construction is leading the building project for SWWC and has plans to complete construction by the end of June 2024. The ELC will accept students for the start of the 2024-25 school year.