Board Lawyer and McCasland interrupt and quash Kiel’s effort to explain why he felt McCasland was not qualified with attorney suggesting his statement (questions) were denigrating McCasland and McCasland ruled him out of order
Deb McCasland was re-elected as the Yavapai Community College District Governing Board Chair by a 3-2 vote, defeating Third District Representative Toby Payne. In the same meeting, District 5 Representative Steve Bracety was chosen as Board Secretary. The election occurred during the District Governing Board’s workshop January 14.
The election process turned contentious when newly elected Bill Kiel attempted to explain how his initial interactions with McCasland had negatively shaped his view of her leadership. Before he could fully elaborate on what occurred, both McCasland and the Board attorney interrupted him on several occasions. At one point McCasland ruled him out of order and the Board attorney suggested he was denigrating McCasland when discussing her negative behavior. She forcefully directed him to concentrate on Toby Payne’s qualifications, not Ms. McCasland’s negatives.
The following is a rough transcription of a portion of the exchange between Kiel, McCasland, and the Board attorney:
Kiel: “At the last Board meeting . . .”
McCasland interrupts: “We’re talking about the election?”
Kiel referring to Ms. McCasland: “Yes, yes. Right now I want to talk about an interaction between you and I.”
McCasland interrupts: “It is not relevant.”
Kiel: It is relevant to this. At the last Board meeting (in November after he had just been elected) I introduced myself to you and I said I look forward to a positive and productive meeting. I want to know why you told me that you doubt that we could have a positive and productive. . . .”
Board attorney: “O.K. We’re moving, moving on now. You can make a statement (McCasland in background also attempting to interrupt) but this is not a deposition. “
McCasland: “No.”
Board attorney: “You can make your statement but you’re not asking her a question. (“remainder unclear”)
Kiel addressing McCasland: (McCasland continues talking in background) “I don’t understand why you tell me that you doubted that we could have a positive and professional relationship? I sent you on twelve eighteen . . .
McCasland: Sir, you are out of order.
Kiel: No, I am not. This goes to why I . . .
Board attorney interrupts: “Mr. Payne, Let’s focus on Mr. Payne. And why you think he is appropriate as opposed to denigrating your fellow board member.”
Kiel attempting to proceed: “on twelve twenty-eighteen and last Sunday I emailed Ms. McCasland and asked her for . . .”
McCasland interrupting: “This has nothing to do with . . .”
Kiel: “This has everything to do it . . .”
Board attorney interrupted: “Mr. Kiel, focus on why Mr. Payne is appropriate. We do not need to denigrate the current chair . . .”
Kiel: I’m not denigrating her, I just saying the current chair is not doing what is required . . .”
McCasland interjecting: “Then I think you’ve made you point.”
Board attorney interrupting Kiel: “Then you’re done. So focus on Mr. Payne. He’s got a lot of positive qualities. I’m sure we could talk about that as opposed to talking about what you believe Ms. McCasland’s negative qualities are. Focus on Mr. Payne and why you nominated him and believe he would be appropriate.”
McCasland, nominated for her third consecutive two-year term by Bracety, argued that her extensive experience made her the most qualified candidate. She cited her five years of service as Chair and national recognition. (McCasland was named Trustee of the Year by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) at its 2023 annual meeting in Denver, Colorado.) McCasland later nominated Bracety to serve as Secretary.
The deciding vote for McCasland came from newly appointed Representative Patrick Kuykendall, who indicated that he has known the McCasland family for some time and applauded their civic involvement.
Arguments for Change in Leadership
Kiel, who nominated Payne for Chair, voiced concerns about the Board’s longstanding leadership practices. During his campaign, he said he met many constituents dissatisfied with how funds were distributed across districts. He argued that electing a Chair from District 3 would demonstrate goodwill (and to some extent address historical imbalances).
Kiel also noted that District 3 had not been represented in the Chair role for at least 15 years, a precedent he considered troubling. Drawing on his 20 years of experience on various boards, Kiel remarked that it was unusual for a governing board to retain the same Chair for multiple consecutive terms. He advocated for leadership rotation, which, he argued, fosters fresh perspectives, promotes collaboration, and develops leadership skills among board members. He added that having multiple members with experience as Chair enhances stability, especially in cases of unforeseen circumstances such as illness or resignation.