Sedona-Oak Creek School District Superintendent Tom Swaninger, Ed.D., will serve as the interim principal for Sedona Red Rock Jr./Sr. High School for next year.

This year’s principal, Heather Isom, accepted a new position at Shadow Cactus High School in Cave Creek. She started at SRRHS in fall of 2023, after her hiring announcement in May that year.

“Following her resignation, the district immediately began the search process for our next principal,” Swaninger wrote to families on May 29. “However, because the position was posted so late in the hiring cycle, the applicant pool remained extremely small. After careful consideration and discussion, it became clear that maintaining consistency of vision and leadership during this important period of growth was the best path forward for our students, staff and community.”

He said the district will repost the principal position in January or February to be better placed in the national hiring cycle for school administrators.

“Prior to serving as Superintendent of SOCUSD, I spent many years serving as a school principal,” Swaninger wrote. “Those experiences taught me the importance of strong relationships, consistent communication, high expectations, visible leadership and building school cultures where students feel connected, challenged, supported and valued. I care deeply about our students, our staff, and this community, and I will do everything I can to serve in this role to the very best of my ability.”