Changes will soon be seen at West Sedona School.

During its Monday, July 14, meeting, the Sedona-Oak Creek School District board voted 4-1 to bring in a second principal to the school, which has been struggling academically.

Superintendent David Lykins, who made the recommendation, said any time a major decision like this has to be made, it’s often difficult but necessary.

“I recommend that we look at a different overall model for the school and by doing so, add an additional administrator,” he said.

Dr. Lisa Hirsch will remain as principal of grades kindergarten through fifth but Scott Keller will be brought in to be principal of the middle school-aged students — six – through eighth-grade. Keller is currently the director of student services for the district. The change will begin with the upcoming school year.

The board made its decision following more than an hour of executive session behind closed doors. The majority of those in the packed room stayed until the vote was taken.

Board member Bobbie Surber was the dissenting vote, stating that even though she has great respect for Keller, she doesn’t feel adding a second administrator is necessarily the solution.

To read the full story, see the Wednesday, July 16, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.