Representative Chevalier calls into question whether County communities really have equitable access to Community College social and cultural opportunities given the details in the report; Chair McCasland points out Prescott was selected 50 years ago as College site; also says there are opportunities for everyone to come to Prescott to participate in cultural activities and there have been some cultural activities in the Verde Valley
As a part of its report to the Yavapai Community College Governing Board at Tuesday’s meeting, the Yavapai Community College administration delivered a detailed, comprehensive 23-page report on its commitment to provide “access to social and cultural opportunities” in the County. This is one of three major goals adopted by Yavapai Community College Administration and its Governing Board.
Third District Community College representative Paul Chevalier took the position that the College was not providing equitable access to social and cultural opportunities throughout the County. In particular, he argued that for a variety of reasons the east side of the County fails to receive “equitable” access to these activities. He provided a list of obvious differences as evidence of his view.
Chair Deb McCasland acknowledged the differences between the two sides of the County but said that history and open opportunities for persons on the east side to visit west side activities support concluding there is sufficient County-wide adequate access to cultural events as provided by the College.
Following presentation of the written report, Mr. Chevalier began to suggest an amendment to what is called the Governing Board’s “ends” statement that was used by the Board to evaluate the “access to cultural activities” report. However, he was ruled out-of-order. He promised to revisit the issue in June when the Governing Board reviews it policies and procedures.
In his written response to the report, Mr. Chevalier stated the following:
“Chevalier: Amend to clarify what we agree should be included here and discuss equity. If I am reading the report correctly, there is continuing inequity by the college between the West and East side of Mingus Mountain. It appears from this report that 176 college performance arts events were scheduled on the west side (mostly in Prescott) with 135 actually occurring but only six such events scheduled on the East side with only four occurring. That is inequality. In addition, all four current college athletic teams are located on the West side, with three more athletic teams being added by the college and all will be located in the West side (Prescott again). These teams are not filled with West side residents. The team athletes (63 or 68 currently) do not come from Yavapai County therefore they could just as well been placed in teams on the East side as the West side and housing could be found or created.
The East side has about 1/3 of the county population, pays about 1/3 of the college taxes but has never gotten anything close to a 1/3 share of social and cultural activities from the college. This is unfair.”
Board Chairperson Deb McCasland’s written response to the report was short. She stated: “An outstanding variety of opportunities for enrichment.”
Representative Ray Sigafoos wrote: “A broad range of cultural activities are part of the heritage of Yavapai College. The College continued that tradition under very difficult conditions last year. The staff and faculty involved in these endeavors deserve our hearty congratulations. This End is an appropriate allocation of our resources.”
The Governing Board’s newest member, Mr. Chris Kuknyo wrote: “COVID has had an effect on this.”
The final vote on the report was 4-1 with only Mr. Chevalier dissenting.
The discussion on this topic at the March 9 meeting can be viewed in full on the video clip below. The entire Governing Board meeting can be viewed at the Community College’s District Governing Board web site.
Yavapai Community College has reduced its pandemic operational phase from red to 
orange for the Spring semester that began January 19. It had put the Red operational phase in place Monday, November 30, 2020. 
Yavapai Community College has announced that it will add more than 50 hybrid classes in the Winter semester, which begins in January, that combine remote study with “carefully supervised in-person learning.” Classes that will be added range from “Ceramics to Zumba, from Big Band Music and Ballroom Dance to Competitive Swimming to Pickleball.” There will also be a selection of “Art, Dance, Music and Physical Education” courses.
Yavapai Community College continues in “Code Orange” status because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a result, most classes, 75% or more, will be on-line in the spring semester. It also means that all but its essential employees will work from home.