Author Archive for R. Oliphant

UA EXTENSION DIRECTOR TO SPEAKS AT YCC VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS FROM 12:30 TO 1:45 P.M. ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 IN ROOM M-137

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

As a part of the free Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s community education program, Dr. Rodolfo Martinez Morales will discuss Agriculture & Sustainability

Dr. Rodolfo Martinez Morales, the University of Arizona’s Extension Director for Santa Cruz County, will discuss Regenerative Agriculture and its potential to increase sustainability as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s (OLLI) free “Munch & Learn” program, Thursday January 30, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., on Yavapai Community  College’s Verde Valley Campus. The program is free and open to the public. The lecture will be held in Room M-137.  OLLI asks that you preregister by calling 928-649-4275.

In the press release for this event Dr. Morales is described as developing a strategy to integrate regenerative agriculture with ecological restoration to enhance small-scale farming. His January 30 topic will be “Regenerative Agriculture as a Strategy for Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Landscapes.” He is an expert on crop and soil science, has worked in agriculture development and ecology and has broadened his research into plant and soil ecology, regenerative agriculture and sustainable landscapes.

There is no charge for “Munch & Learn” presentations, but registration is required to ensure seating. Call 928-649-4275 or visit www.yc.edu/olliopen to register.

Categories : OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning)

DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD SCHEDULES WORKSHOP FOR TUESDAY, JANUARY 28 AT ROCK HOUSE ON PRESCOTT CAMPUS TO BEGIN AT 9 A.M. AND MAY RUN TO ABOUT 4:00 P.M.

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, January 21st, 2025

Topics will include discussion of budget and “attorney education workshop”

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold a workshop meeting on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the Rock House on the Prescott Campus. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 4 p.m. A live stream of the meeting will normally be available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/YavapaiCollege.

The workshop agenda includes a discussion of the Community College budget and a lecture by the Board’s attorney entitled, “Attorney Education Workshop.” 

Members of the public are generally not permitted to speak during these workshop sessions. However, under Arizona law, the public has the right to attend, listen, record, or videotape the meeting, provided they do not disrupt the proceedings. For more information on these rights, refer to Arizona Attorney General Opinion No. I78-001.

Further updates  will be provided as they become available. The agenda is usually posted by Monday, the day prior to the meeting.

 

Categories : Meeting Notice

IN AN OCCASIONALLY TENSE MEETING, MCCASLAND RE-ELECTED AGAIN AS YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIR IN 3-2 VOTE OVER PAYNE; BRACETY NAMED SECRETARY

By R. Oliphant
Saturday, January 18th, 2025

 Board Lawyer and McCasland interrupt and quash Kiel’s effort to fully explain why he felt McCasland was not qualified with attorney suggesting his statement (questions) were denigrating McCasland and McCasland ruled him out of order

Deb McCasland was re-elected as the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board Chair by a 3-2 vote, defeating Third District Representative Toby Payne. In the same meeting, District 5 Representative Steve Bracety was chosen as Board Secretary. The election occurred during the District Governing Board’s workshop January 14.  McCasland will have served as chair for seven years when she completes this term in 2027.

The election process  turned contentious when newly elected Bill Kiel attempted to explain how his initial interactions with McCasland had negatively shaped his view of her leadership. Before he could fully elaborate on what occurred, both McCasland and the Board attorney interrupted him on several occasions. At one point McCasland ruled him out of order and the Board attorney suggested  he was denigrating McCasland when discussing her negative behavior. She forcefully directed him to concentrate on Toby Payne’s qualifications, not Ms. McCasland’s negatives.

 The following is a rough transcription of a portion of the exchange between Kiel, McCasland, and the Board attorney:

Kiel:  “At the last Board meeting . . .”

McCasland interrupts:  “We’re talking about the election?”

Kiel referring to Ms. McCasland:  “Yes, yes. Right now I want to talk about an interaction between you and I.”

McCasland interrupts:  “It is not relevant.”

 Kiel: It is  relevant to this. At the last Board meeting (in November after he had just been elected) I introduced myself to you and I said I look forward to a positive and productive meeting.  I want to know why you told me that you doubt that we could have a positive and productive. . . .”

Board attorney:  “O.K. We’re moving, moving on now.  You can make a statement (McCasland in background also attempting to interrupt) but this is not a deposition. “

McCasland:  “No.”

Board attorney:  “You can make your statement but you’re not asking her a question.  (“remainder unclear”)

 Kiel addressing McCasland: (McCasland continues talking in background)  “I don’t understand why you tell me that you doubted that we could have a positive and professional relationship? I sent you on twelve eighteen . . .

McCasland:  Sir, you are out of order.

Kiel:  No, I am not. This goes to why I . . .

Board attorney interrupts:  “Mr. Payne, Let’s focus on Mr. Payne.  And why you think  he is appropriate as opposed to denigrating your fellow board member.” 

Kiel attempting to proceed:  “on twelve twenty-eighteen and last Sunday I emailed Ms. McCasland and asked her for . . .”

McCasland interrupting:  “This has nothing  to do with . . .”

Kiel:  “This has everything to do it . . .”

Board attorney interrupted:  “Mr. Kiel, focus on why Mr. Payne is appropriate. We do not need to denigrate the current chair . . .”

Kiel:  I’m not denigrating her, I just saying the current chair is not doing what is required . . .”

McCasland interjecting:  “Then I think you’ve made you point.”

Board attorney interrupting Kiel:  “Then you’re done.  So focus on Mr. Payne. He’s got a lot of positive qualities.  I’m sure we could talk about that as opposed to talking about what you believe Ms. McCasland’s negative qualities are.  Focus on Mr. Payne and why you nominated him and believe he would be appropriate.”

McCasland, nominated for her third consecutive two-year term by Bracety, argued that her extensive experience made her the most qualified candidate. She cited her five years of service as Chair and national recognition. (McCasland was named Trustee of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at its 2023 annual meeting in Denver, Colorado.) McCasland later nominated Bracety to serve as Secretary.

The deciding vote for McCasland came from newly appointed Representative Patrick Kuykendall, who indicated  that he has known the McCasland family for some time and applauded their civic involvement.

Arguments for Change in Leadership

Kiel, who nominated Payne for Chair, voiced concerns about the Board’s longstanding leadership practices. During his campaign, he said he met many constituents dissatisfied with how funds were distributed across districts. He argued that electing a Chair from District 3 would demonstrate goodwill (and to some extent  address historical imbalances).

Kiel also noted that District 3 had not been represented in the Chair role for at least 15 years, a precedent he considered troubling. Drawing on his 20 years of experience on various boards, Kiel remarked that it was unusual for a governing board to retain the same Chair for multiple consecutive terms. He advocated for leadership rotation, which, he argued, fosters fresh perspectives, promotes collaboration, and develops leadership skills among board members. He added that having multiple members with experience as Chair enhances stability, especially in cases of unforeseen circumstances such as illness or resignation.

Categories : District Governing Board, Politics

GOVERNING BOARD MEMBERS MAY NOT TALK WITH ANY MEMBER OF THE 500-1,000 PART OR FULL-TIME STAFF WHILE CONDUCTING MANDATED STATUTORY VISITS TO CAMPUSES ACCORDING TO YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE BOARD LAWYER

By R. Oliphant
Friday, January 17th, 2025

Discussion during visit with staff may result in raising serious accreditation issues

Newly elected Yavapai Community College Governing Board member Bill Kiel raised a question during the Governing Board’s January 14, 2025 workshop about the meaning of a provision found in section A(1) of Arizona Statute 14-1444. This statute directs a District Governing Board to visit and examine the management, conditions, and needs of each campus under its jurisdiction. Representative Kiel queried whether, during such a visit, a Yavapai Community College District Board member could ask questions of any of the 500 to 1,000 persons now employed by the College.

The statute reads as follows:

The Community College Board attorney indicated that a Board member could not speak directly with a member of the staff. Rather, any question the Board member might have must go directly to the president of Yavapai Community College. Moreover, a Board member could never, for example, alone visit a campus or center and discuss a matter with a member of the staff, even inadvertently. 

The Board lawyer intimated in a somewhat confusing fashion that discussion with a staff member during a visit, or otherwise, could well raise serious accreditation questions.

Thus, the Board attorney’s opinion, as best the Blog can understand it, appears to tie the hands of any Board member learning or asking anything directly from any member of the staff during a Board visit to a campus or otherwise. One could argue that the 500 to 1,000 part-time and full-time employees and the District Governing Board are effectively muzzled when it comes to any interaction between them at any time. 

Please view the following video clip of the attorney providing a short response to Mr. Kiel’s question during the January 14, 2025 workshop for verification.

Categories : District Governing Board

PRESIDENT RHINE FORWARDS VAGUE LETTER WRITTEN BY GOVERNING BOARD CHAIR TO STAFF AND OTHERS ALLEGING FALSE MISINFORMATION ABOUT BOARD POLICY IS BEING CIRCULATED BY “ILLEGITIMATE BLOGS, WEBSITES, SOCIAL MEDIA, AND OPINIONATED NEWS ORGANIZATIONS”

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, January 16th, 2025

Chair McCasland’s letter lacks clarity and substance while ignoring controversial Policy 310, which has resulted in numerous articles and comments raising concerns over chilling free speech by threatening to fire any of the 500 to 1,000 full or part-time College employees who dare to communicate with any Governing Board member

Robert E. Oliphant

OPINION: Yavapai Community College president, Dr. Lisa Rhine, recently forwarded a letter to the Community College’s staff and others written by Yavapai Community College District Governing Board Chair Deb McCasland. In the letter, McCasland warned about “false information” being publicly disseminated, claiming the misinformation was coming from “illegitimate blogs, websites, social media, and opinionated news organizations.”

The most obvious failure of the letter was this: At best it was extremely vague. It lacked any specifics about the alleged misinformation she claimed was being disseminated. It failed to identify any of the media sources she deemed unreliable.  It provided no context whatsoever.

The glaring omissions in the letter cast significant doubt on the credibility and intent behind the claims. These omissions are especially troubling given her sweeping condemnation of the local news media—or is she even making such a condemnation? The lack of clarity leaves readers guessing.

When making such broad accusations, it seems to me that it is critical to identify the supposed false information and provide evidence to substantiate the broad claims being asserted. The letter should have named the various alleged “illegitimate blogs, websites, social media, and opinionated news organizations.” Without this information, the letter comes across as baseless and unhelpful. It is impossible to evaluate the validity of her warnings.

Notably, the letter sidestepped addressing the controversial Governing Board Policy 310, which has sparked significant commentary in the local news in recent weeks. Policy 310, enacted by a 4-1 vote of the outgoing Board in November, includes a contentious clause stating: “Under no circumstances should an individual Board member direct or contact by any means, a staff member concerning a college or community issue.” Critics, including this Blog, argue that this policy undermines the elected Board member’s role as representatives of Yavapai County taxpayers. It also reflects a troubling lack of trust in Board members and imposes what some see as an inappropriate or at least “chilling” restraint on free speech. The College disagrees.

Of interest, the letter written by McCasland briefly referenced Board Policy 401, a restatement of an existing policy that has not attracted notable controversy. By contrast, the ongoing public discussions and commentary have focused on Policy 310 and its implications.

Moreover, McCasland appeared determined to remind employees that President Rhine wielded nearly unchecked authority over them and anything classified by her as “operations.” However, McCasland’s remarks appeared to veer off course at times. She seemed to vaguely insinuate that the “misinformation” she mentioned in her letter was somehow tied to criticism of the staff’s exceptional work. Consider her statement:

“Despite what you may read in illegitimate blogs and websites, on social media, or from unsourced and opinionated ‘news’ organizations, your work is unmatched and life-changing. I would encourage you to disregard anything that alludes otherwise. Do not even entertain it.”

Yet, the Blog has found no recent articles publicly critical of staff. This statement, then, resembles what some might call a “red herring”—an attempt to mislead or distract. The fact is that recent commentary has been directed at the College’s executive leadership, particularly the troubling fixation on secrecy, suppression of free speech, and various financial and procurement practices.

In sum, Chair McCasland’ s decision to broadly dismiss criticism as “false information” without examples or context undermines her letter’s credibility. Instead of fostering transparency and addressing valid concerns, the letter appears to deflect attention away from legitimate issues while failing to provide clarity or constructive guidance.

The letter forwarded  to staff and others by president Rhine is found immediately below:

Categories : Editorials/Essays, Food Service, MULTI PURPOSE FIELD VERDE CAMPUS, OPINIONS, Politics

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAY BE LOSING DIRECTOR OF VITICULTURE AND ENOLOGY, MICHAEL PIERCE

By R. Oliphant
Friday, January 10th, 2025

An eleven year employee involved in the developing the enology/viticulture program, he has served in his current position for over six years: reliable sources claim he has given notice to College of his intent to resign 

Although Yavapai Community College has not officially confirmed his departure, reliable sources have informed the Blog that Michael Pierce, Director of the Viticulture and Enology program, has given two weeks’ notice of his resignation.

Pierce has been with the college for 11 years, serving as Director of the Viticulture and Enology program for more than six of those years. While there has been no formal announcement, it is thought that Pierce may have accepted a position with Arizona State University.

In addition to his role at Yavapai College, Pierce lists himself on LinkedIn as the winemaker for Pierce Wines Arizona, a role he has held for over 15 years. He is currently identified as the winemaker for the company.

Pierce’s journey into winemaking began as a hobby during his college years. According to a 2015 interview with Wines and Vines, Pierce studied electronic media and visual communication at Northern Arizona University, graduating in 2004. After graduation, he initially worked in print and web design but pursued his interest in winemaking by taking online viticulture and enology courses through the University of California, Davis, extension. In 2007, he transitioned to Washington State University’s program.

Pierce told the Wines and Vines interviewer that he gained practical experience by working harvest jobs in New Zealand, Oregon, and Tasmania (Australia). In 2010, he secured a winemaking position at Arizona Stronghold Vineyards. Four years later, he joined Yavapai Community College as the Director of Enology. In 2018, his responsibilities expanded when he was named Director of the Viticulture and Enology program.

Michael Pierce’s departure, if the information provided the Blog is accurate,  marks the end of a significant chapter at Yavapai Community College, where he played a key role in developing the Viticulture and Enology program.

You may Read the full 2015 interview in Wines and Vines at:  https://winebusinessanalytics.com/sections/printout_article.cfm?content=152124&article=feature

 

 

 

Categories : Viticulture

NEWLY ELECTED YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER BILL KIEL LAUNCHES WEBSITE TO SHARE VIEWS AND FOSTER DIRECT COMMUNICATION

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, January 9th, 2025

A first in Yavapai Community College District Governing Board history: Kiel encourages open dialogue with constituents through innovative platform

Yavapai Community College District Governing Board’s newly elected First District representative, William (Bill) Kiel, has launched a website to share his personal views about the community college with his constituents. The website also invites constituents to contact him directly.

This initiative marks the first time in the Board’s history that a member has established a system to foster direct communication with the district’s residents. Mr. Kiel’s effort aims to make his personal positions about the Community College widely accessible while encouraging feedback and dialogue from his constituents.

The website already features several of his personal views on key topics, including college finances, transparency, and concerns about potential wasteful spending. Notably, one of his most interesting posts outlines his goals for the first 100 days of his term on the Board.

William (Bill) Kiel

For many, Mr. Kiel’s approach represents a welcome change in how the Community College engages with its stakeholders. With an annual taxpayer-funded budget of approximately $125 million, the institution has grown far beyond its early “mom and pop” scale. In fact, it ranks among the highest County taxpayer property tax supported institutions in Yavapai County.

You may visit his website by  going to https://vote4bill.com/1st_100_Days.html.

Categories : District Governing Board

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERS 50% SENIOR DISCOUNT FOR RESIDENTS 65 AND OLDER

By R. Oliphant
Thursday, January 9th, 2025

Must be U.S. citizen, eligible for in-state residency, and over 65 by the 7th day of the semester 

Yavapai Community College is offering senior citizens who are 65 and older a 50% discount on taking any credit classes.  (Note exceptions below.) 

To qualify, a senior must be a U.S. citizen, eligible for in-state residency for tuition purposes, and 65 or older by the 7th day of the semester.

Note that some courses are not eligible for the discount. For example, students enrolled in the Aviation Program are not eligible for the discounted tuition for any classes. Students enrolled in any Aviation or Unmanned Aircraft classes who are not in an aviation program are not eligible for the discounted tuition on those specific classes.

Also note that the 50% discount only applies to for-credit classes. Community Education and Non-Credit courses are ineligible for the senior discount. 

Categories : Scholarships

NO GRINCHES ALLOWED: YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS, VOLUNTEERS, AND STAFF SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER WITH FOOD, GIFTS, AND GROCERY GIFT CARDS FOR 50+ FAMILIES ON PRESCOTT AND VERDE VALLEY CAMPUSES

By R. Oliphant
Friday, January 3rd, 2025

Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute donate more than $2,300

There were no grinches allowed on the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses this holiday season, thanks to the efforts of students, volunteers, and the Yavapai Community College Staff Association.

According to a Community College Facebook post, the group distributed “boxes galore” filled with food, gifts, and grocery gift cards to more than 50 Community College students and their families. The deliveries were made directly to the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses.

This heartwarming project was spearheaded by the Yavapai Community College Staff Association and made possible by the generosity of YCC employees, community members, and an army of volunteers.

Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) contributed more than $2,300 to purchase grocery gift cards, while YCC family and friends helped fulfill children’s holiday wishes through an Angel Tree program.

Categories : Event

DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD SCHEDULES WORKSHOP FOR JANUARY 14 AT ROCK HOUSE ON PRESCOTT CAMPUS TO BEGIN AT 9 A.M. AND RUN TO ABOUT 4:00 P.M.

By R. Oliphant
Friday, January 3rd, 2025

Topics will include election of officers and a  “refresher workshop” with two consultants intended to impress upon members their extremely narrow window of responsibility, as seen by the Administration and consultants  

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board will hold a workshop meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Rock House on the Prescott Campus. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. and is expected to conclude by 4 p.m. A live stream will be available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/YavapaiCollege.

The workshop agenda includes the selection of District Governing Board officers and a “refresher workshop.” These workshops typically focus on emphasizing the Board members’ limited authority as defined by the Community College administration and the Association of Community College Trustees association consultants. Discussions often include strict guidelines on whom Board members may communicate with, what information they may disclose to their constituents, and warnings against interfering with the College President’s management of the institution. These restrictions are usually framed within an extremely narrow interpretation of Board policy, as presented by a consultant or consultants selected by the Board Chair, often someone with prior ties to the Community College administration.

For the first time, and in the Blog’s view,  out of an abundance of concern that the three newest trustees may stray from past policy, without consulting the Governing Board as a whole, two consultants have been selected by the Chair to present their views on the limitations of Board members’ authority. The consultants are:

  • Ken Burke: Affiliated with the Association of Community College Trustees, he recently served as a consultant to trustees at North Idaho College. North Idaho College is a public community college in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Reports indicate he emphasized that individual trustees have no independent authority and only exercise power collectively during official meetings. He also underscored that the Board’s sole employee is the college president. It is anticipated that he will express these same views at Tuesday’s workshop.
  • Dr. David Borofsky: Executive Director of the Arizona Association of Community College Trustees (AACCT) and now the Arizona Community College Coordinating Council (ACCCC), an organization listing Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine as a member. Borofsky has apparently worked closely with Board Chair Deb McCasland and Dr. Rhine in various capacities.

Notably, Dr. Borofsky drafted the controversial resolution enacting Board policy 301, which passed 4-1 by the outgoing Board in November. Board policy 310 included a prohibition stating, “Under no circumstances should an individual Board member direct or contact by any means, a staff member concerning a college or community issue.”

The prohibition, at least in the Blog’s view, undermines the role of Board members, who are elected officials entrusted with representing the taxpayers of Yavapai County. Also, in the Blog’s opinion, it reflects a profound distrust of the integrity of Board members and potentially seeks to impose an inappropriate chilling prior restraint on  free speech.

Dr. Borofsky’s tenure as a college leader appears at times to have been controversial. For example, at Dakota State University, he resigned abruptly amid student petitions questioning his leadership and alleging pressure on administrators to step down. According to news reports, Jack Warner, Executive Director of the Board of Regents, confirmed that Borofsky’s resignation was a quick decision prompted by the backlash against his management decisions. 

It is noteworthy that the the workshop will feature a presentation by the Board’s attorney at the outset of the workshop on the “Legality of College Operations.”

 

Categories : Meeting Notice
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