1202 W. Thomas Road
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
602–285–7500

Central Phoenix Community Provides Input to Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board

by: Christy Skeen

Phoenix College and Rio Salado College Host Listening SessionCentral Phoenix residents, employers and students gathered at Phoenix College Thursday night to tell Maricopa Community Colleges Governing Board members that their colleges are doing great things and challenged them to do more.

Hosted by Phoenix College and Rio Salado College, the town-hall style event offered attendees a report card on projects completed since the 1994 Bond Election. They also heard about the colleges’ future needs to keep pace with a growing population base and new innovations in education delivery. Community speakers encouraged the board to also address infrastructure needs such as increased parking and upgrading classrooms.

The two-hour session included guest presentations by Phil Gordon, former City of Phoenix Councilman and current mayoral front-runner; Dr. Fran Roberts, vice president for Professional Services at the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association; and Jack Harris, assistant chief, Professional Standards Division, Phoenix Police Department.

"I am please to learn of everyone’s satisfaction; however, I am also pleased to hear of the challenges that have been issued," said Governing Board member Linda Rosenthal. "We are all part of one ‘community’ college system and community input is vital for future improvements."

For those who were unable to attend the May 1 session can get a complete list of the upcoming Community Listening Sessions on the Web at: http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/gvbd /community.htm.