At the regular Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, March 27, the
Recreation Centers of Sun City Board of Directors voted to not renew the
Arizona State University (ASU) Sun City Lifelong Learning Academy
contract at the cost recently requested by ASU officials. ASU has asked
RCSC for an up-front cost of $75,000 to continue the program for two
more years, and this amount is cost-prohibitive for RCSC at this time.
The ASU Lifelong Learning Academy was established in Sun City in 2004.
In the original contract between RCSC and ASU, RCSC agreed to pay
up-front costs of $37,500 to support the program, as well as provide
space for program classes and offices. The program was eventually
expected to become self-sustaining, but enrollment has actually dwindled
in the past year to approximately 100 students.
According to RCSC Board President Denny Nichols, “RCSC recognizes the
value of continuing education and the Lifelong Learning program, and
this was not an easy decision for the Board. Unfortunately, with the
Sundial repair project we simply do not have room in the budget for the
required expense.” Nichols also cited the reduced number of students as
a factor in the decision.
“Cardholders should know that we aren’t rejecting ASU outright,” said
President Nichols. “We are just not accepting the contract ASU has
offered because we simply cannot provide the funding for which ASU is
asking right now. Who knows what can happen in the future, though.”
Lifelong Learning classes are still available at Sun City Grand, where
the ASU program continues to be offered. Visit
www.asu.edu/lifelonglearning for more
information.
Contact: Lindsay Frost, RCSC Communications Coordinator
623-876-3060, ext. 3087;
