BULLHEAD CITY – Mohave County School Superintendent Mike File has opted not to fill a vacant seat on the Colorado River Union High School District governing board. The seat will remain open until after the November 2020 election, when a new term begins in January 2021.
The CRUHSD board deadlocked in late October when four applicants expressed interest in the seat. Two were tied two-two after being placed in nomination. File has contacted both candidates, Dr. Patrick Beck and Carey Fearing, and advised them of his decision. Arizona law allows county school superintendents to unilaterally fill vacancies, accept or reject board vacancy recommendations, or wait until the next election. Following the deadlock, the governing board instructed CRUHSD Superintendent to forward Beck’s and Fearing’s names to File for a decision.
CRUHSD’s board will continue to operate with four elected members, which is not unprecedented in Mohave County. The vacancy was created in October when member Donna Williamson resigned due to expanded work responsibilities. She was first elected in 2016.
“The election petition process begins January 2, 2020,” advised File. Candidate packets will be available on our website, mohavecounty.us, or people may call 928-753-0747 to have a packet sent to them. They may also come to our office at 700 W. Beale St. in Kingman and get a packet in person.”
File noted that the candidate petition process has changed, and all materials should be read carefully.
