Mingus Union School Board Election
There are six candidates running for three seats on the Mingus Union High School District Governing Board: James Ariola, Taylor Bell, Ashley Koepnick, Rev. Frank Nevarez, incumbent Carol Anne Teague and Joe Wegwert, Ph.D. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5
Candidate: James Ariola
Age: 63
Time in the Verde Valley: “I have lived here since 2017, and have been a regular visitor since 2007.”
Background: “I am currently a small business owner in Cottonwood — Red Rooster Café. “Prior to 2017 I was a civil engineer working in New York and Florida, and directing an office of 300 people.”
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on the board?
A: “My education and professional life afforded me excellent problem solving skills, and taught me how to work as a team to accomplish shared goals. My current work as a restaurant owner has given me insights into the local community and Mingus. In the past I have served on various boards, including the Cottonwood Old Town Association, and two cooperative housing association boards in New York.”
Q: What are three specific items or policies that you are running on?
A: “1: Increase funding for Mingus. “2: Attract the best educators and administrators. “And 3: Make Mingus the school of choice for all students and families within the district.”
Q: How would you work to improve teacher recruitment and retention?
A: “Push for a four-day school week, increase teacher pay and/or opportunities for bonuses based on student outcomes — not necessarily just standardized test scores — and work with the superintendent and administrators to foster excellence and teamwork amongst teachers.”
Q: Last year the board voted to suspend a capital bond. Moving forward would you be in favor of a capital bond override? Why or why not?
A: “Yes. We need to increase available funds for teacher pay, classroom materials, extracurricular activities, facility maintenance and safety/security.”
