For those in Coconino County who have a vested interest in the education system, now's your chance to step up; Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Paget is on the lookout for community members eager to take on a role in shaping the future of public education. According to a recent announcement, there are open seats for the Flagstaff Unified School District and Maine Consolidated School District Governing Boards for the 2026 election cycle.
With a total of four seats up for grabs, each for four-year terms, prospective school board members have until the general election on November 3, 2026, to toss their hats into the ring—the successful candidates will then start their tenure on January 1, 2027, Superintendent Mango-Paget is hosting informational sessions for the Flagstaff board at the district's main office on January 21 and for the Maine board at the school's front office on January 20, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., to shed light on member responsibilities, filing processes, and election requirements, she'll be on-site to field questions and collect candidate statements of interest.
Engagement in these boards is a meaningful way for residents to contribute to educational policy, oversight, and the advancement of student achievement. Those contemplating a bid for the board can get more information on the prerequisites and election packets by visiting the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools website or contacting them directly at 928-679-8070, or via email at either [email protected] or [email protected].
Eligibility criteria to run are clear: candidates must be U.S. citizens and registered voters in Arizona, they must have lived within the school district for a minimum of one year prior to the election and cannot be employed by the district, or be married to someone who is or to a third-party vendor; moreover, serving alongside an immediate family member within the same residence in the past four years or on more than one School District Governing Board simultaneously is prohibited. On election day, voters who meet the criteria will cast their ballots for new members ready to swear in and commence their service to Flagstaff's educational community.
