Seat on District One board opens after member Jamie Walden resigns
The Yuma School District One governing board has an opening as member Jamie Walden has resigned, according to the Yuma County Superintendent of Schools office.
Walden submitted her resignation last week, and it was effective immediately, said Tom Tyree, superintendent of schools.
“It was a humbling experience to contribute to a great school district and be a part of a board that is focused on making a difference in the lives of the children in this community,” Walden wrote in an email to the Yuma Sun. “The board worked to ensure the district had what was needed to help all students achieve academic success. Being a school board member is an awesome opportunity to serve the community, and I will definitely pursue it again in the future.”
Tyree said it would “be helpful” to fill Walden’s seat on the board as soon as possible. While Walden was set to sit on the board through 2020, the person appointed to the seat would serve only through December of this year, Tyree said. Three other seats on the board are up for re-election.
Those interested in being appointed to the position should submit a letter of interest to his office, 210 S. 1st Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364, before June 20. Letters may be mailed to or dropped off at the physical address above, or emailed to Cristal Kautzer (cKautzer@apscc.org). Letters may also be faxed to (928) 329-2008.
Letters should include the applicant’s reasons for seeking the appointment; the applicant’s leadership qualifications; their current address; whether the applicant is a registered voter; a resident of District One; and how long they have resided in the district. Neither the applicant nor their spouse may be an employee of the district of which they will represent.
The characteristics of a good board member are a dedication to educating youth; the ability to think broadly; time; energy and a spirit of cooperation, according to the Arizona School Boards Association’s website. ASBA is an organization dedicated to serving boards across the state. School board members generally serve twoyear terms.
Tyree said Walden had resigned to pursue an opportunity within District One’s nutrition department. Walden is currently the director of the nutrition program at Yuma Union High School District. The board has not taken any action on the position. It’s next meeting is set for 8 a.m. June 11.
Arizona law prevents potential or sitting board members (and/or their spouses) from being an employee of the district when assuming office or during their term, according to the Arizona School Boards Association.
For more information about the process, the superintendent’s office will be happy to answer questions, Tyree said, and may be reached at (928) 373-1006. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.