Age: 76

Time in the Verde Valley: Since 2012

Background: “Retired educator. I worked in public school education for 42 years. I served as a teacher, guidance counselor, elementary, K-8 and middle school principal and district office associate superintendent. I served in several highly rated school districts in the Milwaukee and Chicago suburbs.”

Q: Why are you qualified to serve on the board?

A: “I have an extensive background in public education as a teacher, administrator and governing board president. That experience has helped me develop a good understanding of good instructional practices and how they directly impact student learning. That has helped me extensively in my work with the staff and administrative team and my discussions and decisions as a governing board member. I also have a good understanding of how good governing boards function in order to provide leadership for their districts.”

Q: What steps would you like to take to increase enrollment in SOCSD?

A: “Continue with our public relations initiatives to provide specific information regarding the numerous opportunities available for our students. Continue to increase the variety of activities and classes for our students in K-12. Increase our preschool opportunities for our students. Provide all-day kindergarten opportunities for our students. Expand our early college program with Yavapai College. Increase the number of Advanced Placement courses at the high school. Support the affordable housing initiatives.”

Q: How can the district better serve the needs of its English language learners?

A: “Expand tutoring for students in all academic programs. Increase instruction of English for ELL students during the regular school day. Provide opportunities for parents to learn English so they can help their children at home and become more involved with the schools.”

Q: What additional public outreach does the board need to do with regard to the former Big Park Community School?

A: “Provide opportunities for the community members to communicate their ideas, thoughts and concerns with the governing board. Use those ideas as part of our decision making process. Continue to assess options available to the District for the future of BPS.”

Q: How do you think the voters should vote with regards to the question to have the option to sell the former Big Park Community School and why? 

A: “The board approved putting the sale of Big Park to a private entity on the November ballot in order to consider all options for the future of the property.”

School Board Election

There are four candidates running for three seats on the Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board; incumbent President Randy Hawley, challenger Sam Blom and incumbents April Payne and David Price.