Coconino County school superintendent retires

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br>
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cecilia Owen

<i>Courtesy photo</i><br> Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cecilia Owen

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - On June 28, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cecilia Owen presented the Board of Supervisors with her retirement letter, effective August 17. This is approximately two years and four months before the end of her term, which is December 31, 2012.

"On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I would like to thank Cecilia for her efforts in enhancing educational opportunities for the children, youth and adults in our County," said Liz Archuleta, Chair of the Board of Supervisors.

"She was instrumental in the creation of two very successful accommodation schools in Flagstaff and Page, and successfully secured over $5 million in grant funding for Coconino County Education Service Agency, which is administered through her office."

During her term as superintendent, Owen served on the Arizona State Board of Education; was president and Secretary of the Arizona County School Superintendents Association; and served on executive boards for the Arizona Small and Rural Schools Association and the Arizona Public Schools Computer Consortium. She developed an academic and counseling program for incarcerated juveniles and established the financially self-sufficient Education Service Agency.

"Without the personal commitment and expertise within our small office, none of our accomplishments would be possible," said Superintendent Owen. "I am privileged to work with truly gifted, experienced and committed individuals. They have shown me great patience and taught me the strength of teamwork."

Superintendent Owen is working closely with the Board of Supervisors to ensure the schools office experiences a smooth transition to a new superintendent who, by state statute, must be appointed by the Board to complete her term. The Board held a special meeting to formally accept her retirement letter.

The Board is working with staff on an open recruitment and appointment process for the new superintendent. Once the plan is finalized, the application process will be announced to the public, and applications will be accepted from approximately July 6 through July 26. The Board will appoint the new Superintendent on August 17.

The office will be up for election in the November 2012 General Election.

For more information, call the Board of Supervisors office at (928) 679-7144 or toll-free (877) 679-7120.

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