Recently, the Sedona-Oak Creek Governing Board began exploring the possibility of placing the
potential sale of the district’s Big Park property on the November 2024 ballot. Big Park
Elementary School has not served students since 2018, with a good portion of the property
remaining vacant since that time. Exploration of this potential sale is due to an urgent need to
reduce the financial and human resource strain associated with maintaining such a property.
Please know that the decision to potentially move forward with this ballot initiative is being
processed with tremendous care and thought. Hearing from our community is paramount. Your
perspectives, concerns, and ideas are invaluable as we weigh options and consider the
potential impacts. We are committed to transparency, inclusivity, and collaboration. It is my
belief that approaching a project with the advantage of many minds and a variety of
perspectives always leads to improved planning and outcomes. I’m grateful for the support
VOC residents shared at the last board meeting.
During that March board meeting several community members took the opportunity to share
their values and creative ideas relative to the Big Park property. Our district leadership team, as
well as our governing board, remain grateful for the respectful tone and highly developed
thought that went into each participant's genuine message. A primary takeaway from this
interaction is that community members are understanding of the district’s position, but desire a
platform for voices to be heard and considered throughout the process. Ultimately, it is the
board's responsibility to act as representatives of the Sedona-Oak Creek Unified School District,
but each has expressed a commitment to hearing from the community as a whole.
To gather your feedback, we will be hosting a forum designed to generate dialogue and
discussion. Once the planning of this event is finalized, we will communicate the details. I
encourage residents to participate by sharing thoughts, by asking questions, and by offering
suggestions. Although my primary responsibility, as the superintendent of Sedona-Oak Creek
Schools, is to the students and staff of our fine district, I remain hopeful that progress can be
made that is beneficial to all stakeholders.
As we navigate the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, I urge each of you to actively
engage with our schools. Your involvement is not only welcomed but essential to our collective
success. Together, we can ensure that every student receives an exceptional education that
prepares them for the opportunities and responsibilities of tomorrow.
Thank you for your ongoing support, partnership, and commitment. Together, we can achieve
great things.