Barrier to success: Tucson parents are still struggling to find affordable childcare, the Star’s Erika Wurst writes. Pima Community College partners with local daycare centers to help provide affordable access to childcare for students, with the college paying a portion of costs, but many other families are still not able to access affordable, quality options that allow parents to reenter the workforce.

“Lack of affordable childcare options is not just an inconvenience for parents in this state. It is holding back our economy,” said Michael Guymon, President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber. (December 11, 2023)

Funding online education: Pima Community College has been awarded $3 million to help low-income and Hispanic students complete degrees online, the Pima Post’s Ruth Behr reports. The grant will help Pima create of a Virtual Success Center with online coaching, mentoring and other virtual engagement opportunities, and also fund new content and professional development for staff. Pima continues to see an increase in online enrollment, with 47% of classes this semester being offered online. (October 10, 2023)

Increase incoming: Pima Community College students are looking at a tuition increase in the fall, after the governing board approved a $3 per-credit-hour hike for the 2024-25 academic year, KOLD’s Renee Romo reports. The board last raised tuition $2 per credit hour back in 2022 in order to increase technology and expand scholarships. This time, the increase will help to address faculty shortages and add to the college’s general operating fund to support programs and increase pay for staff, faculty and administrators. (March 18)

PCC has a new leader: Pima Community College’s governing board voted Tuesday to appoint Dolores Durán-Cerda as interim chancellor as it continues a search for a permanent leader. The board said it’s seeking stability and continuity for the next year, as the college prepares for reaccreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. Durán-Cerda has been PCC’s Provost for six years, an administrator for 11 years and an instructor for 27 years. (August 2, 2023)

The Tucson City Council postponed a discussion about sharing costs for fare-free transit. The agenda doesn’t give any details about why the item was removed. City council members told KOLD last week they were worried the University of Arizona’s financial troubles would make it difficult for the UA to help cover the cost of fare-free transit, which UA students frequently use. The council members have long hoped the UA, Pima Community College, and local school districts would pitch in, but an agreement is still out of reach. (February 8)

History in flux: Pima Community College’s governing board is looking for private developers to transform three vintage motels on Drachman Street, KGUN’s Andrew Christiansen reports. The board unanimously voted Wednesday night to seek out proposals about redevelopment of the Copper Cactus Inn, Frontier Motel and Tucson Inn. Board members say that by using a private developer, taxpayers won’t have to pay for the project, which is expected to take up to three years. (April 5)

Bonds galore: The Sahuarita Town Council and the governing boards of the Amphitheater Unified School District and Pima Community College are considering bonds, overrides, and tax increases to make ends meet, Tucson Sentinel columnist Blake Morlock reports as he digs through the agendas of various local school boards. (June 11)