Editor’s Note: Dave Price announced on Friday, August 23 that he has decided to withdraw from the race. A full story will be in a future issue of Sedona Red Rock News.
Age: 64
Time in the Verde Valley? “Four years. Sedona is the first place we’ve ever lived that wasn’t chosen by the Navy.”
Background: “I was a fabrication welder and construction worker after high school. I was appointed to the Naval Academy three years later and served over 30 years as a pilot, engineer and educator on active duty around the world. “Susan and I raised two sons and completed 15 military moves. I earned advanced degrees and specialties in aerospace engineering, national security affairs and higher education.”
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on the board?
A: “I am passionate about the education of our next generation. In addition to membership on the school board, I serve on other nonprofit and local government boards and as an admissions representative for the Naval Academy. “My early vocational work experience, and later roles leading and educating young men and women in the military and as a college administrator, give me a firsthand, visceral understanding of how important is our public education system in preparing our students with the education and skills necessary to lead fulfilling lives. “How ready they are to continue the academic or vocational educations needed to achieve their goals will be reflected in their success and happiness and in the nation’s prosperity and economic security. “We are all stakeholders in their future. I will continue to work to make it a brighter one for all of our students.”
Q: What steps would you like to take to increase enrollment in SOCSD?
A: “Our board and district team must continue our trend of constant improvement to compete as the best option for parents of the finite number of children in our area. We want them to choose us. “We must maintain our focus on improving educational outcomes, enrichment programs and facilities. “We must attract, retain and develop excellent teachers. “We must stay engaged with our community to ensure we provide the programs they need and expect. We must proudly promote our schools and what makes them special: Dedicated people, excellent programs, beautiful campuses and a supportive community.”
Q: How can the district better serve the needs of its English language learners?
A: “English language learners are as important to our future as native English speakers. Most speak Spanish, so we should continue to expand our Spanish curriculum, increase opportunities for staff and faculty to learn Spanish and continue our wonderful program of English classes for non-English speaking parents. “Expanding preschool opportunities for all children is important but especially for ELL students.”
Q: What additional public outreach does the board need to do with regard to the former Big Park Community School?
A: “I believe open communication with the community throughout the process is crucial. We should continue to actively welcome the public to participate and share their views on this and all topics of interest at board meetings. “There are many different opinions and, unlike so many elected bodies in this day and age, our board and community have set a great example of civility and decency in the process. “We must continue to do so while keeping the impact on education of our children as the litmus test for all board decisions.”
Q: How do you think the voters should vote with regard to the question to have the option to sell the former Big Park Community School and why?
A: “As a current member I can’t suggest how people vote. I voted to place the issue on the ballot so residents can decide our options. We can then move forward based on their decision.”
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.
