City water and sewer will be connected to project rather than build septic system like that on the Verde Campus
Yavapai Community College announced at its April 23 District Governing Board meeting that it is currently installing infrastructure for at least 30 units at the College’s Chino Valley Center. These units could accommodate recreational vehicles, small homes, or both. Dr. Clint Ewell mentioned during his presentation, in response to Board questions, that the infrastructure will connect to the Chino Valley sewer system. This eliminates the need for a separate septic system like the one at the Verde Campus in Clarkdale.
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Suspicion is that the enormous need for money to support new west county community college projects like purchase of 41 acre church camp explains in part this decision
(Table below — presented to Board by College — shows projects approved in concept for the Verde Campus by the District Governing Board in November 2022 but now discarded.)
The Yavapai Community College Governing Board approved at its April 23 meeting locating a prefabricated 12 bedroom, four bath, two kitchen apartment on the Verde Valley Campus. The College said this structure was intended to meet the housing needs of students, staff, and faculty.
The construction process involves building the apartment off-site and then transporting it in sections to the campus for reassembly. The estimated size of the structure is approximately 3,000 square feet, with an anticipated cost of $200 per square foot for purchase and installation. The total cost is estimated to be about $600,000.
The 12 bedroom apartment house represents a major departure from the previously proposed $9.25 million student housing project on the Verde Valley Campus. The housing project was greenlit in concept by the District Governing Board back in November 2022.
In addition to terminating the $9.25 million student housing project for the Verde Valley Campus, the College has also dumped the once formally approved $8.04 million Craft Brewing and Distilling program and the $608,000 Commercial Driving program. (All listed in approved in concept projects shown in the above table produced by the Community College.) It is suspected that the projects were discarded because of the need for a huge influx of cash to support the many new and expensive projects approved for expansion on the College’s west side of Yavapai County.
(Diagram shown to Governing Board at April 21, 2024 meeting.)
You may view a video clip explanation by Dr. Clint Ewell of the purchase of the prefabricated apartment at the April 21 Governing Board meeting by clicking here.
Community College leadership rejects his request for information about spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on 3D printers forcing Toby Payne to resort to Arizona’s Freedom of Information Act in order to get the requested information
Over the past decade or more, a recurring saga has unfolded within the Yavapai Community College Governing Board where four out of five Sedona/Verde Valley District three Governing Board representatives found themselves locked in a battle of wills with the Community College leadership over obtaining information needed to carry out their responsibilities.
District 3 Governing Board Representative Toby Payne
The saga reached a crescendo when former representative Mr. Paul Chevalier had to wield Arizona’s Freedom of Information Act like a sword to pry open the vault of information concerning a staggering $10 million once earmarked for a teaching brewery in the Third District. (The brewery project was later withdrawn by the College from consideration.)
Fast forward to today, and Mr. Tobey Payne, who took over for Mr. Chevalier, finds himself traversing the same treacherous terrain, compelled to employ the same legal tool to unravel the mystery behind the potential expenditure of anywhere from half a million to a cool million on 3D concrete home printers.
Here’s how Mr. Payne articulated in a letter his exasperation at the abysmal treatment he received from the Community College when he dared to seek clarity about the 3D printer project:
Dear Editor,
As the District 3 Yavapai College Governing Board member at Yavapai College, I am deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability regarding the expenditure of taxpayer funds, particularly in the context of potential investments in educational technology.
Recently, I found myself facing numerous roadblocks when attempting to obtain crucial information about the efficacy of the Community College’s spending on 3D concrete printers. Despite my fiduciary duty to the taxpayers of Yavapai County, my inquiries were met with resistance and dismissal from both President Dr. Lisa Rhine and Board Chair Deb McCasland.
My initial request to ascertain how many students had participated in training courses associated with the current half-million-dollar printers over the past three years was rejected outright. Subsequent attempts to understand the rationale behind an additional proposed $600,000 investment in another printer were similarly rebuffed.
Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue about the college’s strategic direction and the prudent use of resources, I received dismissive responses questioning the relevance of such information in my role as a board member. This lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable, particularly when significant taxpayer funds are at stake. I had to resort to Freedom of Information Act requests in order to get the information I was requesting.
I firmly believe that as elected representatives entrusted with overseeing the college, board members have a responsibility to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of students and taxpayers alike. This includes conducting thorough evaluations of proposed expenditures and assessing their impact on educational outcomes.
It turns out that Yavapai College has spent over $500,000 in 3 years for equipment for under 35 students to take the 3/D Home Building Course and now wishes to spend $600,000 more. CTEC is an exemplary program which I fully support. I question spending over a million dollars which serves so few students.
Despite facing resistance at every turn, I remain committed to fulfilling my fiduciary duty and advocating for transparency and accountability at Yavapai College. Taxpayers deserve nothing less than full transparency and informed decision-making from their educational institutions.
Sincerely, Toby Payne
District 3 Yavapai College Board Member
The College has pivoted toward manufactured homes, travel trailers and the purchase of a 41 acre church camp in its quest to provide low cost housing assistance for faculty, staff, and students
Recall the decision made over three years ago, January 27, 2020, when the District Governing Board approved the Community College executives investing around a half a million dollars in two 3D concrete home printers. At the time, the printers were touted by Community College executives as capable of constructing the foundation, interior, and exterior walls of a medium-sized home within three to five days. For example, in its press release of January 27, 2020, the Community College said in part:
“This new process would enhance several trades and early estimates suggest the printers can have the foundation, interior, and exterior walls completed for a medium-sized home in 3-5 days. After roofing, electrical, plumbing, and other services are installed, it is estimated that these 3D printed homes will help alleviate Yavapai County’s attainable housing shortage.” . . .
“We believe this can be a part of the solution to our long-standing attainable housing crisis in Yavapai County,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, Yavapai College President. “The emerging opportunities that 3D printing provides are quite remarkable and we want to bring this innovative technology to help our communities in need.” . . .
Subsequently, the College acquired the 3D printers. However, they proved unsuitable for their intended purpose, as later openly acknowledged by Yavapai Community College executives. Consequently, they were essentially discarded, prompting the Community College staff to embark on a challenging and time-consuming journey to develop and construct their own 3D printers. (Cost estimates unknown.)
In January 2022, the first class on how to use these machines was announced. However, despite the enormous time-consuming staff effort and large expenditure of funds, the total enrollment in the class since 2022 is reportedly as of the last semester very small.
Now, County residents have learned from the presentation to the District Governing Board at its April 23, 2024 meeting that the current 3D printers are not equipped to print homes to meet the needs of the Community College staff and students. Apparently, it has become clear they cannot print the type of concrete homes it was anticipated they could back in 2020. Nor can they be printed in 3-5 days.
The College is now turning to alternative housing such as the recent purchase of a 41 acre church camp. It is also beginning to purchase travel trailers and prefabricated homes.
Surprisingly, despite the significant previous investment and failures, it is believed that College administrators may have been quietly considering proposing to the Governing Board a purchase of a new 3D printer or printers with a potential additional investment of $600 thousand. Fortunately, such an expenditure is not included in the proposed 2024-25 academic year budget.
The College’s arduous journey with 3D concrete home printing technology underscores the importance of careful pre-planning and skeptical evaluation of major investments by the executives in charge of higher education at the Community College, especially when it comes to emerging technologies. It also serves as a valuable lesson to the District Governing Board when considering approving similar ventures and expenditures.
Click here to go to the video clip of Dr. Clint Ewell explaining the status of the College’s 3D printer project to the Governing Board at the April meeting.
The ceremony is on the Verde Valley Campus in Clarkdale and will be live-streamed on the College’s YouTube channel using the hashtag #YCGradJoy. College selected Republic legislator from District one as commencement keynote speaker
Yavapai Community College will hold Commencement ceremonies May 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. on the Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale. The ceremony will be live-streamed on the Community College’s YouTube channel. Use the hashtag #YCGradJoy to view the event.
Approximately 85 graduates are expected to attend this event. These are students who either completed their degree or certificate in Fall 2023, or are expected to complete in Spring 2024 or Summer 2024.
The Community College reported that overall, 418 students completed nearly 500 degrees and certificates last fall, and 655 Community College students are currently on track to complete degrees and certificates this Spring.
The keynote speaker is Republican Representative Quang Nguyen, a staunch conservative. He is serving his second term in the Arizona Legislator for Legislative District one and lives in Prescott Valley. In March of this year, he called on the Pima County Board of Supervisors to repeal an Ordinance that imposed a requirement that gun owners report the “knowing loss or theft of a firearm.” He also voted with the Republicans on April 18, 2024, who refused to repeal at that time an 1864 law that provided an almost total ban on abortion in Arizona.
The faculty speaker is Dr. Andrew M. Winters. Dr. Winter is Professor of Philosophy, Humanities Chair, and Co-President of the Faculty Senate at Yavapai Community College. He has taught courses in Humanities, Philosophy, and Religious Studies at YC since 2018.
The student speaker is Taidyme Mae. The College reports that Ms. Mae began taking classes at Yavapai Community College in 2016, while she was still in high school. She was accepted into the Community College’s Nursing Program in 2022, and she has been President of the Community College’s Student Nurses Association for the last three semester. After graduating with an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, she plans to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, also at Yavapai Community College! While working toward her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to be employed as an Registered nurse in one of the area hospital emergency departments. She has played softball since the age of nine and enjoys attending concerts and hiking. in the area. Taidyme lives in Prescott Valley with her dog, Koda, and her sulcata tortoise, Tiny.
The College encourages students and parents to use the hashtag #YCGradJoy on social media to share with their family and friends. Live streaming of the ceremonies will be available at yc.edu.
The Board should rethink its priorities before approving this expenditure. Moreover, why isn’t there anything more than a scintilla of concern for the Verde Valley and Sedona’s educational needs rather than investing in a road sign?
Editor: Robert E. Oliphant
OPINION. During the April 23 District Governing Board meeting, Yavapai Community College executives proposed an expenditure of up to half a million dollars for the installation of a directional sign along one of the roads leading to its Career and Technical Education Center (CTEC) at the Prescott airport. This decision comes on the heels of the College’s acquisition of 1.15 acres of land for approximately a quarter million dollars back in September on which to place the sign.
Total cost for this sign: Almost three-quarters of a million dollars?
This allocation of three-quarters of a million dollars for a road sign directing drivers to CTEC is to me a prime example of wasteful spending by the Community College, indicative of a concerning shift away from addressing the many unresolved educational needs of Yavapai County. It also raises questions about the institution’s fiscal priorities and accountability, particularly in light of the ease with which funds seem to be flowing into its coffers.
Consider the broader financial landscape: At the April 23 meeting the Community College Governing Board greenlit a staggering $11 million investment to purchase and initiate renovations on a 41-acre former church camp situated outside Prescott. Furthermore, the Board seems poised to approve a $16 million new revenue bond in May, alongside plans to refinance existing bonds for additional income. Adding to the burden for County taxpayers, there’s a looming 4% property tax hike to be voted on at the May meeting, which follows last year’s 5% increase. It only requires three votes of the Governing Board to go into effect.
All these financial maneuvers are aimed at two major targets: Firstly, renovating the the 41 acre church camp it just purchased. Secondly, to stockpile resources for the eventual construction of the $31 million Prescott Valley Health Science Center slated to begin construction in two years.
However, amidst this flurry of expenditures and ambitious projects, it’s evident that the educational needs of rural areas within the County are being brushed aside, with a sharp, almost greedy, focus on increasing property taxes to pay for Prescott area projects. This neglect is nothing new; it’s a decades-old pattern perpetuated by a District Governing Board largely centered around and lobbied by Prescott/Prescott Valley interests. Regions like Sedona and the Verde Valley continue to struggle for equitable development opportunities due to this centralized focus and successful lobbying.
It’s disheartening to witness such disproportionate allocation of resources, exemplified by the exorbitant expenditure of three-quarters of a million dollars on a mere directional sign for CTEC. This decision not only reflects a disconnect from the College’s core educational mission but also highlights a broader systemic issue of neglect towards underserved communities within our County. Moreover, some may say it reflects reckless spending and regional bias.
It’s high time for the Community College District Governing Board to reevaluate its priorities and commit to a more equitable distribution of resources, ensuring that all residents—urban and rural alike—have access to the educational opportunities they deserve. That can begin at the May Board meeting where final budget decisions will be made for the coming academic year. Anything less is a disservice to the County citizens it purportedly serves.
Spent $5 million to purchase 41 acre facility; anticipates spending $6 million to renovate; will operate its own sewer and water systems and supply adjacent 40 acres owned by developer with water and sewer when homes there are established
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board expanded its footprint by 41 acres on the west side of Mingus Mountain when it unanimously approved the purchase of the Prescott Pines Christian camp from a developer at its April 23 Board meeting. This was the largest expansion of the College on that side of the County since it was created more than 50 years ago. The purchase price of the property is about $5 million. The Community College intends to immediately spend an additional $6 million to renovate some of the 66 buildings and improve the infrastructure.
According to the Community College press release, the primary purpose of the acquisition is to allow Yavapai College to address student and employee housing needs. The facility, opened in 1941, has 66 structures, 12 RV hookups, two large cafeterias, a large gymnasium-like activity center, and a chapel. There are 12 houses, and cabins plus lodges that will accommodate approximately 110 students and about 240 campers.
While the College has apparently closed on the sale of the property paying $5 million using reserve funds, the $6 million needed for immediate renovation is contingent on the Board approving a $16 million revenue bond at its May 2024 meeting.
The College does not anticipate the project becoming a place for low income housing.
The camp is located at 855 East School House Gulch Road, about seven miles from the Prescott based Campus on Sheldon Street.
If you want more details regarding this major expansion of the Community College on the west side of the County, please click here and you will find a 25 minute video clip prepared by the Blog of Governing Board members discussing the project prior to unanimous approval.
Current system inadequate, say President Rhine and Vice President Ewell; other colleges in same boat but have yet to find a way to cooperate on purchasing expensive software together
During the April 24 meeting of the District Governing Board, Yavapai Community College officials emphasized the pressing need for an overhaul of the current computer system, citing its inadequacy in serving students, faculty, and staff effectively.
In addressing the budget for the upcoming fiscal 2024-25 academic year, Vice president Dr. Clint Ewell estimated the replacement cost of the current system to be approximately $1.5 million, with an additional annual expenditure of $400,000 to maintain operations to most likely begin in 2025-2026.
Community College president Dr. Lisa Rhine highlighted the potential for an enhanced sense of community and belonging with the implementation of an improved computer system.
Dr. Clint Ewell underscored the opportunity to leverage the collective expertise of retiring employees in tandem with the system upgrade. The purpose of this strategic approach it appears is intended to optimize the transition while capitalizing on the wealth of institutional knowledge within the workforce.
The Community College officials further contextualized the College’s situation with its computers within a broader trend of technological upgrades and replacements across other educational institutions. This expenditure most likely aligns with similar initiatives undertaken by peer institutions to modernize their computer technology infrastructure.
A part of the discussion by the Governing Board raised the question of whether there was an opportunity to partner with other colleges who appear to be facing a similar program. The Board was told that efforts in that direction have not been successful.
If you are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the decision surrounding this expenditure, audio/video clips prepared by the Blog totaling approximately eleven minutes are available for review by clicking here.
Facility has two cafeterias, activity center, chapel, rv hook ups, cabins, lodges, and a host of other amenities
The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board is expected to approve at Tuesday’s meeting a proposal put forth by the College executives for the purchase of the 42-acre Prescott Pines Christian camp. The camp has been for sale since March 1, 2023. This purchase came as a complete surprise to most who pay attention to how the College is spending taxpayer money and what its plans were for new student, faculty, staff housing.
Old Facebook photo allegedly of one of the many buildings at the camp.
Although the exact purchase price is yet to be disclosed, it is anticipated to be in the millions of dollars, as hinted at by the size and amenities of the camp. The facility boasts approximately two dozen structures, including a large gymnasium, two cafeteria buildings, several cabins, and lodges, among other amenities.
Further details about the purchase and the camp itself are likely to be revealed during the District Governing Board meeting before the Board approves the anticipated purchase on Tuesday.
Photo from old Facebook post allegedly of another of the many buildings at the camp.