Last night’s election included an often overlooked but important governing body in the world of higher education,. The Maricopa County Community College District Governing Board added two new members.
There are seven seats on the governing board for one of the largest community colleges in the country.
Challenger Linda Thor unseated incumbent Robert Heep in the at-large race. Thor, a former president of the Rio Salado Community College, has worked in community colleges for more than 40 years and ran her campaign emphasizing her experience as an administrator.
MCCCD receives no funding from the state and is facing declining enrollment numbers. Thor said she would not rule out raising taxes to make up the shortfall. In a candidate forum, Thor emphasized the need for unconventional methods to increase enrollment by offering shorter-term pathways to degrees.
In the District 1 race, which encompasses parts of the East Valley, realtor and former state legislator Laurin Hendrix defeated Mesa Vice Mayor Dennis Kavanaugh and Tempe Union High School Governing Board member Moses Sanchez.
EDITOR'S NOTE: KJZZ is licensed to Rio Salado College, one of the Maricopa County Community College District schools.
