At the October 11 meeting of the Gila County Provisional Community College District Governing Board, Interim President Janice Lawhorn reported that the college had received a $25,000 nursing mannequin grant from Arizona Complete Health as well as $35,000 from the Freeport-McMoRan Community Investment Fund to purchase the mannequins.

According to draft minutes of the meeting, in reviewing Financial Coordinator Trae Morris’ report (Morris was still not allowed by EAC to attend board meetings) Board President Jan Brocker said year-over-year amounts had not been added. Lawhorn said she had requested this information from EAC, which had not replied.

Citing Senior Dean Phil McBride’s report (McBride was also enjoined by EAC from attending board meetings), Brocker reminded the board that under the current EAC agreement no new nursing blocks will start on Gila County campuses beginning in spring 2024.

After 17 years of service this was the final meeting for Board Vice President Sam Moorhead, who is moving out of Gila County later this month to be closer to family. In his last report, Moorhead suggested the board increase campus security, and consider sponsoring a swim team and offering drone classes. Brocker and board member Fernando Shipley thanked Moorhead for his years of dedication. “Sam has served the College and the community very well,” Brocker said. Moorhead would also wind down the meeting, making the motion to adjourn.

With his resignation from the board, Gila County Schools Superintendent Roy Sandoval must appoint someone to serve the rest of Moorhead’s term, which runs through the end of 2024.