The Navajo County Community College Governing Board convened for a regular meeting Tuesday, Oct. 21, where a motion to approve the FY 2026-27 budget calendar and assumptions passed, with Board Chair Everett Robinson and board members Rosie Sekayumptewa and Kristine Laughter voting in favor, and Board Member Frank Lucero voting against, stating “I oppose to setting it at maximum, so nay,” in reference to a tax levy increase. Board Member Derrick Leslie was absent from the meeting.

Vice President of Administrative Services Maderia Ellison stated in her report that the tax levy will need an increase and is expected to be set at the maximum allowable of 2% increase over the prior year to protect the equalization funding. Assessed valuations for setting the primary property tax levy will be available in February.

Revenue assumptions also included the prediction that state appropriations for equalization, Maintenance & Operations is expected to increase compared to current fiscal year. Rural aid is expected to be flat.

The board adopted tuition rates on a three-year cycle that ends in FY26, so the board will receive a proposed three-year plan that will cover FY27-FY29 in February and will be requested to approve the new tuition rates in March.

Lucero requested a discussion of human resource policy and procedure on hiring, asking if criminal history is checked in the hiring process, “Due to the fact that a lot of the people we have on campus are children under the age of 18.” It was stated that fingerprinting is not done, but screening based on a potential hires’ name. During the discussion, Laughter expressed that she was in agreement with Lucero that fingerprinting should be implemented.

Lucero also questioned how the college verifies degrees and certificates, to which Ellison stated official transcripts are mandatory and reviewed.

NPC Friends & Family (NPCFF) Director Jesse Reeck stated that Pedal the Petrified, a bike ride fundraising event for scholarships, went very well. “We had 203 riders, and we brought in about $42,000 for scholarships.”

Leadership Council Co-Chair Dr. Allison Landy gave a report on progress in creating a 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, which will be put before the board for approval in December.

The board entered an executive session to discuss matters related to school safety operations or school safety plans or programs and the purchase or lease of real property. The board then entered into a second executive session to discuss the purchase or lease of real property in Winslow. Upon reconvening into regular session the board approved President Lawson to provide information to them regarding a piece of real estate.

In other business, the board:

* Reviewed the Northland Pioneer College (NPC) component unit financial audit for Northeast Arizona Training Center (NATC) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024‐25. NATC is a separate legal entity but is considered a component unit of NPC as defined by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board GASB Statement of Standards. The auditor issued an opinion that the financial statements were presented fairly, in all material respects and in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

* Reviewed the NPC component unit financial audit for NPCFF for FY 2024‐25. BDR Richards, CPA’s, PLC, completed the financial audit for NPCFF, and issued an opinion that the financial statements were presented fairly, in all material respects and in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

* Authorized a letter of support of Board Member Derrick Leslie to the Association of Community College Trustees public policy and advocacy committee.

* Approved the purchase of furniture primarily from School Source AZ in the amount of $85,000 for the remainder of FY 2025-26 for district wide use. The funding for the furniture purchases is included in the capital budget.

* Accepted $306,322 in funding from the Arizona Commerce Authority to fund a temporary business analyst from the period extending through Dec. 31, 2027, to assist the Small Business Development Center provide increased service in the Kayenta, Hopi, Winslow and Holbrook area. No match is required.