Over the course of 24 hours, Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter announced that five candidates had applied for appointment to the Yavapai College District Governing Board by deadline and reopened the search for more candidates.
The deadline for submission to take over Al Filardo’s seat representing Yavapai College District 3 — comprising Clarkdale, Cottonwood, Jerome, Sedona and the Village of Oak Creek — passed Friday, Nov. 25. The five candidates were announced Nov. 29.
The posting listed one of the qualifications, as “having continually resided within the specific community college district for one year immediately preceding taking office.” After review by Carter and the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, however, it was determined that this requirement only applies to school district governing boards and not to community college governing boards.
“I am the responsible party for the posting and apologize for this error,” Carter stated Nov. 30. “As a result, I feel it is my obligation to re-post this position, so no resident is disenfranchised in any way. The integrity and fairness of the ultimate appointment is critical.”
The five candidates who have applied are still in running for the seat, which will remain valid through Dec. 31, 2018. They will be interviewed as previously scheduled, Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Yavapai County Complex Cottonwood Annex. The first public comment period will also remain as scheduled on Friday, Dec. 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. at the same location.
Candidates in the second round are encouraged to submit a letter of interest and a resume to Tim Carter, Yavapai County School Superintendent, Yavapai County Education Service Agency, 2970 Centerpointe East, Prescott, AZ 86301 by 5 p.m., Friday, Dec 16. Candidates may also fax at (928) 771-3329 or email tim.carter@yavapai.us. Candidates may include letters of recommendation or support if they desire.
To be eligible to hold the seat, a person must be a registered voter in Yavapai College District 3, a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age and possess their civil rights. The candidate and spouse may not be employed by Yavapai College.
Candidates in the second round will be interviewed Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 21 and 22 at the Yavapai County Complex Cottonwood Annex. The interview committee, appointed by Carter, will include a Yavapai College student, a Yavapai College instructor, a taxpayer, a business person and a community member. The committee will then make recommendations to Carter. The second public comment period is scheduled on Friday, Dec. 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 1 to 3 p.m. at the annex.
“Prior to the appointment, between Friday, Dec. 26 and 28, the superintendent will then meet individually with each currently seated Yavapai College District Governing Board member and the college administration to discuss their views,” according to a press release from the Yavapai County Education Service Agency. “The appointment should be announced and the newly appointed board member fully vested by Dec. 29.”
Hal Alford, a former Mingus Union High School principal and current candidate for the seat, said that the Verde Valley needs a candidate willing to “step up to the plate” and represent the views of residents who feel they have not received a “fair and equitable representation of funds” compared to Prescott-area residents. According to Alford, the college’s board and administration have repeatedly communicated disregard for the concerns of Verde Valley residents.
“I honestly believe in today’s society that the community college level is probably the most important level of education for most households,” Alford said. “It is the most important link for creating jobs.”
The other four candidates announced are Jerome’s Mary Beth Barr, the Village of Oak Creek’s Connie Harris and Sedona’s Jessica Williamson and Thomas Yager.
