Community college independence bill passes in committee

According to reports from Payson area residents who went to the state capital to testify before the Senate Education Committee Monday, Feb. 7, SB 1213, the bill that would make it easier for Gila Community College to gain independence, passed out of committee 6-0.

The bill sponsored in the senate by Sen. Sylvia Allen and Sen. Rich Crandall, Chairman of the Education Committee, would amend Arizona Revised Statutes relating to community colleges, allowing GCC and other provisional colleges to meet certain criteria to gain independence.

The bill had its first reading in the senate Jan. 24 and was assigned to committee.  A similar bill in the Arizona House is sponsored by 5th District Representatives Brenda Barton and Chester Crandell.

GCC is now a provisional college and, as such, does not control its own budget, contracting for administrative services with Eastern Arizona College and paying a 25 percent overhead fee for these services. EAC currently makes all decisions concerning budget, program and tuition at GCC. 

SB 1213:

Purpose

Establishes an alternative process to form community college districts.

Background

A community college district may be formed by a single county, two or more contiguous counties or an existing community college district and contiguous counties that are not part of an existing district. The proposed district must have a minimum assessed valuation and a minimum population to support the district.  If the area for the proposed district meets the minimum requirement an election on the formation of the district may be called if the county school superintendent receives a petition signed by not less than ten percent of the qualified electors in the area the district will cover.  If an election is called and the district receives the support of a majority of the voters, the district is formed.  Community colleges are funded by federal, state and local revenues.  Community colleges may award degrees and certificates to students that complete the required coursework at the college.