City News
SOCSD Kicks Off the Year with Key Updates in First Public Meeting
The Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board convened its first regular meeting of 2025 on Tuesday, January 7, where district officials introduced several new appointees.
Superintendent Dr. Tom Swaninger expressed enthusiasm for the hiring of Kelly Freudenthal as the new student services director. “I knew Kelly from our time together in Queen Creek,” he remarked. He noted the serendipity of Freudenthal’s husband, now chief of police in Cottonwood, prompting his quick outreach about the opening.
During the meeting, Swaninger mentioned the initiation of budget planning for the fiscal year 2026. He also acknowledged a generous $30,000 donation from telecommunications provider Optimum, earmarked for Chromebooks intended for West Sedona School students. In addition, he anticipated discussions next month with Sedona Red Rock High School students about potentially reinstating tackle football.
Student representative Emily Frey shared that the Rotary Club’s Interact Club will host its district meeting at the Verde Valley School in the spring, a shift from the usual Phoenix location. “I’m excited for that because now we can bring more students,” she said.
Frey was also celebrated for her upcoming enrollment at the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to major in biology. “Emily, I could not be more proud,” expressed WSS teacher Deb Sanders, recognizing her role in Frey’s educational journey.
Sanders, alongside other educators, is collaborating through the Sedona Sister Cities Association’s education committee to create cultural exchanges with schools in Canmore, Alberta, Canada. Recently, Falsetto’s first-grade class participated in a joint online lesson with a class in Canmore, paving the way for similar activities on multiple grade levels.
In November, a ballot proposition was passed allowing the district to consider selling the former Big Park Community School. Swaninger clarified that there is no current timeline for engaging a real estate agent or appraiser, noting that the district does not require further permission from the Arizona School Facilities Board for the sale.
The board also confirmed the reelection of President Randy Hawley and Vice President Lauren Robinson for the coming year. Meetings will continue to take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 4 p.m. in the Sedona Performing Arts Center.
Lastly, Principal Heather Isom honored exceptional students and staff during the meeting. Awards included junior high student of the month, Arianna Koller; high school student of the month, Alexis Landaverde; and WSS students of the month, Lana Kaska and Kameren Moyer. Nicholas Hermen received the athlete of the month accolade, while Sara Horton and Andy Ellis were named WSS and SRRHS staff members of the month, respectively.
