SOCSD Bids Adieu to Departing Staff and Welcomes Fresh Faces

The Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board convened for its final meeting of the academic year on May 13. The session featured a mix of farewells and new appointments as the district prepares for summer break.

Finance Director and Human Resources Director Stacy Saravo updated the board on budget revisions, reporting a student loss of 38, compared to the projected 53. She confirmed a 5% budget carryover, totaling approximately $300,000.

Monthly awards recognized outstanding contributions, with Emery Keth named middle school student of the month and Logan Jankowski receiving the honor for high school. Other recognitions included athlete of the month Ashley Calogero, high school staff member of the month John Parks, and students of the month from West Sedona School, Devany Robles Casas and Julianna Liefland, alongside staff member of the month Gabe Holland.

Kaelin Arizmendi was appointed as the new student representative to the Governing Board for a two-year term, succeeding Emily Frey, who graduated on May 21. Superintendent Tom Swaninger expressed gratitude for Frey’s service, stating, “We’re going to miss you, but we wish you all the best.”

The board announced several new hires as well. Jessica Sweeney will join as the community education director on July 31. Other appointments include Suzzy Parker as plant foreman and Cherrie Cae Collmar as a theatre teacher. Joy Hanson and Shelia Atwater will serve as preschool teachers, with Hanson transitioning from an aide to lead preschool teacher.

Principal Heather Isom acknowledged the retirements of Director of Curriculum and Instruction Karyl Goldsmith and math teacher Richard Morris. Isom highlighted Morris’s contributions since 2019, noting his impact on the math department. Goldsmith, who joined in 1995, focused on mentoring teachers in her final year, ensuring her legacy continues through her influence on future educators.

The district is currently advertising for a math teacher with a salary range of $52,658 to $68,902, as well as for a curriculum director position, offering between $60,000 and $65,000.

In financial matters, the Big Park Community School campus was appraised at $9.5 million, following an executive session discussing its potential sale. Additionally, the board approved fee increases for the 2025-26 school year, including a rise in the Chromebook fee from $55 to $70 and the WSS fee from $40 to $50. Other fees, such as athletic participation and Advanced Placement classes, remained unchanged.

Lastly, the board unanimously approved a $1,300 raise for Superintendent Swaninger, in line with provisions in his contract allowing for raises that match those of other administrators.