The Navajo County Community College Governing Board convened for a special meeting on Thursday, Dec. 18, during which the board accepted a letter of resignation from District 3 Board Member Frank Lucero, effective immediately. Lucero’s letter cited ongoing health issues as the cause.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the board. I have enjoyed working with the board members and with the college staff,” Lucero stated in his resignation letter, “Thank you all and good luck as you continue to assist in ‘expanding minds and transforming lives’.” Lucero served on the board since January 2013. He chaired the board from 2017 through 2021 and served as board secretary in 2024.
“I definitely want to extend my thoughts and prayers to our colleague Mr. Lucero,” said Board Member Derrick Leslie. Board Member Kristine Laughter also made a comment, stating “I just want to say that I enjoyed serving on this board with Mr. Lucero.” Chair Everett Robinson and Board Member Rosie Sekayumptewa echoed these sentiments and thanked him for his service. Lucero was not in attendance during the meeting.
The board declared a vacancy in the District 3 seat representing Holbrook, Snowflake and Taylor, resulting in the board requesting the Navajo County Superintendent of Schools to initiate a search for a replacement who will serve until the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. It was noted in the agenda that the District 1 seat now filled by Kristine Laughter representing the northern portion of the Navajo Nation and District 4 seat now filled by Everett Robinson representing the Show Low area will also be open for a six-year term in the 2026 General Election.
The board held three executive sessions, one for legal advice with an attorney of the public body, following which the board approved to proceed as directed by council. The second session was to discuss employment, assignment, appointment, promotion, demotion, dismissal, salaries, disciplining or resignation of a public officer, appointee or employee of any public body, which had no action taken after. The final executive session was to discuss with designated representatives of the public body in order to consider its position and instruct its representatives regarding negotiations for the purchase, sale or lease of real property. The board then approved staff to proceed as discussed in the executive session.
The board also discussed board attire for the 2026 Northland Pioneer College Commencement Ceremony, which was stated to be discussed further at the next regular meeting.
