Celebrating the saving and remodeling of Sedona Center
Yavapai College has extended an invitation to members of the public to attend a special event at the College’s Sedona Center located at 4215 Arts Village Drive, Sedona. The College describes the event as the “re-launch” of the school’s Culinary Arts program. It will be held Tuesday, September 12 starting at 3:45 p.m.
Verde Valley Advocates who work tirelessly for improving post-secondary education will celebrate the saving of the Center and installation of significant learning opportunity programs for the Verde Valley.
Recall a majority of the College District Governing Board was happy to close down and sell the Center as a part of the ten-year Master Plan, which was adopted by the District Governing Board in a 4-1 vote (Oliphant dissenting) in December, 2013 . However, vigorous advocacy by residents of Sedona and the Verde Valley plus strong vocal support opposing the closing of the Center from the former and present Sedona mayor and City Council were instrumental in bringing to a halt the closing and sale.
Advocacy also was necessary in order to persuade the College to renovate and construct the facilities for a culinary program. It came from many quarters including the now shuttered Verde Valley Board Advisory Committee, former Verde Valley representative Al Filardo, and Verde Valley District #2 representative Deb McCasland.
For those who question whether the College was contemplating possibly selling the Sedona Center, the Blog has included below the development chart presented to the Governing Board and approved 4-1. The red arrow points to the statement reading, “Sell Existing Sedona Center.” Also note that there were no funds allocated to the Sedona Center in the chart for renovation of any kind as a part of the College’s ten-year-plan for County Community College development. However, the chart shows an estimated $44 million allocated to various West County projects during this phase of development.
Verde Valley Campus Executive Dean Dr. James Perey will make opening remarks, after which he will introduce special guest speakers, including Yavapai College District Governing Board member Dr. Connie Harris, Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty, and Yavapai College President Dr. Penny Wills, who will all speak about the occasion.
To read the College press release regarding this event, please click here.
