Yavapai County Principal Discusses Educational Funding

Yavapai County School Principal Steve King recently attended a Kiwanis Club meeting in Sedona on April 1st, marking his first address to the group after winning his uncontested election last year.

In his speech, King mentioned a meeting he had with staff members from U.S. Congressman Eli Crane’s office the day before. They discussed the need for reapproval of the Secure Rural Schools program, which was initially reauthorized between February 15 and 23, 2021.

This program is vital as it provides funding for schools, roads, and other services in over 700 counties by utilizing revenues from the U.S. Forest Service, generated through grazing leases, timber harvesting, and special use permits. Funds are split between school districts based on student enrollment and a five-member board—the Forest Rate Management Association—distributes the remainder for general projects nationwide.

Jennelson, an executive assistant at the Yavapai County Educational Services Agency, shared that the county received $1,485,829.93 from this program in April 2024. However, she added, “So far, no funds have been allocated for the September 2024 SRSA.” If Congress doesn’t reapprove the program, it will cease at the start of the new federal fiscal year this October.

Last year, the Sedona-Oak Creek School District received $44,971.44 from the SRSA fund, of which $22,485.72 went to the FFMA. This time around, the FFMA funds were directed to the Yavapai County Election Department, which covered $20,058.42 for election costs in Sedona, and another $20,610 for technology.

Yavapai County Supervisor Nikki Check and other officials, including Brooks Compton and Morley Thompson, attended the NACO Legislative Meeting in Washington, D.C., from March 1 to 4. They also spoke with Senator Mark Kelly about reapproval of the SRS program and payments in lieu of taxes.

Check emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that SRS funding directly relates to federal tax payment programs. “It’s crucial for us to share this, but I feel like I’ve pursued all avenues I have,” King remarked. “This isn’t a new tax; it’s about distributing fees to schools due to a lack of taxable property. It’s how many schools in Arizona are funded, and it has historically had bipartisan support.”

No comments were received from Crane’s office when sought for response.

King also addressed the appointment of a successor for Misty L. Cox, a trustee from the Mingus Union High School District, who resigned on March 25. “As county school principal, it’s my duty to appoint board members,” King said. “If someone resigns, it falls to me to find a replacement.” He recently made his first appointment two weeks ago and noted there’s another vacancy at Mingus.

Those interested in applying for the open position can send a resume and letter of interest to Jenn Nelson, the Yavapai County Education election coordinator. Applications will be open until 5 PM on April 16, with interviews scheduled for April 18.

Furthermore, King encouraged attendees to consider volunteering with local school districts, highlighting the importance of community involvement.

The Kiwanis Club in Sedona-Bellrock meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 11 AM at the Sedona Elks Lodge.