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: Rev. Frank Nevarez
Age: 67
Time in the Verde Valley: 28 years
Background: “I currently serve as senior pastor of C3 Cottonwood Church.”
Q: Why are you qualified to serve on the board?
A: “I have the honor of serving and volunteering for the following organizations in the Verde Valley: I serve as a member of the Board of Directors for the Old Town Mission and the Betty Turner Youth program for troubled teens, I volunteered and participated in the MATForce Steering Community and one of my greatest pleasures was coaching various sports from middle school to high school.
“Before moving to Arizona, I was a regional manager for an East Coast company with annual sales of $80 million, which gave me the experience to create and work with a sizable budget.
“My time in the Verde Valley has allowed me to work with what I deeply value: The youth of our community.”
Q: What are three specific items or policies that you are running on?
A: “Work with the superintendent and board members to achieve academic excellence. The first step is student safety through open lines of communication with the school staff and parents.
Encourage student leadership through peer mediation programs and safety committees.
“Secondly, provide teacher support by providing proper curriculum that promotes student learning to become critical thinkers and responsible community members.
“Thirdly, parent participation by keeping our parents informed through various media outlets concerning opportunities and key events. Continue to build on translation services in multiple languages that currently exist.”
Q: How would you work to improve teacher recruitment and retention?
A: “Continue to promote a positive culture with a clear mission and values. Highlight a supportive school environment and express to every teacher how their efforts make a difference in students’ lives.”
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: “Financial mismanagement at the state level hurts rural schools like Mingus. I’m undecided due to the lack of information about the bond and why it was denied. I believe every bond needs to be fully understood regarding the amount needed and have clear budgetary oversight on the spending.”
