Says dual enrollment fee may inhibit sustainability of dual enrollment program
Mingus Union High School Superintendent, Dr. Paul Tighe, speaking to the Governing Board at its January 12, meeting, opposed any fee being placed on the dual enrollment programs by the College. He stated that the expenses for the dual enrollment program are almost “entirely” born by the school districts.
Dr. Tighe addressing the Board
He pointed out that the High Schools pay the teachers, provide the space, desks, textbooks, and transportation. “The prospect of adding a fee directly to the students for what appear to be administrative and support expenses is of concern,” he said.
He also pointed out that the fee would “be a barrier for the opportunity of students” to take college credit classes. He said that he and the Verde Valley superintendents would “hate to see that happen.”
Dr. Tighe explained that last year there were 1,361 college credits obtained by high school students in the dual enrollment programs in Mingus Union High School alone. This is roughly $115,000 savings to the taxpayers in the district, he said.
He asked that the Administration reconsider passing on any fees to the high schools in the dual enrollment program. {The administration rejected his suggestion during the meeting by insisting on a $10 per credit fee be added beginning the fall of 2016.}
Superintendent Tighe’s brief statement to the District Governing Board may be viewed in full by clicking here.
Under the Carver model of governance adopted by the Governing Board, Wills is obligated to keep the Governing Board members well informed. McCasland expressed obvious concern that Wills’ was not meeting that obligation. McCasland wrote that “information that affects the Board should be shared with all the Board members as it occurs, not just select individuals.” She wrote that “open communication is very important to provide trust and respect, Finding out about college administrative matters in the press and not first from the President is not effective communication.” 
The efforts by the Verde Valley Board Advisory Committee and the two Verde Valley representatives on the Governing Board to slow down and require the administration to justify these multi-million dollar projects have been for naught. Wills’ has never had her hands on so much tax money she can spend without interference from the Board.
