Eastern Arizona College’s nearly 50-year relationship with its Gila County campus will actually come to an end this fall, sooner than originally expected.

On May 8, 2023, at a special meeting, the Gila County Interim Community College School District (GCPCCD) Board of Trustees resolved to terminate the educational services agreement between the school district and the EAC on June 30, 2024. We notified the EAC of the decision and the GCPCCD is currently investigating. We are seeking new educational service partners until Arizona becomes an independent community college school district.

“Change is never easy,” Board Chairman Dr. Jan Blocker said in a June 12 public statement. “But change is needed in this matter to ensure the best possible educational future for Gila County residents.”

However, this change was recently accelerated by the EAC, extending the end date to September 10, 2023. In a news release, the EAC said it had exercised its legal option to do so. “The Hilla Board has chosen to pursue other higher education options not involving the EAC, so extending the program in this uncertain environment will give me immediate information to make important decisions about my future. It would be unfair to students and employees who need it,” the marketing director and director wrote. Public Relations Chris McBride.

According to the news release, this development will not affect current students at the Gila Pueblo or Payson campuses who are pursuing degrees or certificates. They will be able to complete their studies during the 2023-2024 academic year and, if desired, during the following year. However, EAC does not enroll new students at either campus. “Unless you have an accredited partner, it would be unwise to enroll students in a program that could be changed or even completely discontinued,” McBride wrote. “The EAC will miss working with the outstanding students, faculty and staff of the Gila Pueblo and Payson campuses, and wish the Gila Board success in its efforts to become an independent university. I sincerely hope so.”

It remains to be seen who will be the driving force behind the district’s new educational servicesbidder will be; Blocker wrote he was in talks with “many” peopleBrother provider. She said the school district will provide updated information to the public as it becomes available, including creating an informational website. Also in late July, two City Hall meetings will be held on July 25 at the Gila Pueblo Campus and on July 27 at the Payson Campus, both at 5:30 p.m. Will be held.

“The GCPCCD Board has decided that now is the time to act more proactively.Ward Be independent,” she added. “This expectation was originally set when taxation was approved in 2002 and the Articles of Incorporation were filed in 2003.”