None of the three incumbents on the Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board has elected to run for reelection, and two said they think it’s a good thing.

“People are interested in serving their community,” John Miller said. “It makes real good sense to have new energy and ideas, and fresh faces to run our district.”

Neither Miller, Bobbie Surber, nor Tommy Stovall submitted paperwork to the Yavapai County Education Service Agency by the Aug. 10 deadline to run in the Tuesday, Nov. 8, general election, guaranteeing three new members on the five-person board.

Board President Zach Richardson and Karen McClelland are the two holdovers. Their terms end Dec. 31, 2018.

“I knew Tommy Stovall and John Miller never intended to run again,” Richardson said when asked for his thoughts on the exodus. “I am surprised Bobbie Surber is stepping down as she seems to have such strong convictions.”

McClelland did not return a message seeking comment.

According to the YCESA, five potential candidates have filed the necessary paperwork to appear on the ballot: Randy Hawley, Heather Hermen, Bruce Steele, Larry Garnello and Karl Wiseman.

Hillary Hirche and Stovall pulled candidate packets but did not file nomination petitions and nomination papers by the deadline.

Asked to confirm he wasn’t running and what his reasons were, Stovall responded in whole: “Yes, it’s true.”

Miller and Surber each mentioned the obligation they felt to continue their service on the board the last time they were up for reelection because no other candidates stepped forward.

“Nobody had put in a package to run for the school board in 10 years,” Miller said. “Incumbents have kind of been stuck getting reelected.”

He said he was appointed for a two-year term, then served a full term after the election was canceled because no non-incumbents declared candidacy, leaving three candidates for
three seats.

Surber said it’s time for her to step away after more than 20 years of service to the district in a variety of positions, including board president and site council president, as well being on many committees, including those for overrides, special projects, hiring of administrators and public outreach.  

“I was not going to run for my last term but was asked to serve one more time. The board at large and district knew this would be my last term.

“I am pleased to finish my term knowing outstanding community members have stepped up to lead our district. I believe their efforts will ultimately get our district back on track.”

The newfound public enthusiasm for the school board was likely prompted by the most high-profile issue its members dealt with: Reorganization of the school district, including the potential closing of Big Park Community School in the Village of Oak Creek.

Although the board eventually voted unanimously to keep the school open, public perception was that a majority of board members — at least at the outset of the reorganization process — was leaning toward voting to close.

That sparked the school’s advocates to speak out in force at public hearings on the reorganization. Many called for grassroots candidates for the school board and several individuals vowed to run.

The Sedona Red Rock News is planning a series of interviews with school board candidates, which will be published in September.