Maricopa Community Colleges Staff Association News

MCCCD Budget Model

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 23:56:40 GMT

Letter from MCCCD Chancellor Gonzales

Dear Colleagues,

In January, MCCCD leadership presented a new budget allocation model to the Governing Board as part of the FY2026 General Fund budget. This model was developed by the Advisory Budget Council last fall and represents a significant step forward in equitably funding all ten of our colleges, aligning our resources where our students are, and ensuring that we remain focused on their success while supporting the needs of our faculty and staff.

Moving forward, we want to assure you of our commitment to a collaborative process. We understand that some adjustments may be challenging, but as a system, we remain dedicated to protecting our greatest resources—our faculty and staff. By implementing this model gradually over five years, we aim to minimize impacts and allow for thoughtful planning, robust discussions, and incremental adjustments. It’s also important to note that the budget snapshot is based on today’s enrollment and resources currently available, and incremental adjustments will occur as student populations shift over time, providing the flexibility needed to serve our students. Lastly, but equally important, “bridge” funding will be available if needed to help colleges transition gradually to new budget levels.

Guided by our strategic priorities and shared governance principles, the Shared Governance Executive Committee (SGEC) has established the Strategic Budget Reallocation (SBR) Task Force to establish a unified and consistent approach across our system. This task force will meet regularly, provide ongoing updates, and ensure the following principles guide its work:

Prioritizing the retention of valued employees serving critical roles and supporting their growth
Utilizing available resources, including vacancies and unexpended funds, to thoughtfully manage budget adjustments
Exploring voluntary transitions as a proactive approach to staffing changes
Identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency while supporting long-term sustainability
Strengthening open dialogue to allow for informed decision-making

The task force will make sure that internal processes are informed by stakeholder feedback, communicated, and followed while also ensuring that decisions are made with a holistic and consistent approach.

We understand that change brings questions. We are committed to ongoing conversations, feedback, and dialogue with our colleges and teams to ensure we navigate these changes together—as a unified system, not just as individual colleges.

Thank you for your dedication to our mission and the success of our students. Your engagement and collaboration are essential as we take these next steps together.

Sincerely,

Steven

On behalf of the Presidents of the Maricopa Community Colleges:

Dr. CJ Wurster, Chandler-Gilbert Community College

Dr. Rey Rivera, Estrella Mountain Community College

Dr. Amy Diaz, GateWay Community College

Dr. Tiffany Hernandez, Glendale Community College

Dr. Richard C. Daniel, Mesa Community College

Dr. Jana Schwartz, Paradise Valley Community College

Dr. Kimberly Britt, Phoenix College

Dr. Kate Smith, Rio Salado College

Dr. Eric Leshinskie, Scottsdale Community College

Ms. Veronica Hipolito, South Mountain Community College

Update on In-Person Work Expectations

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 01:00:00 GMT

The following email was sent to all Staff in MCCCD to each college from their respective President.

Dear Maricopa Colleagues:

We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an important update regarding our work environment across all colleges of the Maricopa County Community College District. We are grateful for your commitment to our colleges, community, and our students. As we continue to serve our students and support one another more effectively, we have made decisions regarding in person work expectations as colleges who serve students who are leaving high school post-pandemic and require more holistic support now than ever before. We must be ready to meet them where they are, regardless of the role we hold, and ensure they are ready to be successful. We are all responsible for student success. Further, even though some students learn online, they often seek in-person support services. Simply put, our students need all of us now more than ever before.

Since the implementation of our remote work policies, we have seen a steady increase in the number of students returning to campus. This shift reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality services, supporting our students, and fostering a dynamic campus environment. College leadership teams will be identifying strategies to provide opportunities for connection and engagement throughout the academic year to reinforce this commitment to an optimal culture and environment to support student success.

As part of this effort, all staff who work at a location at which students are present and taking classes will return to a fully in-person work schedule beginning May 12, 2025. Faculty in-residence requirements will be addressed through the Residential Faculty Agreement (RFA). We are making this announcement now to permit employees and departments time to implement this transition and to identify the limited circumstances in which alternative arrangements or accommodations may be necessary. Any such requests will continue to be managed in accordance with our remote and virtual work policy and will generally be limited to no more than one remote workday per week.

Your work is vital to our students and to each college community. We greatly appreciate your ongoing commitment and dedication to our mission, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact your presence on campus will continue to have.

Sincerely,

CJ Wurster Rey Rivera Amy Diaz Tiffany Hernandez
CGCC President EMCC President GWCC President GCC President

Richard Daniel Jana Schwartz Kimberly Britt Kate Smith
MCC President PVCC President PC President RSC President

Eric Leshinskie Veronica Hipolito
SCC President SMCC President

PROPOSITION 486 – The Arizona Expenditure Limit and Maricopa Community Colleges

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 12:59:12 GMT

PROPOSITION 486 – The Arizona Expenditure Limit and Maricopa Community Colleges

What is the Expenditure Limit?

In 1980, Arizona voters established an expenditure limit to restrict how much a community college district, including Maricopa Community Colleges, can spend—even if funding is available.

How does it impact Maricopa Community Colleges?

The Expenditure Limit prohibits community colleges from spending money even if we have it in our budget. It is a cap that was created 44 years ago (in 1980) that no longer reflects the expenses associated with our current programs, services, and infrastructure.

For example, the expenditure limit does not account for increases in:

Workforce Programs
Technology Infrastructure (e.g. internet and computers)
Career and Technical EducatIon (CTE)
Non-credit Training
Baccalaureate Degrees
Programs That Serve High School Students

https://mccfa.org/news-media/el/

Maricopa Community Colleges see enrollment growth with over 40,000 first-generation students

Calvin DeVoll — Sat, 24 Aug 2024 13:48:21 GMT

The growth across all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges put the institution in position to become the largest community college system in the nation.

This fall, the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges anticipate enrolling over 100,000 students. This number includes more than 40,000 new and returning students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education.

https://www.queencreeksuntimes.com/local-news/maricopa-community-colleges-see-enrollment-growth-with-over-40000-first-generation-students-9390659

Phoenix’s semiconductor boom was supposed to change their lives, but did it?

Calvin DeVoll — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:00:00 GMT

In late March, Gabriella Medina, 28, and Danelle Makofske, 45, walked into a community college classroom in Mesa, Arizona, hoping to set themselves up for a new career.

“I was so scared,” Makofske said. “I came for a fresh start, really.”

The semiconductor industry helped set up and fund the Quick Start program at Maricopa Community Colleges, a two-week course aimed at preparing students for entry-level jobs in the semiconductor industry.

With visits from both first lady Jill Biden in 2022 and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen in May, the program has been celebrated by the Joe Biden administration as a national model for workforce training.

https://www.marketplace.org/2024/08/15/semiconductor-jobs-boom-program-phoenix-maricopa-quick-start-intel-chips-hiring/

Maricopa County Community College District plans to launch AI degree in fall 2025

Calvin DeVoll — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 12:00:00 GMT

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has joined a group, focused on increasing the number of AI professionals across the country.

MCCCD is joining the National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, which will receive $2.8 million in funding from the National Science Foundation to develop and implement AI courses, certificates and degree programs.

In a statement, district officials said as the field of AI is rapidly transforming industries and society, there’s a critical shortage of skilled AI professionals who can apply AI solutions to real-world problems.

https://www.kjzz.org/kjzz-news/2024-08-08/maricopa-county-community-college-district-to-launch-ai-degree-in-the-fall

Maricopa County Community College District joins national AI education consortium

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 17:53:41 GMT

The Maricopa County Community College District has joined the new National Applied Artificial Intelligence Consortium, which is focused on building a strong AI workforce nationwide.

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/inno/stories/news/2024/08/06/maricopa-county-community-college-district-ai.html

Maricopa County voters to decide whether expenditure limits for Maricopa Community Colleges should be increased

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:00:00 GMT

Maricopa County voters in November will vote on Proposition 486 and decide whether the expenditure limit for the Maricopa County Community College District should be raised.

In 1980, Arizona voters established an expenditure limit to restrict how much a community college district, including Maricopa Community Colleges, can spend, even if funding is available.

The expenditure limit for Arizona community colleges is calculated each year based on veteran expenditures in 1979-80 multiplied by factors for inflation and enrollment.
The current base limit sits just above $52 million.
A community college district that exceeds its expenditure limitation is subject to penalties based on the percentage of the excess expenditures.

The proposed change

Proposition 486 will permanently adjust the base on which the expenditure limit is calculated from approximately $52 million to roughly $105 million.

Adjusting the base limit will allow the community colleges to use their existing budget without penalty.
This adjustment will account for increases in workforce programs, technology infrastructure, career and technical education (CTE), non-credit training, baccalaureate degrees, and programs that serve high school students.

https://chamberbusinessnews.com/2024/07/23/arizona-voters-to-decide-whether-expenditure-limits-for-maricopa-community-colleges-should-be-increased/

MCCCD’s bachelor’s degrees are an affordable investment in your future

Calvin DeVoll — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 13:50:42 GMT

In a historic first for Arizona’s community colleges, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) awarded the state’s first-ever four-year baccalaureate degrees during the commencement ceremonies. Rio Salado College had two students receive their Bachelor of Science degrees in Public Safety Administration. At South Mountain Community College, four students received their Bachelor of Science degrees in Behavioral Sciences.

MCCCD’s bachelor’s degrees are uniquely designed to demonstrate both a workforce need and student demand while also not unnecessarily duplicating programs already offered by traditional universities in Maricopa County. Therefore, the baccalaureate degree programs are strategically developed to provide a more detailed focus that fills targeted labor needs to alleviate Arizona’s workforce shortages in critical in-demand industries such as health care, information technology, K-12 education and public safety.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/sponsor-story/maricopa-community-colleges/2024/06/07/mcccds-bachelors-degrees-are-an-affordable-investment-in-your-future/73998180007/

A Contentious Pay Cut at Maricopa Community Colleges

Calvin DeVoll — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 03:00:00 GMT

Some of the college district’s adjunct librarians and counselors have been fighting a pay cut intended to bring their wages closer to that of other adjunct faculty.

An impending pay cut for a group of adjunct faculty members has divided instructors in the Maricopa County Community College District for a second time. The roughly 20 percent cut, approved as part of a wider compensation plan at a Board of Governors meeting last week, will affect some adjunct faculty members who work as librarians and mental health counselors in the district.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/faculty-issues/labor-unionization/2024/06/03/contentious-pay-cut-some-adjuncts-maricopa

Maricopa County Community Colleges announce collaborative hiring process

Calvin DeVoll — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:58:56 GMT

Interim president for Mesa Community College Kimberly Britt announced on Feb. 27 a collaborative relationship between MCC, South Mountain Community College and Glendale Community College in an effort to combine resources for a joint search for a new Vice President of Academic Affairs at each of the three colleges.

https://mesalegend.com/maricopa-county-community-colleges-announce-collaborative-hiring-process/

VP Armour Named Executive Vice Chancellor And Provost At Maricopa Community Colleges

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 01:00:49 GMT

Santa Fe College Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning, Dr. Lisa Armour, has been selected as the new Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost at Maricopa Community Colleges in Tempe, Arizona.

Dr. Armour has held leadership positions at SF since her arrival in 2011, serving as Associate Provost and Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Assessment, Research and Technology. In June of 2021, she stepped into the role of interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, before returning to her position of Vice President in the newly named division of Institutional Effectiveness and Strategic Planning.

https://news.sfcollege.edu/2023/10/25/vp-armour-named-executive-vice-chancellor-and-provost-at-maricopa-community-colleges/

Maricopa Community Colleges helping to meet employment demands of semiconductor industry

Calvin DeVoll — Sun, 23 Jul 2023 03:00:00 GMT

The Maricopa Community College system is helping the state’s fast growing semiconductor sector ensure the talent pipeline remains full to meet employers’ demands.

Three colleges in the system are offering courses as part of the Semiconductor Quick Start program, which can prepare students for entry-level employment in the semiconductor industry in as little as two weeks or 40 hours.

https://chamberbusinessnews.com/2023/07/19/maricopa-community-colleges-helping-to-meet-employment-demands-of-semiconductor-industry/

Community colleges partner with semiconductor industry

Calvin DeVoll — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 03:00:00 GMT

I have been working in education in Arizona for my entire career. I started as a high school math teacher, and in the years since, I have risen to become the chancellor of the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) – one of the largest community college systems in the nation.

https://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2023/07/14/community-colleges-partner-with-semiconductor-industry/

Students can apply for bachelor's degree at Maricopa Community Colleges

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 03:44:26 GMT

PHOENIX — Maricopa Community Colleges are now offering programs to earn bachelor’s degrees.

Starting this fall, students can enroll in classes and graduate from MCC with a bachelor’s degree through programs like:

Behavioral Sciences
Early Childhood Education
Data Analytics and Programming
Elementary Education and Special Education
Information Technology
Nuclear Medicine Technology and Computed Tomography
Public Safety Administration

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/students-can-apply-for-bachelors-degree-at-maricopa-community-colleges

Maricopa Community Colleges are making a dent in Arizona's nursing shortage

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 24 May 2023 17:48:34 GMT

Opinion: Arizona has some of the nation's largest hospital staffing shortages. New state funding is helping to address critical nursing needs.

By: Steven R. Gonzales

Arizona, like many states across America, is facing a nurse shortage.

The pandemic has taken a toll on existing nursing staff due to staffing shortages, employee burnout and retirement. Despite the number of nursing graduates entering the workforce, it is clear that Arizona needs to catch up with current demand levels.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2023/03/10/maricopa-county-colleges-tackling-nursing-shortage-degrees-funding/69991523007/

'Critical Race Theory’ ban would outlaw teaching about the alleged Buffalo shooter’s racist motivations

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 26 May 2022 12:28:01 GMT

'Critical Race Theory’ ban would outlaw teaching about the alleged Buffalo shooter’s racist motivations

The effort to stamp out ‘critical race theory’ would also apply to universities, guest speakers and staff training

Teachers should not be allowed to explain to their students that the mass murder in a Buffalo grocery story this month was allegedly committed by a white supremacist who targeted and killed Black people in a largely Black neighborhood — and legislation approved Wednesday by Republicans would punish teachers who mentioned that.

Mesa Republican state Rep. Michelle Udall said it would “not be appropriate” to explain the motives behind those deaths in Arizona classrooms. And legislation she championed, Senate Bill 1412, would bar educators from teaching that casts “blame based on race, ethnicity or sex” in all Arizona public schools. That, she said, would include instruction on what happened in Buffalo.

Read full article here.

MCCCD names new president of Phoenix College

Calvin DeVoll — Tue, 17 May 2022 00:54:38 GMT

PHOENIX — Just days after announcing a shakeup of finalists for the job, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) has named the new president of Phoenix College.

Kimberly Britt, who has been the vice president of academic affairs at Phoenix College and the accreditation liaison officer at the MCCCD, will take over the top position at the college from Clyne Namuo, who has been serving as interim president since March 2021.

https://www.abc15.com/news/business/mcccd-names-new-president-of-phoenix-college

Intel, Maricopa Community Colleges partnership encourages inclusion in semiconductor industry

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 05 May 2022 14:18:56 GMT

Intel, Maricopa Community Colleges partnership encourages inclusion in semiconductor industry.

Intel is aiming to reduce barriers to employment and grow the potential employee pool in the quickly-growing semiconductor industry through a community college partnership. Intel and Maricopa County Community College District officials hope the partnership will show participants that they have a place in the industry regardless of gender, race or economic background.

How MCCCD is rethinking what it means to attend community college

Calvin DeVoll — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 14:00:00 GMT

Opinion: From 4-year degrees to semiconductor bootcamp, Maricopa County Community College District is offering innovative programs to train in-demand workers.

Maricopa County Community College District provides the most cost-effective higher education in the state. We are Arizona’s largest workforce training provider in multiple industries.

Nonetheless, we’re driven to do more by connecting students to innovative programs with sustainable and growing careers. The latest proof: the community college district has selected its first bachelor’s degrees for development.

The baccalaureate degrees, paved by legislation Arizona lawmakers passed last year, are in seven areas – ranging from programming and data analysis, nuclear medicine technology and computed topography, to early childhood education and dual certification in elementary/special education.

Over the next year, the district will be creating the courses and requirements for each four-year degree with a goal of offering the new degree programs beginning in fall 2023.

COLLEGE WORTH IT?:

Years ago, I would have said no. Now, it's absolutely yes

These programs will further support our students, many of whom would not typically transfer to a university after earning a two-year degree. Now, they will have the convenience and affordability to continue after their associate degree at one of the district’s colleges.

Semiconductor, AI programs are cutting edge

It’ll build on our already impressive track record of innovation and career development.

Last month, first lady Jill Biden visited Intel in Chandler to highlight continued investments in manufacturing and workforce development as a driving force behind Arizona’s and our nation’s strong economic security and job creation. Leaders from the community college district and Intel briefed Biden about the upcoming Semiconductor Technician Bootcamp partnership that will lead to high demand jobs with competitive wages.

Responding to Arizona’s rapid expansion in semiconductor manufacturing in recent years, MCCCD identified industry partners to develop innovative and accelerated curriculum, including a series of 10 four-hour classes with nighttime options available.

DON'T CELEBRATE YET:

Community colleges still face restrictions

Another example of our cost-effective, cutting-edge education is within the artificial intelligence industry. Just last fall, the district put the certificate and degree in motion for the first artificial intelligence program in the country; we already have plans to expand the program as the first student class begins graduating.

The program – a partnership of Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, Intel and the Arizona Commerce Authority – will not only prepare these students for a lifetime of opportunities but also open doors for employers to quickly tap a prepared workforce.

Despite challenges, we're finding new opportunities

The students of MCCCD are among the brightest and hardworking emerging leaders of the modern era, and we continue to capitalize on our investments to further their career opportunities.

This legislative session, the community college district has led on legislation that appropriates $8.6 million for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and workforce programs. It is yet another example of how the district continues to be a national leader in community college education.

There is no investment in Arizona’s economic future without investing in our students.

Through the pandemic, one of the most challenging periods our nation has seen, we have created new, dynamic opportunities for our students, our community and our state. Where we can do more, the Maricopa County Community College District will continue to find a way.

Marie Sullivan is president of the Maricopa Community College District Governing Board. Linda Thor and Susan Bitter Smith serve as board members. Reach them at marie.sullivan@domail.maricopa.edu, sbsmith@technicalsolutionsaz.com and linda.thor@domail.maricopa.edu.

First Lady Jill Biden Will Visit Phoenix Wednesday On COVID-19 Vaccine Tour

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 02:58:53 GMT

First Lady Jill Biden Will Visit Phoenix Wednesday On COVID-19 Vaccine Tour

First lady Jill Biden is visiting Arizona on Wednesday. She and second gentleman Doug Emhoff will stop in Phoenix as part of a nationwide tour promoting COVID-19 vaccines.

Arizona’s rate of vaccination remains below the national average. The Biden administration had hoped 70% of American adults would have at least one dose of a vaccine by the Fourth of July. Nationwide, it’s now about 66% but only about 60% of Arizona adults have had a shot, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Biden dropped his plan for free community college, but this nonprofit leader isn't giving up

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 23:55:24 GMT

Democrats gave up on President Joe Biden’s attempt to include free community college in his massive social spending plan, dubbed Build Back Better. First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, a community college professor herself, made the announcement last week.

The plan passed the House in November but has stalled in the Senate as Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema — alongside West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin — have opposed the price tag on the plan. Since then, Democrats have been cutting proposals from it to try to strike a compromise, including free community college.

It comes as enrollment is dropping at community colleges here and around the country, and state funding for them has been slashed.

Rufus Glasper is president and CEO of the League for Innovation in the Community College as well as a former chancellor for the Maricopa County Community College District.

The Show spoke with him to learn about the decrease and began the conversation with his reaction to the Biden administration dropping this initiative from its signature plan.

Listen to the Story:

https://kjzz.org/content/1756284/biden-dropped-his-plan-free-community-college-nonprofit-leader-isnt-giving

Next President for Scottsdale Community College

Calvin DeVoll — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 12:52:13 GMT

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — The Maricopa County Community College District has named the next president for Scottsdale Community College.

Eric Leshinskie — who has been serving as the interim executive vice chancellor and provost of the MCCCD, and was previously the vice president of academic affairs at Paradise Valley Community College — was selected after a nationwide search that involved extensive community input, the district said.

He will step into his new role starting July 1.

https://www.abc15.com/news/business/scottsdale-community-colleges-next-president-named

Maricopa County Community Colleges Celebrates Black History Month with Events

Calvin DeVoll — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 01:18:31 GMT

In celebration of Black History Month, the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is hosting in-person and virtual events across many of the Maricopa Community Colleges, exploring topics from anti-racism in the workplace to intersectionality and paying a tribute to Black excellence.

“The Maricopa Community Colleges look forward to every opportunity to recognize Black and African American culture and history with our students, staff, faculty and community members,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Interim Chancellor. “This Black History Month, we will celebrate with events that honor the Black community through storytelling, film, panel discussions, and coming together virtually and in-person to honor this rich history.”

https://azednews.com/maricopa-county-community-colleges-celebrates-black-history-month-with-events/

MCCCD names finalists for president's job at Scottsdale Community College

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 05:17:09 GMT

Three of the four finalists are from out of state and one already works for the Maricopa County Community College District. Public forums to introduce the four finalists will be held on Jan. 31.

https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/news/2022/01/26/scottsdale-community-college-president-finalists.html

Maricopa community colleges get $17.1M from cannabis tax in first year of legality

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 04:21:51 GMT

PHOENIX — Taxes from the sale of recreational cannabis during the first year of legality in Arizona resulted in millions of dollars for local community colleges, officials said Tuesday.

Maricopa County Community College District received $17.1 million from the imposed 16% excise tax on the drug, with the money being used to improve student offerings, the district said in a press release.

The district said it has earmarked $7.6 million of the funds toward 35 career-specific training programs, with focuses including beauty and wellness, healthcare, and trades and technology.

https://ktar.com/story/4847657/maricopa-community-colleges-get-17m-from-cannabis-tax-in-first-year-of-legality/

MCCCD Planning to Offer Bachelor’s Degrees

Calvin DeVoll — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 02:13:40 GMT

PHOENIX — Maricopa County Community College District is in the planning stages of offering bachelor’s degrees at eight of its 10 campuses in the Valley.

Community colleges across the state have been given the authority by Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona State Legislature to offer bachelor's degrees after a bill was signed into law this year.

https://www.abc15.com/news/state/mcccd-planning-to-offer-bachelors-degrees-after-new-state-law

MCCCD May Soon Offer Four-Year Degrees

Calvin DeVoll — Mon, 03 May 2021 16:13:33 GMT

The Arizona Legislature has given final approval to a bill setting out the conditions for the state’s community colleges to start offering four-year degrees. On Wednesday, the Senate passed the legislation with a 24-6 vote, and the House already approved SB 1453. The only thing that remains now is a decision by Gov. Doug Ducey.

There’s been bipartisan support for this bill, but both parties share concerns about costs.

Democratic Sen. Rosanna Gabaldón, who voted "no," says she sees this bill as duplicating existing efforts by universities.

“Arizona's already underfunding our public education, and I believe this bill will make our community colleges and public universities compete for that same funding. Why make this a solution looking for a problem?" Gabaldón said.

Republican Sen. David Livingston voted "yes," but also voiced his concern that this bill may result in higher taxes.

https://kjzz.org/content/1679108/arizona-community-colleges-may-soon-offer-four-year-degrees

National Voting Rights Groups Voice Concern Over Arizona Election Audit

Calvin DeVoll — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 01:01:56 GMT

Four national voting rights groups sent a letter to Arizona Republican Senate President Karen Fann voicing their concerns about the Maricopa County Election audit.

The Brennan Center and the Carter Center, among others, say that Cyber Ninjas, the company the state Senate hired, lacks the skills and independence necessary to conduct an audit.

https://kjzz.org/content/1674831/national-voting-rights-groups-voice-concern-over-arizona-election-audit

Maricopa Community College classes resume, systems restored after cyberattack causes district-wide outage

Calvin DeVoll — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 22:59:48 GMT

The Maricopa County Community College District announced Tuesday that all critical internet technology systems have been restored and classes have officially resumed after a suspected cyberattack caused a district-wide outage two weeks ago.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-education/2021/03/30/maricopa-community-college-classes-resume-after-cyberattack/4812791001/

KJZZ: Maricopa County Community College Board Votes For Member Kathleen Winn To Resign

Calvin DeVoll — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 17:41:52 GMT

Four members of Maricopa County Community College District's governing board — including its president — voted to ask Kathleen Winn to resign. Winn delivered her own condemnation of the board, saying other board members had unfairly targeted her with "petty accusations."

Inside HIgher Ed: Tainted Search at Maricopa

Calvin DeVoll — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 01:36:37 GMT

The search for a new leader of the Maricopa County Community Colleges District has come to a halt.

An investigation found that a member of the search committee for a new chancellor tainted the process by violating a confidentiality agreement and attempting to persuade a candidate to not apply for the position.

Failed Chancellor Search

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:57:09 GMT

Check out the Faculty Association's webpage to read the investigative report shared by the Interim Maricopa Employee Senate.

AZ Central: MCCCD BOARD MEMBER MEDDLED IN THE CHANCELLOR SEARCH AND HURT THE DISTRICT (AGAIN)

Calvin DeVoll — Wed, 02 Sep 2020 02:00:57 GMT

The shenanigans at the Maricopa County Community College District don’t seem to end.

The troublemaker this time is governing board member Kathleen Winn, whose meddling in the search for a new chancellor halted the process indefinitely.

Turns out the vice-chair of the search committee had somebody specific in mind to replace former Chancellor Maria Harper-Marinick, and according to a district-commissioned report, that damaged the integrity of the process.