Students in Donley County received a gift last week when Clarendon College announced plans to scholarship dual credit classes and cap tuition on regular classes.
CC President Robert Riza revealed the plan during the regular meeting of the Board of Regents on August 14 and said it was a way for the college to give back to the people of Donley County.
“These are the people who have spent some money to keep this college going and supported this institution for a number of years,” Dr. Riza said.
Under the plan, tuition charges would be capped at 12 hours per semester for Donley County residents, allowing students to take additional classes at no extra charge.
High school students residing in Donley County also benefit by having their second and third dual credit class per semester paid for by the college.
Clarendon High School Principal Larry Jeffers said the school district currently pays for one dual credit class, but the college’s offer will allow his students to acquire up to 36 hours of college credit at no charge during their time at CHS.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Jeffers said. “You can get a great education and a great price, and it will transfer to any other college.”
CISD Superintendent Monty Hysinger was also excited by the college plan.
“I think it’s wonderful, and it’s a win-win for everybody,” Hysinger said. “I encourage everyone to take advantage of dual credit classes through Clarendon College.”
Hedley Superintendent Bill Wood said the college paying for the second and third dual credit classes per semester would be of enormous benefit to his students where 70 to 75 percent of households have low incomes.
“It’s a blessing to Donley County and to our kids,” Wood said. “How can you beat it? I think it’s a great deal, and one that is going to result in a lot of savings for families.”
The tuition cap and dual credit offer applies to all residents of Donley County, and Riza said that means students in Memphis, McLean, or Groom high schools will benefit.
In other college news, regents approved fiscal year 2015 general and auxiliary budgets totaling $9.3 million and voted in favor of adopting an ad valorem tax rate of $0.220802 per $100 valuation in the Clarendon College District, which is all of Donley County. The tax rate is slightly lower than the current rate but will bring in about $31,000 in additional revenue due to higher property valuations.
The board also approved the college policy manual as presented and ratified the hiring of Lana Ritchie as the Vice President of Administrative Services and of Amanda Fefel as softball coach. Regents acknowledged the resignations of John Havens in maintenance and of Bridgett Parks, an administrative assistant in Pampa.
Board Chairman John Howard praised Dr. Riza’s performance as president and his work in many areas, including the budget, the policy manual, and community relations. Howard said he believes regents made the right choice in hiring Riza.
At a public hearing before the meeting, publisher Roger Estlack spoke favorably of the work of the administration and the board in terms of the budget, taxes, and moving the college forward.
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