Board commits $170,000 to preserve Pima Community College jail GED program, directs plan to boost GED completion after release

After public testimony from Pima Community College staff and students served by the jail-based adult-basic-education program, the board moved to preserve the program while developing a longer-term strategy to improve GED completion.

PCC speakers told the board the program has a 35‑year history in the county; last year it served about 240 incarcerated learners and reported an approximate 80% pass rate on GED subtests administered in the jail. PCC representatives said the sheriff had indicated the contract would end for budget reasons unless alternate county funding were identified.

The board approved a substitute motion directing the County Administrator to have staff from Detainee & Crisis Systems and Justice Services work with PCC to design a systemic program focused on encouraging GED completion after release, and the board committed $170,000 to preserve classes while that work proceeds. "This program is a lifeline," Supervisor Hines said; he and other supervisors emphasized that GED completion is a rehabilitative step linked to reduced recidivism.

The board’s action included steps to explore transition services and coordination with re-entry programs, and to reduce pressure on sheriff resources by identifying alternate staff support for classroom operations.

Next steps: County departments and PCC will draft an operational plan for a systemic GED-completion program and return with funding and staffing recommendations. The board also asked administration to consider routing re-entry funding or other state allocations to support sustained programming.

Votes: The substitute motion and funding commitment passed 4–0 with one abstention.