Nearly all school board elections in Yavapai County scheduled that were to take place in the Tuesday, Nov. 3, General Election were canceled by the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors because the races were set to be uncontested. The board formally approved the cancellations during its meeting Wednesday, Aug. 5.
“I’m very grateful for those people, who are stepping up to serve their community in a non-paid position for the furtherance and betterment of our children and communities,” Yavapai County Superintendent Steve King [R] said. “The second thing is, I think we need more participation in our democracy, and this is at the most fundamental and local level of serving your community. And I would like to see more people step up, and get involved in a positive way in their schools.”
After filing a statement of interest and gathering their required signatures the following are now set to be appointed to their respective boards in the fall:
Sedona-Oak Creek School District: Two four-year seats
■ Karen McClelland, incumbent
■ Lauren Robinson, incumbent
Mingus Union: One, two-year seat; two four-year seats
■ Matthew Chavez, two years, incumbent
■ Michael Nisito, four years
■ Corby Rice, four years
Cottonwood-Oak Creek: Two four-year seats
■ Ruth Ellen Elinski, incumbent
■ Neil Manzenburger, incumbent
Clarkdale-Jerome: Two four-year seats
■ William Trezise
■ Ashli Bell
Camp Verde: Two four-year seats
■ Sharon Petrie, incumbent
■ Maraya Oothoudt, incumbent
Beaver Creek: Two four-year seats
■ Lincoln Thomasson, incumbent
■ Susi Edgington, incumbent
Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education, Mingus: One, four-year seat
■ Vacant
Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education, Camp Verde: One, four-year seat ■ Edward Mezulis, incumbent, and Sedona Fire District fire chief
The only school board races that will still appear on the ballot are in the Kirkland Elementary, Canon Elementary and Mayer school districts. Although Canon’s two-year race was canceled — with Evelyn Wilk appointed — its four-year term election will take place in November.
People who are interested in filling the Mingus VACTE vacancy should contact Yavapai County Education Service Agency Executive Assistant Audrey Isley at 928-771-3326 or Audrey.Isley@yavapaiaz.gov.
