× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

CEDAR FALLS | A $33 million renovation of Schindler Education Center may get the green light next week.

The Iowa Board of Regents, which governs the state's public universities, will consider final approval of the project at its Aug. 6 meeting. Gov. Terry Branstad vetoed $2 million to start planning the project, but lawmakers approved the $30.9 million for construction.

"This momentum towards progress is good," said Dwight Watson, dean of the College of Education.

The 42-year-old building needs improved electrical and mechanical systems, updated classroom spaces and new technology so student teachers can replicate model learning practices in K-12 classrooms.

The UNI Foundation is investigating whether that missing $2 million could be raised privately, said Phil Simpson, the campus architect in charge of facilities planning at UNI. If not, the university will have to reduce the scope of the project within the available budget.

UNI is considering an alternative way to bid this project to contractors, evidence that some universities are already following recommendations from a consulting firm hired to cut costs at the universities.