The Navajo County Community College Governing Board convened for a regular meeting Tuesday, March 17, during which Associate Vice President of External Relations Rich Chanick provided an update on funding avenues being pursued, as well as legislative activities. Director of Financial Aid Jennifer Dobell gave an update on the status of the Workforce Pell Grant, which is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3A) and is aimed toward workforce health, specifically expanding federal financial aid to support short-term work training programs. Dobell discussed the implementation, regulations and accountability aspects that the district will need to prepare for. “Public comment is open until April 8, that’s why we know some things are solidified, some things are not. Our biggest date we’re kind of keeping an eye out for is April 30,” stated Dobell, explaining that April 30 is the governor’s office deadline to identify eligible workforce programs for colleges. Eligible programs have to be between 8-14 weeks long and programs must maintain at least 70% completion rate as well as a 70% job placement rate within 180 days after program completion to receive Pell Grant Workforce Grants. Dobell discussed the challenges of collecting the appropriate data, ensuring success and reporting to the state. The Pell Grant Workforce Grants program will take effect July 1. NPC Friends & Family (NPCFF) Executive Director Jesse Reeck provided an update on scholarships, including AndyVon transportation grants. The grant provides up to $1,500 for NPC students who are members of federally recognized Indian tribes and reside on tribal lands, who must travel more than 30 miles from their home to attend NPC classes. Reeck stated that if anyone knew students in need of transportation assistance to apply and referenced the recent increase in gas prices. “Transportation is going to potentially be even more of a difficulty for our students over the next several months,” she said, adding that the NPCFF board may be prepared to offer additional support if needed. Reeck also noted that the NPCFF Fall scholarship application is currently open until April 16. “We have about $125,000 in awards that we will be able to provide based on this general application cycle.” Vice President of Administrative Services Maderia Ellison presented on the primary property tax levy and rates. Staff recommends setting the primary property tax levy rate at $1.7478, generating revenues of $19.9 million. There will be a Truth in Taxation notice on their website and in this paper, as well as a hearing prior to the board voting on the rates. Ellison also provided a 2026-27 introductory budget analysis. Total revenue for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 is $40.2 million with a total expenditure of the same amount. For FY 2026-27 the total revenue is $44 million with the expenditures also totaling the same amount, with both years having no net deficiencies or surpluses. Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Farah Bughio presented on enrollment information for both in-district and out-of-district. Out-of-district enrollment makes up about 25% of student population, with the remaining 75% of students residing in Navajo or Apache counties. For in-district enrollment, Navajo County makes up the majority. “Of the two districts that we serve, Navajo County makes up roughly 84% or our enrollment, while Apache County is 16-17%,” explained Dr. Bughio. During the meeting the board also reviewed staff recommendation of an economic adjustment of 3% for all employees. Board also approved an additional amount of $350,000 to address compression and bring-to-minimum adjustments for all staff positions within the attached salary ranges. These adjustments will ensure employees are aligned with the college’s salary structure and support internal equity across positions. The topic was only an informative review and the board did not vote to accept or deny the economic adjustment. Following the regular meeting, the board held two executive sessions, one to discuss the employment, assignment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, disciplining or resignation of a public officer. The second executive session was to discuss or consult with the attorney or attorneys for legal advice. No action was taken following the executive sessions. Board Members Kristine Laughter and Derrick Leslie were absent from the meeting. In the consent agenda, the board: * Approved modifications to the Justice Studies Certificate of Proficiency (CP), Administration of Justice Studies Certificate of Applied Science (CAS) and Administration of Justice Studies Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in addition to a new Legal Studies CP. * Approved modifications to the FRS Firefighter CP, FRS Driver/Operator CP, FRS Leadership CP, Fire Science CAS and Fire Science AAS. * Approved the new Special Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. In other business, the board: * Approved the resolution calling for election of District Governing Board members for District 1, District 3 and District 4 to be held on Nov. 3. The current positions will expire Dec. 31. The college district partners with Navajo County Election Services to hold required elections for open positions. * Accepted the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The report focuses on the financial audit and financial condition of the college. The audit opinion for this report is “unmodified,” which is positive, and no findings related to the financials were identified. * Approved the tuition, course fees and general fees. The board approves tuition on a three-year cycle to help students properly plan for tuition costs. The approved schedule covers the period 2027 to 2029 and was proposed Feb. 17. Course fees cover courses, supplies, equipment maintenance and operation expenses. General fees include the media fee, transcript fees, testing fees and other various fees. Tuition for students residing in Navajo or Apache Counties will remain at $75 per credit hour throughout the next three years. In-state tuition, which is for all Arizona residents outside the two counties previously listed, will remain at $94 per credit hour for the three years as well. Out-of-state credit hours will go down to $376 per credit hour from $410 per credit hour and will remain at that rate for the three-year cycle. Summer courses will remain free for all students but does not include non-credit courses. * Approved awarding a contract to CORE Construction to renovate the nursing labs in the Ponderosa Building at the White Mountain campus to include new flooring and storage in the amount of $105,000. * Approved a job order contract with CORE Construction in the amount of $794,713 to build a new parking lot on the college’s Winslow campus. * Approved a new governing board policy to establish clear standards governing external relations of the college.
