All three of the recent Community College presidents have invested in the Rock House upgrades, which is a facility used a half dozen or so times during the year for District Governing Board meetings and little else
OPINION: All three of the recent Community College presidents have invested in upgrades in the Rock House on the Prescott Campus over the past several years. This facility is used, as far as the Blog knows, for about a half dozen or so times annually to hold Community College District Governing Board meetings and little else. Are these upgrades worth it, especially when there is little to no transparency regarding the actual final total costs?
The most recent renovation, completed in September under current President Dr. Lisa Rhine, is estimated to have cost approximately $300,000—though the College has not disclosed an official overall cost figure. According to the College, the upgrades were intended to enhance “acoustics, capacity, comfort, and communications (ACCC).” Specific improvements included the installation of new television cameras, advanced microphones, HVAC system replacements, new technology, acoustic wall panels, and the relocation of the tech booth to the kitchen. Yet, despite these enhancements, the Rock House remains heavily underutilized outside of its role as a venue for board meetings.
Dr. Rhine’s renovation follows a similar investment made by former President Dr. Penelope Wills in 2018. Dr. Wills spearheaded an earlier renovation that introduced sophisticated electronic lighting, a state-of-the-art video recording system, plush carpeting, mechanical upgrades, and additional features. Once again, the total cost of these upgrades was not disclosed to the public, raising questions about the level of transparency in how taxpayer funds are being allocated for such projects.
This trend of costly renovations began with Dr. James Horton, who oversaw a complete overhaul of the Rock House in 2009. Dr. Horton, aware of the significant investment, expressed an intention to recoup part of the renovation expenses by renting the facility to outside organizations. However, 15 years later, there has been no public report on whether any of those costs were recovered, or if the Rock House has been utilized as a revenue-generating asset in any meaningful way over the years.
The recurring renovations and lack of clear financial accountability have led to growing concerns about the College’s stewardship of taxpayer money. Despite substantial investments, the Rock House appears to continue serving a limited function, raising questions about whether these ongoing expenditures, while nice, can be truly justified.