Yavapai News

The Sedona Oak Creek School District received notice of the impending retirement of Superintendent Dennis Deardon and another longtime staff member during the district's May 2 Board meeting.

"I want to start out by announcing my retirement," Deardon told the board. "Sept. 30, that gives the board five months to find a superintendent, which I think they'll be able to do."

Dearden has spent decades in school administration, coming to Sedona Oak Creek in 2018 as superintendent after working in schools across Arizona, Colorado and Virginia. Dearden said he had no doubt that the board would be able to attract outstanding candidates for the position because of the district's strength and passionate students.

“I've always said, if you have a dysfunctional board, it's very likely you're going to have a dysfunctional district. And I've been blessed to have five years with great boards," he said. "You know, when I took the job, they wanted me to do it for 2 to 3 years and to turn the corner on some of the things that were happening, I think we did that and more.”

"The district has been able to grow strong leaders within the district, one of which he recommended take over the principal position next year, a statement that was met with a round of applause. “I feel very, very good about the direction of the district,” he said.

The board voted to begin the search for a new superintendent, which will involve creating a timeline and receiving applications for the board to review.

The district also said goodbye to Kim Lugviel, who worked at the high school for many years as an aide.

Principal Elizabeth Tavasci read a goodbye message with Lugviel, saying Lugviel had welcomed her into the high school six years ago with open arms. Lugviel is a kind and passionate teacher who coworkers and students alike look up to, having helped countless students with some additional support in areas they struggled in, and leaves behind a legacy of 24 years in education, Tavasci said.