SOCSD Candidate April Payne: From Sedona Roots to Community Service

Age: 43

Time in the Verde Valley: “I was born and raised in Sedona. It has been a great joy to raise my own family in this wonderful community, surrounded by family and lifelong friends.”

Background: “I am a property manager with Rentals of Sedona.”

Candidate Insights for School Board Elections

One candidate emphasizes the need for parental representation on the Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board. As the only contender with school-age children, they argue for a perspective shaped by direct experience within the district, stating, “My son attends West Sedona School, giving me insight into the challenges and needs of families in our community.” They believe that understanding these experiences will enhance board discussions and decisions.

This candidate is vocal about fostering enrollment in the district. They highlight the importance of leveraging the district’s strengths to attract new families, citing cultural diversity as a pivotal asset. “A robust Spanish program at WSS would engage both Spanish speakers and non-speakers, making language learning an exciting, communal experience,” they noted. They also stress the need for continued investment in STEM and arts programs to enrich student experiences.

Addressing the education of English language learners is another priority. “Providing Spanish classes for non-Spanish-speaking teachers and students is vital,” they asserted, sharing a personal anecdote about how volunteering in Spanish classes allowed students to connect and take pride in their heritage. The candidate believes this fosters a more inclusive environment and accelerates language acquisition.

On the topic of the former Big Park Community School, they mentioned ongoing efforts by board members to keep the community informed through monthly meetings with the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council. These meetings are accessible via Zoom, providing transparency and engagement opportunities for residents.

When discussing a potential sale of the former school, this candidate stressed the board’s intention to respect community input, stating, “The option to sell has been placed on the ballot to guide our decisions based on what the community feels is best.” Their commitment to acting on behalf of local families and addressing their needs is evident throughout their campaign.

The Sedona-Oak Creek School District Governing Board election features four candidates vying for three available seats: incumbent President Randy Hawley, challenger Sam Blom, and incumbents April Payne and David Price.