NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter is pleased to announce the appointment of Seth Murphy and Scott Russell, to the Clarkdale Jerome Elementary School District Governing Board. The appointments will be effective September 29, 2023 and will expire on December 31, 2024. These seats were vacant due to the resignation of Board Member Michael Sullivan, who is relocating out of state and Board Member Tom Stewart, due to health-related issues. We thank Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Stewart for their service to the school district.
Mr. Murphy is a lifelong resident of the Verde Valley, where he attended Clarkdale-Jerome School and graduated from Mingus Union High School, before attending Glendale Community College (EMT), Yavapai College (Paramedic) and Coconino Community College (Fire Science), in earning an Associate of Arts Degree. He began his work in fire service in 1999 as a Firefighter, EMT/Paramedic, and Engineer. He now serves as a Fire Captain for the Verde Valley Fire District in Cottonwood. Mr. Murphy is a widower, and the couple had four children attend school in Clarkdale-Jerome and one is still currently enrolled. He previously served on the Clarkdale Fire District Governing Board for six years.
Mr. Russell is also a long-time resident of the Verde Valley, graduating from Mingus Union High School in 1993. He also attended Yavapai College (General Studies), Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (ROTC) and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education. He is the Branch Service Manager of National Bank in Sedona. He is married. Two of the three children still attend Clarkdale-Jerome School. He has previously served on the Allocations Committee of the United Way.
Mr. Carter said “Mr. Murphy and Mr. Russell clearly articulated their understanding the role of the Governing Board and will work to balance the needs of students, parents, staff, employers, and the taxpayer. They should relate in a positive manner to all segments of the community and work collectively with fellow Board Members. Their enduring background in the Verde Valley and their experience as parents should serve their understanding of local issues well. They have indicated their interest in running for the seats in the 2024 election cycle.”
Mr. Carter accepted letters of interest before conducting interviews of those who expressed an interest in the position. Residents of the district should be pleased that five qualified candidates came forward to be considered for this seat. Mr. Carter then spoke individually with each of the elected members of the Governing Board, members of the school staff and administration, and communicated with several area residents and tribal members prior to making the appointments. These gentlemen should be sworn in and fully vested no later than Friday, September 29, 2023. Mr. Carter may be reached at 928-925-6560 (cell), Mr. Murphy at 928.300.3881 and Mr. Russell at 928.821.3491.