Yuma School District 1 hosts finalist forum for new superintendent

Yuma School District 1 held a finalist forum Wednesday night as one final chance for the candidates to answer questions from the local community.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The district allowed for members of the staff, parents, and community to ask Denis Ponder and Suzanne Alka questions anonymously.

Ponder and Alka are the remaining two candidates and they were asked a variety of questions from teacher pay, to student retention, and overall district improvement.

Ponder is currently the chief financial officer for district one and he shares what he hopes the audience learned about him at the forum.

"Maybe areas we can innovate or areas we can look at as we move into the future...there are a lot of challenges that we face and just that I can look at those and be able to navigate those," said Ponder.

Meanwhile, Alka is the associate superintendent for the district, she says her and ponder just want what's best for the district.

"We care deeply about our district and our community and we are both wanting to just do the best we can moving forward," said Alka.

Elizabeth Valenzuela, a district parent, shares what they would like to see from the new superintendent.

"I am looking for a superintendent who is a strong leader, prioritizes student success and values community input. I want a superintendent that has a clear vision for improving our schools," said Valenzuela.

Meanwhile, her son, Ricky Edwards, and District 1 student has his own requirements.

"I want a superintendent that supports students and teachers," said Edwards.

The school district's governing board will vote between the final two candidates Thursday, with a decision expected that same day.