GILA COUNTY — Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT) is proud to announce that Arizona School Board Association (ASBA) selected Franceen Gregovich-Benton for the All Arizona Board Member of the Year Award. 

Mrs. Gregovich-Benton was recognized for her leadership on the CVIT board as well as her outstanding community service. 

Franceen was appointed to the CVIT Board in year 2000 when it was originally established, then elected in 2004. She has served with distinction and continues to do so today. She was instrumental in establishing Cobre Valley Institute of Technology as one of the first rural Joint Technical Education Districts (JTED) in Arizona. 

CVIT District originated with Miami, Superior, and Hayden-Winkelman School Districts in year 2000. In 2006 voters approved San Carlos Unified School District to join CVIT and Globe Unified School District in 2008. CVIT’s most recent member district to join was Ray Unified in 2017. 

Mrs. Gregovich-Benton is a great supporter of students and families in the Copper Triangle area and enthusiastically welcomes new school districts and lends support to CVIT administration to provide career and technical education opportunities for kids. 

A few community, state and national activities that reflect Francine’s commitment to the community and schools include: member and leader of Globe- Miami Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center Foundation, Board Member of the Tri-City Fire Department, Member of Arizona Slavic Association, past member of Miami School Board, past president of local chapter of Arizona Cancer Society, volunteer for March of Dimes, Easter Seals volunteer, and High Desert Humane Society volunteer. 

Mr. Pete Guzman, Superintendent of CVIT, comments “Franceen will be the first one to tell anyone that she works with other strong and dedicated CVIT board members to provide high school students opportunities to succeed and be productive members of society”. 

Mrs. Gregovich-Benton says “The whole Board’s priority is our students, and we are committed to assuring that they have all the materials and tools needed to successfully complete their programs and enter the workforce with confidence”.

CVIT is one of fourteen voter approved public Joint Technology Education Districts in Arizona. CVIT is serving students in Globe, Miami, San Carlos, Superior, Kearny and Hayden-Winkelman communities, supporting Career and Technical Educational (CTE) Programs in those communities’ high schools. 

CVIT also has two central campuses, partnering with Gila Community College and Central Arizona College to deliver programs for college credit. Some of these programs include Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Welding Technology, Cosmetology, Dental Assistant and Fire Science, all of which have no cost to the students. Enrollment for 2018-2019 school year opens soon. 

Students must be at least sophomore level to participate in the college programs. Home schooled, charter and online school students are also welcome to apply. 

For more information please contact Executive Program Director Mike O’Neal at 928-242-1907 or email: mo'neal@cvit81.org.