During the Navajo County Community College Governing Board last Tuesday, the board heard from Robb Floco, who proposed bringing athletics back to Northland Pioneer College (NPC) and an action plan for 2024-2025. Floco stated he has an extensive history in athletics and is currently the organizational athletic director for Edkey, Inc., managing 23 sites and has a Bachelor’s in Business Management and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Supervision.

In his presentation, Floco explained how adding athletics to NPC will align with the college’s strategic plan, stating it would help enrollment, improve college sustainability and improve student outcomes. “First year projections, we’re thinking about having about 110 student athletes. And then, in year two or three, we’re up to 185. Totaling 295 student athletes on your campus.”

Sports Floco would like to start with cross country in the fall semester, basketball, competitive dance and cheer in the winter, then track and women’s flag football in the spring.

The board approved increasing salaries and wages by 1% for all eligible employees and increasing all of the current salary ranges by 1%. The board also approved implementing Option 2 of the Gallagher Study which resets NPC’s base hourly rate at $20 per hour and addresses issues of competitiveness and compression with a total cost estimate for both items being $577,150. This excludes new positions, which are still under discussion. The approval was based on the board’s previous meeting, after hearing President Chato Hazelbaker’s recommendation based on the college’s Gallagher Compensation Study.

Education Technology and Department Chair LeTonya Motley gave an NPC Faculty Association presentation, focusing specifically on Artificial Intelligence tools and how they can be used for teaching and learning, as well as navigating the problems that come with them.

The board received an update on NPC’s Friends & Family by Director Betsy Wilson, during which she gave a reminder that Arizona Give’s Day will be held April 2, which is a 24-hour giving event that helps raise money for nonprofits statewide. For more information, or to donate, visit www.npc.edu/az-gives. Wilson explained the importance of donating, stating that students travel long distances to attend NPC. “They are confronted constantly by the effects of poverty and isolation, and they don’t really expect anything. They are determined that they’re going to get an education. So, when we help them, it’s kind of like icing on the cake.” To donate or learn more on how this benefits students, visit www.npc.edu/az-gives.

Wilson also provided a report on the progress made to the 2025-2030 strategic plan.

Director of Facilities and Transportation Justin White gave an update on the college district’s construction projects.

The board reviewed the staff recommendation of setting the primary property tax levy rate at $1.7707, generating revenues of over $18.3 million. NPC’s proposed tax levy and rate is set at the maximum allowed by statute. The proposal will require a Truth in Taxation (TNT) notice and hearing. This represents a revenue increase of just over $1.3 million from the prior year. A high-level analysis of the budget information for 2024-2025 was also provided.

The board received a presentation on the Belonging Committee from faculty member Shandiin Deputee, which focuses on ensuring students, faculty and staff feel a sense of belonging within the college.

President Hazelbaker provided his report, in which he gave an update on the college’s strategic action plan. Hazelbaker also discussed the Kayenta Center grant progress.

The board approved the consent agenda which include program modifications for nursing assistant certificate of proficiency, administration of justice studies program and associate or science. Board policies 1402 through 1470 were removed from the consent agenda and then approved with amendments to policy 1402 and 1431.

In new business, the board:

* Approved adoption of the 2026-2027 academic calendar.

* Approved purchasing 175 laptops from Dell Technologies at a total cost of $208,851. Funds budgeted in Fiscal Year 2024 by the Technology Advancement and Support (TAS) division and Dell Technologies Contract No. C000001039509 are utilized to ensure the better value at a cost savings for the college.

* Approved the course fees and general fees. No action was needed for tuition, which was previously approved.

The board also held a work session following the regular pertaining to the 2025-2030 strategic plan.