College shrouds “Sensory Integration Accelerator” project mostly in secrecy;  PR Department ignores request for more information; Community caught  off guard because of Board’s November 2022 approval in concept of most important capital projects with no mention of expanding CTEC; Moreover, there was minimal disclosure to taxpayers prior to and at the May 2023 budget approval meeting

During the May 2023 Yavapai Community College District Governing Board meeting, where the budget for the upcoming 2023-24 year was approved, one of the most unexpected developments was the decision to allocate $10 million over three years for the expansion of the existing 108,000 square foot, eight-acre Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC). This expansion aims to increase CTEC’s size by an additional 20,000 square feet. The suddenness of this decision caught many attendees by surprise, leaving them with limited information about the specific details and rationale behind the expansion.

No explanations were provided prior to the May 2023 budget meeting supporting the sudden decision to increase the size of CTEC, especially considering that the College already possesses 108,000 square feet at that facility. Similarly, no clarifications were given regarding why the specific amount of $10 million was chosen, nor was there any disclosure regarding the portion of funding that might come from state grants. Furthermore, it remained unclear whether the $10 million would be spent regardless of the availability of state funding.

Another surprising revelation emerged from a confidential executive meeting of the Community College District Governing Board on June 8. During this meeting, a decision was made to acquire a property in Prescott, located west of the airport. The exact purchase price of the property remains undisclosed. The purpose of this acquisition is currently unknown, but there are speculations that it might be intended to expand the footprint of CTEC. The lack of transparency surrounding this decision has left the community uncertain about the college’s intentions with the newly acquired property. (For more information about the purchase, please click here.)

Adding to the residents’ surprise was the fact that the expansion of CTEC was never discussed during the important District Governing Board meeting held November 2022. At this meeting the Board considered all priority projects submitted to them by the College administration and experts hired by the College.  The Board then went ahead and approved all of the priority capital projects in concept. Despite the presentation of a detailed chart allegedly prepared by the College experts for that meeting, which outlined the various priority projects and their estimated cost, the CTEC expansion was conspicuously absent from the chart or any discussion.

This is what information the Blog has been able to gather so far:

1. 1. 1. 1. At the May 2023  budget approval meeting, page 74 of the budget book states: “Yavapai College will expand the Career and Technical Cetner (sic) (CTEC) by up to 20,000 square feet.  Within the expanded space, the college will construct new programs and move a few existing programs to meet Freeport’s current and future workforce needs.  Specifically, the space will be used to train technicians with the newest automation and Al technologies.”
         2. At the May 2023 budget hearing, Dr. Clint Ewell provided the following short explanation for the sudden addition: “Last, but not least, we’ve been working on some leads with the State regarding workforce accelerators, which is some state funded money to help local businesses advance their workforce training skills. So we’re partnering with free Port Mac Moran and putting our name in the hat. We’re hopeful, perhaps even optimistic, that we will get money to help them train their next generation of automation technicians and using artificial intelligence to help diagnose what’s going on with their processes.”
         3. Finally, Chair Deb McCasland made a vague comment at the end of the budget approval process regarding potential state funds. She said: “And just another point on the capital projects. We are estimating that we will receive 16.4 million dollars  to support the capital improvements from outside sources non taxpayer dollars. So we are being very frugal. . . .”

The Community College’s persistent adherence to secrecy raises numerous concerns. Such opacity undermines the trust that residents have placed in the institution. By choosing to  withhold  information or failing to meaningfully provide it, such as detailed reasons it suddenly decided to allocate $10 million in taxpayer dollars to a particular project, the Community College not only fails to foster an environment of openness and accountability but also exacerbates the skepticism and unease felt by community members. Transparent and inclusive decision-making processes are essential for building trust and ensuring the collective well-being of all stakeholders.

Last second addition of $10 million for CTEC expansion is approved.  The $28 million in total approved by the Board is the largest expenditure of taxpayer funds  on the west side of Mingus Mountain in a budgetary year since the Board approved $103.8 million in renovation ten years ago with 95% or more going directly to the west side Mingus Mountain for development

In addition to raising the County primary property tax rate by five percent by a 4-1 vote, the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board, approved $28 million in capital improvement funds to spend on several new projects located solely on the west side of  Mingus Mountain.  That vote was 3-1-1.  Board member Chris Kuknyo dissented and Board member Toby Payne abstained. The decision was made during the Board’s May 16, 2023, meeting. This marks the largest allocation of taxpayer funds going to the west side of Mingus since the Board’s $103.8 million renovation approval a decade ago, with over 95% of those funds marked for the west side of Mingus. 

The approved projects include a $15 million renovation for the Prescott Campus library, a $10 million expansion of the Career and Technology Center (CTEC) at the Prescott airport, and a $3 million housing project for west County faculty located just outside Prescott Valley.

The budget for the library renovation spans three years, with $3.09 million allocated for 2023-24,

SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY TAXPAYER

$10.296 million for 2024-25, and $3.05 million for 2025-26.

The last-minute addition of $10 million to the capital budget aims to fund the expansion of the CTEC Center, adding up to 20,000 square feet of space. The College plans to introduce new programs and enhance existing ones, focusing on training technicians and incorporating automation and AI technologies to meet workforce needs. The budget approved for CTEC also covers three years and supports expending $1 million in 23-24; $7 million in 24-25 and $2 million in 26-26.  The project is called “Sensory Integration Accelerator.” 

Furthermore, a portion of the remaining $3 million of the $28 million will be used to create an efficiency apartment in Building #34 on the Prescott Campus. The purpose and beneficiaries of this project remain undisclosed. Additionally, the College plans to establish a faculty village for west side faculty just outside Prescott Valley, using a significant portion of the remaining $3 million to purchase at least ten manufactured homes.

The budget also outlines the purchase of four recreational vehicles to be parked on the Verde Campus, potentially rented out as housing for faculty, staff, and students. The College will also assess the demand for workforce housing on the east side of Mingus Mountain.

Notably, there are no funds allocated for the Sedona Center in the current year or the next five years, as per the written budget submitted to the public at the hearing. The east of Mingus Mountain Verde Campus brewing and distilling project, approved a year ago, has now been put on the back burner for at least two more years. 

Also notable is the fact that the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board now consists of three  elected, two  appointed, and all unpaid politicians representing five separate districts in Yavapai County.

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