Contracts to continue provision of educational services to residents of Apache County and with the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) were renewed during the regular monthly meeting of the Navajo County Community College District Governing Board on June 16 in Holbrook.
The agreement with Apache County is for one year, a change to allowing both parties to more easily adjust to shifts in state funding. NPC is fully compensated for providing classes and services in Apache County, creating no burden on Navajo County taxpayers.
NPC will receive $550,000 under the agreement. A detailed accounting will adjust the payment amount to reflect actual expenses. Apache County also provides supplemental funds to maintain facilities, computers and technology infrastructure. “Residents of Apache County receive approximately $1.2 million in services through the agreement,” stated Blaine Hatch, NPC’s Vice President for Administrative Services, with tuition and state funding providing the additional support.
The renewed agreement with NAVIT covers a five-year period, with an annual review. NPC provides joint technological education courses at NPC for high school students within the NAVIT district, with the two parties equally sharing costs. A second agreement covers dual enrollment vocational courses at local high schools, allowing students to earn college and high school credit.
The board accepted a $2,000 planning grant from the Navajo/Apache Regional Partnership Council of First Things First to develop curriculum for a community-based training program for early childhood educators and parents. Additional grants will provide scholarships for individuals pursing degrees in early childhood.
First Things First is a federally funded program administered by the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board. Kate Dobler-Allen is the executive director for the regional council.
The board also renewed the tuition reciprocity agreement with the State of New Mexico. Under the agreement, residents of Grant, Hidalgo and Luna counties can enroll at NPC under in-state tuition rates. In return, up to 17 full-time students from NPC’s district can enroll at either Eastern or Western New Mexico University under in-state rates. Students desiring to take advantage of the waiver should contact an academic adviser at their chosen institution.
NPC will also be participating in the new Arizona Community College Presidents Council to facilitate collaboration among the state’s 10 publicly supported community college districts. NPC President Dr. Jeanne Swarthout has been spearheading the effort to aid districts in compiling state-mandated reports and to be an advocate for community college issues. NPC’s annual council dues are capped at $3,000.
Following an annual performance review, the board offered President Swarthout a three-contract contract, with compensation increases at the same level as other employees. For the upcoming year, this would mean no increase.
During reports to the board, Mira White outlined plans by the Classified and Administrative Support Organization (CASO) for a silent auction at Fall Convocation to fund four student scholarships.
Faculty Association President Dr. Sandra Johnson briefed the board of the weekly meetings every Thursday at 1:30 on the audio system to discuss shared governance.
Director of Enrollment Services Jake Hinton reported on the student government association’s upcoming elections in August and the summer study abroad opportunity in Costa Rica.
Peggy Belknap, Human Resources Director, announced the hiring of Ann Hilliard as the Carl Perkins Grant Manager and Rickey Jackson as Director of Developmental Services
The board unanimously voted to not meet in July, unless an emergency requires their attention. The next regular meeting was tentatively set for Tuesday, Aug. 18, with a study session beginning at 9:30 a.m. and the regular meeting starting at 11 a.m. in the Tiponi Community Center on the Holbrook – Painted Desert Campus.