Author Archive for R. Oliphant – Page 41

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PROVIDES MINGUS UNION HIGH SCHOOL $100,000 TO INVEST IN ATHLETIC FIELDS

By R. Oliphant
Monday, June 13th, 2022

Under constant pressure to justify its huge investment in athletic department, theory of gift is to improve Mingus athletic fields so some Community College games are played on east side of the County

Yavapai Community College has been under constant pressure from some educational advocates in Sedona and the Verde Valley to justify spending millions of dollars on its large athletic program.  All of the playing fields and facilities it uses are located in Prescott (One field leased in Prescott Valley). 

Few east-side residents attend any of the College’s matches or games. One reason is  an absence of public or  College transportation available to transport east-siders to the sporting events, almost all of which occur on the west side of the County. Another reason is a lack of interest among east-siders  in the teams as only a tiny percentage of the total number of athletes come from towns or cities on the east side of the County. Moreover, the College teams are seldom followed in local east-side media.

In an effort to justify spending millions on athletics, the College persuaded the District Governing Board at its May meeting to set aside $100,000 from its $90 plus million 2022-23 budget for Mingus Union High School in Cottonwood. According to the College, the money was intended  to “invest in athletic fields to allow portion of YC season to be played in the VV.” 

How the $100,000 figure was arrived at or exactly how Mingus intended to use the money is unclear. The documents provided to the public so far do not indicate Mingus made a formal request for the money.  It appears more like a gift.

Categories : Budget

ASTONISHINGLY, PRESCOTT-BASED COMMUNITY COLLEGE ADMINISTRATION’S “HOSTILITY” TOWARD CERTAIN GROUPS CONTRASTED WITH HER POPULARITY AMONG ALL IN THE VERDE VALLEY HELPED DRIVE FORMER DEAN FROM JOB

By R. Oliphant
Sunday, June 12th, 2022

Dean Redd publicly reveals the incredible pressure she was placed under by  Prescott bosses who apparently feared some vague kind of collusion against them if she worked with certain citizens and civic leaders

Editor: Robert E. Oliphant

OPINION. It is little wonder that former Sedona Center/Verde Campus Dean Dr. Tina Redd quit her job after only one year. In information just provided to the public, she describes, among other things, the enormous pressure she experienced because her Prescott-based bosses did not want her to consort or communicate with certain groups or civic leaders in the Verde Valley. She was to stay away from these people even if they voiced legitimate concerns, wanted to work with her, respected, and were fond of  her.

Dr. Redd outlined her situation in a letter sent to the Yavapai Community College President Dr. Lisa Rhine. She wrote that: “My team and I have successfully increased educational opportunities in the Verde Valley, created a better work environment for Verde faculty and staff, and made good progress in creating stronger relationships between Yavapai College and Verde Valley stakeholders.” However, “Despite this, I have experienced stressful, disheartening, and challenging work dynamics that have limited my potential and created unacceptable levels of work-related stress.”

In the same letter, Dr. Redd explained  how  hostility coming from Prescott execs toward some in the Valley was directly affecting her work:  “I feel there is general hostility toward the politically-active constituents in the Verde Valley that impedes my ability to represent and support the community.” 

The “politically-active constituents” she refers to are apparently those residents and civic leaders who publicly speak out about concerns of a lack of classes, attention, and a 50-year failure of development in Sedona and the Verde Valley. 

And her worst sin. She was “respected” and “liked” by the politically active constituents, concerned citizens, civic leaders, and others throughout the east side of the County.

Dr. Redd explained in her letter the consequences she perceived coming from her Prescott-based bosses because she received this kind of respect from all quarters in Sedona and the Verde Valley: “I often feel that being respected and liked in the Verde Valley is seen as collusion with citizens and civic leaders who are vocal about their concerns regarding college programming and taxpayer contributions.” 

Think of it. A public servant working tirelessly for a publicly supported taxpayer institution whose bosses apparently feared she might somehow collude with politically active local residents and civic leaders and challenge their iron fisted authoritarian control. What a childish view coming from Prescott. What a dreadful situation for her. Her bosses were not only hostile toward certain Valley residents  they considered “politically active”  but also considered Dr. Redd as possibly “colluding” in some fantasy against them because she was popular among these and other Valley residents.

Collusion. Hostility. Disrespect. These are the ingredients of a recipe cooked up by insecure Prescott bosses most likely designed to maintain total control over Dr. Redd and ensure total control over community college development in the Verde Valley. It is a recipe that would drive any principled person from the Dean’s job.

The disclosures have made two things crystal clear: First, Valley residents can be assured that Dr. Redd’s  permanent replacement will be a lacky to her Prescott bosses, their whims, and ways. That person will be on a constant hot seat to ensure as much as possible that certain residents and civic leaders voices are not heard and that they play no role in their own local community college.

Second, Valley residents can likewise be assured that as long as Prescott maintains its ruthless  control of community college development on the east side of the County via messages sent by them and mouthed by a newly hired, closely monitored Dean, there will be little serious attention paid to the real present and long-term educational needs on that side of Mingus Mountain.

Robert Oliphant.

Categories : Politics

ONLINE CLASSES DOMINATE SUMMER SESSION AT YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, June 8th, 2022

College offers 134 online classes and 96 face-to-face classes; nine face-to-face classes on east side of County; 88 face-to-face classes offered on west side of County

Online classes now dominate the summer session at Yavapai Community College.  According to its registration website, there is a total of 230 summer session credit classes being offered in 2022.  Of those classes, 134 are being offered online.  There are only 96 classes being offered face-to-face.

In terms of east County and west County face-to-face class offerings, there are nine summer session credit classes offered on the east side of the County (Sedona and the Verde Valley) and 88 summer session credit face-to-face classes being offered on the west side of the County (Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley).

Summer Regular Session began June 6 and will end July 28.

Categories : Enrollment data

FACE-TO-FACE SUMMER SESSION CREDIT CLASSES AT VERDE VALLEY CAMPUS AND SEDONA CENTER SHOW VERY LOW ENROLLMENT

By R. Oliphant
Tuesday, June 7th, 2022

Only nine classes offered at Verde Campus; none at Sedona Center | Four classes show enrollment of five or fewer students | Reasons might be: Online focus?  Poor marketing?  Historical underdevelopment?  Resignation of Dean Redd?  Firing of Sedona Culinary Director without summer plans?  Other?

The face-to-face summer session enrollment at the Verde Valley Campus and Sedona Center for credit courses shows a disappointing number being offered and a similar disappointing response to enrolling in several of them.  That is what the Blog derived when examining the Community College  registration data on the first day of classes, June 6.  

One reason for low enrollment is the lack of face-to-face courses being offered.  This year the Community College offered only nine classes.  All were based on the Verde Campus.  No classes were offered at the Sedona Center.

Registration data checked on the first day of the summer session also showed that in four of the nine classes being offered there were  five or fewer students registered. 

There are many possible explanations  for this situation.  Maybe the lower registration has to do with the Community College focusing on offering over 130 classes on-line.  Or, possibly it reflects the failure of over 50 years in poor development of the Community College on the east side of the County?  Or, poor marketing skills when it comes to the Verde Valley? Or, that Campus Dean Dr. Tina Redd resigned in March?  Or, poor planning associated with the decision to terminate Sedona Center Director of its Culinary Arts program and having no direction for the summer?   

Whatever the reason, the summer session for face-to-face credit classes  at Yavapai Community College on the east side of Yavapai County does not look very strong.

Categories : Enrollment data

COMMUNITY COLLEGE OFFERING 14 OUTSTANDING SUMMER CAMPS BASED IN PRESCOTT AREA FOR YOUNGSTERS AND ADULTS

By R. Oliphant
Monday, June 6th, 2022

Camps include soccer, basketball, baseball plus Esports at Prescott Campus Esports Gaming Arena; No camps listed so far for youngsters in more rural areas of the County

Yavapai Community College has listed 14 separate camps for youngsters interested in soccer, basketball, baseball, and E-sports on its website.  All 14 camps will take place in either Prescott or Prescott Valley.

So far, the College has not included any camps for youngsters or adults in the more rural areas of the County including Sedona, Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Ashfork,  and Chino Valley.  Below is a list of camps currently being advertised by the Community College for the Summer.

The Camps

YC SOCCER “MINI” SKILLS CAMP Ages 5-8, (Grades K-3rd) Week 1. Monday, June 6th – Thursday, June 9th. KEN LINDLEY PARK, 702 E Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301 ($85 for 4 days **cost includes: T-shirt, instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes. Daily Rate Available = $25/day up to 3 days + optional T-shirt purchase $10; Cost includes instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes.

YC SOCCER SKILLS CAMP Ages 9-14, (Grades 4-9th) Week 1. Monday, June 6th – Thursday, June 9th. KEN LINDLEY PARK, 702 E Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301. $100 for 4 days **cost includes: T-shirt, instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes. Daily Rate Available = $35/day up to 3 days + optional T-shirt purchase $10; Cost includes instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes.

June 10-12th Yavapai Men’s Basketball Day Camp. Friday, June 10th – Sunday, June 12th. WALRAVEN GYM. 1100 East Sheldon Street, Building 2, Prescott, AZ 86301. Price: $175.00. Time: 9am-3pm (Early drop-off 8:30am, $25.00 and Late pick-up 4:00pm, $25.00). Who: Grades 5-12.

Youth Day Camp. Monday, June 13th – Wednesday, June 15th. ROUGHRIDER PARK. 1100 E Sheldon Street, Prescott, AZ, 86301. The Yavapai College Baseball Camp will include instruction on hitting, pitching, fielding and base running. Specialty areas will include speed, strength, conditioning, vision and mental skills. The camp is for players between the ages of 5 and 12, with division of age groups throughout the program. 

Coed Basketball Camp, Monday, June 13th – Thursday, June 16th. YAVAPAI GYMNASIUM, 1100 E. Sheldon St. Prescott Arizona #2. 1st Session – 9am-12pm (Early Drop off $30 extra at 8am) $175. 2nd Session – 1pm – 4pm (Late pick up $30 extra at 5pm) $175. All Day Session – 9am – 4pm (Early Drop off $30 extra at 8am/Late pick up $30 extra at 5pm) $375. Sibling discount offered. Lunch provided for all day session only. Sessions will be taking place at the Yavapai Gym.

Yavapai College E-Sports Camp 4th – 12th Grade Session 1. Monday, June 13th – Thursday, June 16th. ESPORTS GAMING ARENA (19-215), 1100 East Sheldon Street, Building 19, Room 215, Prescott, AZ 86301. Yavapai College E-Sports Camp is designed to facilitate a healthy environment for casual players to play video games and socialize while providing lunch and outdoor activities within the safety of the Yavapai College Campus. Camp will begin at 10 AM, with an early drop off option, and end at 4 PM, with a late pick-up option. Camp will include free play time and individual instruction on what it means to respect the game and the players. Players will be encouraged to practice the GLHF (Good Luck Have Fun) or GGWP (Good Game Well Played) mentality. Players will be instructed by Yavapai College E-Sports Head Coach and supported by Varsity Players. Games preloaded include – Valorant, Minecraft, Roblox, League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, Mario Kart and more!.

YC SOCCER “MINI” SKILLS CAMP Ages 5-8, (Grades K-3rd). Monday, June 20th – Thursday, June 23rd. KEN LINDLEY PARK, 702 E Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301.  $85 for 4 days **cost includes: T-shirt, instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes. Daily Rate Available = $25/day up to 3 days + optional T-shirt purchase $10; Cost includes instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes.

YC SOCCER SKILLS CAMP Ages 9-14, (Grades 4-9th). Monday, June 20th – Thursday, June 23rd. KEN LINDLEY PARK, 702 E Gurley St. Prescott, AZ 86301.  $100 for 4 days **cost includes: T-shirt, instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes.  Daily Rate Available = $35/day up to 3 days + optional T-shirt purchase $10; Cost includes instruction, fun and competitive games with opportunities to win prizes. 

Roughrider’s Esports Summer Clinic (Hardcore players) Session 1. Monday, June 20th – Thursday, June 23rd. ESPORTS GAMING ARENA (19-215). 1100 East Sheldon Street, Building 19, Room 215, Prescott, AZ 86301.  Roughriders E-Sports Clinic is designed to improve performance for competitive E-Sports Athletes. Camp will be led by the Yavapai College E-Sports Coach who will talk about what it takes to be a balanced and healthy athlete and succeed in meeting goals. Athletes will be introduced and walked through on how to use specific tools and routines to improve their gameplay (VOD Reviews). Prices include 1 day – $100, 1 day plus tournament – $150, 3 days plus tournament – $350.

June21-24th Yavapai Men’s Basketball Evening Team Camp. Tuesday, June 21st – Friday, June 24th.  WALRAVEN GYM, 1100 East Sheldon Street, Building 2, Prescott, AZ 86301.  Location: Walraven Gym, 1100 E. Sheldon Street Prescott, AZ 86301.  When: Tuesday-Friday.  Time: 4:00pm-8:00pm. Who: Arizona High School Basketball Teams

Baseball Overnight Camp. Sunday, June 26th – Wednesday, June 29th. ROUGHRIDER PARK,  1100 E Sheldon Street, Prescott, AZ, 86301. Camp capacity is limited to the first 150 campers. $175 Commuter, $400 Overnighter.

Yavapai College E-Sports Camp 4th – 12th Grade Session 2. Monday, June 27th – Thursday, June 30th.  ESPORTS GAMING ARENA (19-215).  1100 East Sheldon Street, Building 19, Room 215, Prescott, AZ 86301.  Yavapai College E-Sports Camp is designed to facilitate a healthy environment for casual players to play video games and socialize while providing lunch and outdoor activities within the safety of the Yavapai College Campus. Camp will begin at 10 AM, with an early drop off option, and end at 4 PM, with a late pick-up option. Camp will include free play time and individual instruction on what it means to respect the game and the players. Players will be encouraged to practice the GLHF (Good Luck Have Fun) or GGWP (Good Game Well Played) mentality.

Roughrider’s Esports Summer Clinic (Hardcore players) Session 2. Tuesday, July 5th – Friday, July 8th. ESPORTS GAMING ARENA (19-215).  1100 East Sheldon Street, Building 19, Room 215, Prescott, AZ 86301.  Roughriders E-Sports Clinic is designed to improve performance for competitive E-Sports Athletes. Camp will be led by the Yavapai College E-Sports Coach who will talk about what it takes to be a balanced and healthy athlete and succeed in meeting goals. Athletes will be introduced and walked through on how to use specific tools and routines to improve their gameplay (VOD Reviews). Prices include 1 day – $100, 1 day plus tournament – $150, 3 days plus tournament – $350. 

YC Soccer 5v5 Summer Showcase. Saturday, July 9th at 8:00 AM. MOUNTAIN VALLEY PARK, 8600 E Nace Ln, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314.  For Girls & Boys/Coed Teams.  Age Groups u9 – u19 & Open (18+) for Women & Men (Co-ed). 3 Games Minimum GUARANTEED; 14-min halves / 2-min half time; 4 Field Players & Gk. Winners will receive a YC Champions t-shirt and a shout out on all official YC Women’s Soccer social media pages!

Women’s Soccer ID Camp. Saturday, July 23rd at 8:00 AM. KEN LINDLEY FIELD, 702 East Gurley Street, Prescott, AZ 86301.  Team Rosters: 6 players minimum to 9 players maximum. Cost of Camp: $75 per camper – includes Instruction – Training and Games, Camp T-Shirt, Campus Tour and Q/A.

Sources:  https://yavapai.hometownticketing.com/embed/all?depts=10

https://www.instagram.com/p/CeUTlH_vKwj/

 

Categories : athletic camps & clinics

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER CONCERTS ON THE GREEN SERIES RETURNS TO PRESCOTT VALLEY AMPHITHEATER SUNDAY JUNE 5

By R. Oliphant
Friday, June 3rd, 2022

Programs are part of its effort to provide various communities in Yavapai County with “cultural” opportunities | Cultural programs are heavily focused on the  west side of the County

Yavapai Community College’s Performing Arts Center is in its second year of providing the “Concerts on the Green” series of cultural programs in Prescott Valley.   Last year, which was the first year of PAC’s “Concerts in the Green” series, was very successful.  It is hoped that this year’s programs will find similar acceptance and praise.

The Concerts on the Green series are held at Prescott Valley’s Theater on the Green, 7501 Skoog Blvd, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314.  Individual tickets: $20/adult, $5/youth 9-17 (age 8 and under free).

Categories : Event, Prescott Valley Campus

COLLEGE AND SEDONA OAK CREEK UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT EXECUTE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT (IGA) TO MAKE GOOD FAITH EFFORTS TO IMPROVE FACILITIES AT SEDONA PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

By R. Oliphant
Friday, June 3rd, 2022

Exact amount of funding associated with IGA remains unclear and details of what will be done likewise remain unclear | Third District Representative Paul Chevalier agrees with concept but suggestion that contract be rewritten with details and specific amount of funding rejected

Yavapai Community College and the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District executed an Intergovernmental that was approved 4-1 by the District Governing Board at its May 17 meeting.  The agreement involves purchasing an unknown amount of equipment to be installed at the Sedona Performing Arts Center.

The contract reads that the “purpose of the IGA is to memorialize good faith efforts by Parties for Facility improvements and expanding accessibility to College in support of increasing events at Facility in support of the student experience and community outreach.”  Third District Representative Paul Chevalier said he “totally agreed” with the purpose but strongly suggested that the agreement be rewritten with greater clarity.

The contract contains no dollar amount to be invested in facilities at the Sedona Performing Arts Center.  The College Administration has not publicly announced any specific plans for classes at the facility or outlined to the Governing Board what classes it is contemplating offering there.

It was argued that rewriting the contract would delay the negotiations for months between the parties.  Mr. Chevalier suggested a solution saying that a rewritten contract could be voted on via a special Board zoom meeting immediately after it was completed this summer.  That idea was rejected.

Community College Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, Dr. Clint Ewell, explained that “there has not been a dollar amount, or a specific plan identified.” He said that “we know that there are issues with a lack of equipment . . . that causes us when we are using their facility to have to bring stuff in . .. We want to work with the District to make improvements that will benefit not only the College but also benefit  SPAC (Sedona Performing Arts Center) and their other users so that it is a more useful facility.”  He emphasized that  there were “ideas” at this point but nothing specific. He “guessed” that  the Community College’s investment could be up to $100,000.

Chair Deb McCasland said that the IGA was “typical” of other IGA’s the Community College has signed.

You may view the IGA contract, which is attached to the Agenda of the May 17 meeting by clicking here.

You may view the eleven-minute Governing Board discussion about this IGA by  clicking here.

Categories : Sedona Campus

YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE SCRAPS CERTIFICATES IN CANINE CARE AND HANDLING, SERVICE DOG THERAPY AND SERVICE DOG TEAM SKILLS

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, June 1st, 2022

Says low enrollment forces College to drop the credit courses; non-credit classes will be offered

Yavapai Community College announced at the  May 17 Governing Board  meeting that it was ending an award of canine certificates in three areas: Canine Care and Handling, Service Dog Therapy, and Service Dog Team Skills.  Low enrollment was given as the excuse for dropping the certificates.

The College stated that active students will be given the opportunity to complete their certificates over the next year through a teach-out program through Community Education. “The classes will be offered as non-credit and can be converted to credit for certificate completion during the 2022- 2023 academic year.”

These training programs were based at the Chino Valley Center.  The classes “should all continue to be offered through the non-credit platform,” said the College in a brief announcement to the Governing Board.

Categories : DOG CERTIFICATES

COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLIES TO SENATORS FOR GRANT OF $600,000 TO FUND PURCHASE OF TRUCKS FOR CHINO VALLEY TRUCK DRIVING PROGRAM AND POSSIBLY START ONE IN CAMP VERDE; ALSO SEEKS ADDITIONAL $1.1 MILLION FOR CAREER SERVICES CENTER

By R. Oliphant
Wednesday, June 1st, 2022

College Governing Board awarded Chino Valley $300,000 in 2022-2023 budget for truck driving program; however, no truck driving  classes scheduled so far for fall 2022 in Camp Verde

Senator Mark Kelly

Senator Krysten Sinema

The District Governing Board was told at its May 17 meeting that Yavapai Community College has applied for a $1.7 million “ear-mark”  grant from the federal government via its two state senators: Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema.  The application was made in April 2022 by the College’s Regional Economic Development Center.

The largest portion of the request, $1.1 million, will go toward funding the Community College’s Career Services Center.  The remaining $600,000 included in the grant request  will be used to purchase new trucks for the well-developed Chino Valley truck driving program and apparently, although no information was forthcoming about it, a truck driving program in Camp Verde.

Including Camp Verde in the request came as a surprise to most.  The College has not publicly announced any plans to develop a truck driving program in that community.  Currently, there are no courses in truck driving being offered there, according to the College Registration database.

The District Governing Board had already approved an independent appropriation from the 2022-2023 budget of $300,000 for the existing truck driving program based on the Chino Valley Campus. 

A video clip providing the background of the grant request and the possibility of success in obtaining the $1.7 million grant as explained by Community College Vice President Rodney Jenkins to the District Governing Board can be see  by clicking here . 

 

Categories : Grants

GOVERNING BOARD UNANIMOUSLY PROVIDES YAVAPAI COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT WITH GENEROUS 10% INCREASE IN BASE PAY: FOLLOWS LAST YEAR’S 10% INCREASE AND CONTRACT EXTENSION

By R. Oliphant
Friday, May 27th, 2022

Board Lauds Dr. Rhine for an outstanding performance over the past year | Adds additional year to five-year contract | Dr. Rhine  highest paid Yavapai County official

Dr. Lisa Rhine

The Yavapai Community College District Governing Board voted to increase the base pay of Dr. Lisa Rhine by ten percent at the Board Workshop held May 24.   It also added an extra year to her five-year contract.  The pay-raise of 10% and contract extension vote was identical to the raise and extension awarded in 2021.

This was a generous base-pay increase when compared to how faculty and staff increases were treated just a week earlier.  Recall that at the May 17 General Board meeting the Board approved a  4% across-the-board salary increase, .45% one-time bonus, and 1.3% for market adjustments, etc. for all staff and faculty.

The Governing Board did not provide any indication of Dr. Rhine’s current base salary.  Most observers believe it is nearing $300,000 annually.  Dr. Rhine is the highest paid Yavapai County officer.

The Board provided only a few details to the public supporting the pay increase other than to laud her for doing an exceptional job.  It was suggested that she provide  a list of her accomplishments so the public would have a better understanding of the exceptional job she was doing. 

Ray Sigafoos

In making the motions to extend her existing five-year contract an additional year and increase her base salary by ten percent, Representative Ray Sigafoos said that during his career he had evaluated five or six college presidents and that evaluating Dr. Rhine was “without exception, remarkable. Across the board, her performance was exceptional.”  He also indicated that her future goals were “right on” in terms of where the Board saw the Community College going.  “She is a gem,” he said. (See video clip.)

You may view the video  clip and brief discussion and motions made in this matter by clicking here.  A complete video of the Work Session will be posted sometime in the future by the College on the District Governing Board web site, most likely in September after the Board approves the minutes of this meeting.  But check sooner if interested in case they are posted earlier.

Categories : Salaries
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