“In spite of perception, there has never been a proposal to the governing board to close the Silver Creek Campus,” Northland Pioneer College President Dr. Jeanne Swarthout advised a group of citizens attending a Jan. 21 meeting at the campus.
Swarthout answered questions and heard comments about reinventing the Silver Creek Campus, took notes and listened to the concerns of those present.
Kirk Brimhall said that 15 years ago a bond was approved for four new buildings, one each on the Show Low, Holbrook, Winslow and Snowflake campuses, “so all NPC could be represented as having junior colleges…Teaching staff was going to be equal.”
“Over time we’ve seen a shift of not much happening at this campus, not much happening at Winslow,” Brimhall continued, noting that he understood the growth at Holbrook due to soil issues, but stating that the Show Low campus has gotten huge. He said he didn’t understand this, because populations are about the same in each of the communities.
Dennis Evans, retired Taylor Elementary School principal, asked Swarthout to comment on the overall enrollment over the last five years.
Swarthout said it had steadily declined, but noted that enrollment is down nationally and statewide, as well as at NPC, and “The decline at Silver Creek is very dramatic.”
There were several questions on the number of Snowflake/Taylor students at this campus and other campuses, but Swarthout didn’t have the figures with her. She did explain that classes had to be cancelled because fewer than 10 students had signed up for a class, and that the required 10 or more students in a class went up to 15 during the economic downturn, but has returned to 12. It isn’t cost effective to have very small classes, she explained.
Patty Matyas, president of the Snowflake-Taylor Chamber of Commerce, said that several years ago the campus was full of kids, but as time went by classes moved from here, and students had to attend in Show Low or Holbrook. “Do Holbrook and Show Low have a higher percentage of students at their campuses because Snowflake kids are going there?” she asked. Matyas then stated that moving classes from here and requiring students to take classes on other campuses would make this campus suffer.
Brimhall asked if the number of Snowflake-Taylor students attending other campuses was available.
Swarthout said that they were, but she did not have those with her.
Several of those attending expressed concern regarding the proposed closing of the library on the Silver Creek Campus, which is used by students and the general public, and it was noted that the public library does not have the same information available as a school library.
“A library is the people’s university,” said Snowflake-Taylor Librarian Cathy McDowell.
A gentleman in the audience asked if college officials have numbers on the savings related to closing the library.
Swarthout responded that they did not have figures specific to any one change, but that the whole concept would show an approximate savings of $400,000.
“We’ve always enjoyed this campus as a community,” said Snowflake Councilman Kerry Ballard, who pointed out that it is an economic development asset, and when both towns are struggling to get businesses here, one of the assets is to be able to say we have a junior college.
Ballard also pointed out that this campus is centrally located in the county.
Swarthout acknowledged that the Silver Creek Campus is central to many things, and explained that there would be more people on this campus if the changes discussed are implemented.
Charles Foote, a member of the Snowflake Unified School District Governing Board, said he felt that these decisions are reactive and do not address the real problem. “The question should be how we can better serve the students of the Snowflake and Taylor areas,” he said. “I haven’t heard any research that’s been done in terms of the need of a junior college education in this area.”
Swarthout said that there are just a few Snowflake-Taylor high school students participating in the outreach programs that would give them an associate’s degree from NPC when they graduate from high school, and it would be at no cost to the student. She said she feels that the information NPC provides is not getting to the students, which causes a low participation rate in the two programs offered. She also noted that NPC is represented on College Day when Arizona colleges come to high school campuses.
“I would like to challenge parents to stop into the college and ask a question rather than just drive by every day,” said Taylor Councilman Jason Brubaker. “It’s not that the college is hidden.” He said he felt that parents should be exploring options for their children.
There was discussion on the perception that NPC credits could not be transferred to a four-year college.
Swarthout explained that each junior college has the same curriculum, and the credits are transferrable to Arizona colleges.
“I think the idea of consolidating administration here is a good idea… I like the idea that we’re not doing away with our classes, they’re keeping status quo. The library issue is something that we would like to consider more,” said Snowflake Mayor Tom Poscharsky as he summed up the meeting. He noted that there could be a better relationship between the high school, its counselors and the college, stating, “I think there’s a lot that can be done for the students here.”
The cost of $750,000 to remodel the Silver Creek Campus was noted, and one woman expressed concern about having to spend more in the future to change it back to what it was.
Lowry Flake had a prepared statement he presented the Swarthout.
