Candidates seek three open seats on the Stillwater Board of Education

Darrell Hazen is seeking a second term on the Stillwater Board of Education. For more than a decade, he, his wife Stephanie and their three children have called Stillwater home. Darrell said his family chose to establish roots in Stillwater not only because of the district’s high-quality education and “unique rural character,” but also because of the “level of community involvement and high percentage of staff with children in the district.” 

An active parent committed to the district’s success, Darrell has been involved in several SCSD organizations, including the Shared Decision-Making Committee, the Elementary School Principal Selection Committees and the Challenged Books Review Committee. He has also assisted his wife, Stephanie, in her roles as past PTA president and current vice president, and he currently supports the soccer, basketball, volleyball and baseball booster clubs. Through these experiences, Darrell has been a “strong voice for parents” during difficult discussions while working to find common ground and practical solutions. 

Professionally, Darrell is the vice president of operations for a national medical gas service company. With 27 years of experience in the healthcare industry, he was well prepared for his first term on the Stillwater Board of Education, as his work regularly involves communication, problem-solving, group decision-making and crisis management. 

In his first term on the board, Darrell has built on that foundation, gaining deeper knowledge and understanding of the district’s finances and policies, along with valuable insight into how board decisions can impact the district at all levels. For example, he has learned to critically and constructively assess complex budget proposals, ensuring resources are allocated appropriately for student achievement and staff support rather than simply cutting costs. Furthermore, his experience as chair of the Program Committee and a member of the Policy Committee has strengthened his skills in conflict management, balancing priorities and complex decision-making, as well as collaboration with fellow board members, administrators, teachers and parents. 

“Managing conflict effectively means listening carefully, asking clarifying questions and focusing on shared goals: what is best for our students and the people who serve them every day,” Darrell said.

According to Darrell, Stillwater’s distinct “advantageous location, steeped in historical significance from the Revolutionary Era, exposes students to a rich cultural tapestry” and a diverse range of career opportunities spanning higher education, technology, the arts, entrepreneurship, agriculture, skilled trades, outdoor industries, tourism and more. His goal is to maintain this character while seeking to expand the district’s broad array of academic pathways. He also strives to uphold the district’s disciplined approach to fiscal conservatism, as well as increase participation in clubs and activities and provide a “best-in-class” learning environment and facilities for all students.

“I believe my three years of experience as a Board of Education member, my various career experiences and my dedication to the success of the school district provide the tools and perspective necessary to continue the important work we do to serve our students every day and contribute positively to the roles and activities of the school board,” Darrell said.

Carrie Lilac Sabourin

An alumna of the district, Carrie Lilac Sabourin is seeking her first term on the board. A lifelong Stillwater resident and parent of two students — one of whom graduated last year — Carrie is eager to bring her passion for SCSD to the Board of Education.

Carrie believes Stillwater’s rigorous academic environment and safe, welcoming atmosphere are defined by a strong sense of community and family involvement, creating “an exceptional educational experience” that allows students to thrive academically and personally. According to Carrie, collaboration among parents, teachers and local organizations “creates a support network that inspires students to strive for excellence” and, combined with these characteristics, plays an important role in student success.

Carrie said her experience growing up with a father who was an SCSD educator gave her a deeper understanding of the hard work and dedication it takes to serve schools. From an early age, she recognized that education is more than a job; it is a commitment to the whole community.

“I carry those same values of service as I seek to serve on the Stillwater Board of Education,” Carrie said. 

An involved parent and familiar face at SCSD sporting events, Carrie is a strong supporter of student-athletes and school spirit. She helps the Stillwater Basketball Booster Club during the season by taking photos and sharing them on the group’s Facebook page. She is also a member of the PTA.

Carrie’s passion for Stillwater extends into the local community, where she has served on the Stillwater Community Center Board of Directors and is currently an active member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Combined with her PTA experience, Carrie believes she brings “a unique combination of governance experience and community-rooted service,” with a focus on ensuring all students receive a high-quality education.

If elected, Carrie says she is “committed to fostering an environment that supports teachers, respects taxpayers and prioritizes student achievement.” To achieve this goal, she will focus on a blend of “strict policy enforcement, proactive prevention and anonymous reporting tools,” specifically emphasizing the mental health of students and staff, maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and ensuring every child feels safe and respected.

“It would be my honor and privilege to serve on the Stillwater Board of Education and play a role in shaping the district’s future,” Carrie said. 

Valerie Masterson

A 29-year veteran of the Stillwater Board of Education, Valerie Masterson is well acquainted with the district and the responsibilities of serving on a school board. She has called Stillwater home for more than 40 years and is the proud mom of three SCSD graduates: Michael, Matthew and Meaghan. 

A longtime parent and active community member, Valerie believes Stillwater is special because it is a place where everyone “truly looks out for one another.” She adds that the “close-knit, small-town feel means students aren’t just faces in a crowd; they are part of a community that cares about their success.” She credits this blend of local support and a strong sense of belonging for making Stillwater a great place to learn and grow.

As a board candidate and parent of SCSD graduates, Valerie has been involved in various organizations in a range of capacities. When her children were students, she was a member of the PTA, serving as both vice president and president at different times. She also coached Odyssey of the Mind teams and participated in other volunteer activities. 

Valerie’s dedication to Stillwater reaches beyond the Board of Education, where she served as a town councilwoman for four years and said it was an honor and a privilege to serve the community in that capacity. She currently serves as an elder of the Stillwater United Church.

Most notably, Valerie has served on the Board of Education since 1997, including roles as board president and vice president, as well as chair of the finance and policy committees and a member of the program, facilities, safety and website committees. Over the years, she has been involved in three capital projects, the hiring of three superintendents, and served on the leadership team that successfully negotiated contracts with teachers and staff. Her extensive experience gives her unique insight into the demands and challenges of serving as a school board member, with a strong focus on students and their needs.

According to Valerie, children are Stillwater’s “greatest treasure,” and it is “our responsibility to give them the strongest educational foundation possible,” as the world they will inherit will be full of unknown challenges. As a school board member, that means being transparent, practicing sound financial stewardship and partnering with parents, students, staff and the broader community.

Stillwater and leadership are second nature to Valerie. Whether in the church, town hall or school board room, she listens with intention, is not afraid to ask difficult questions and works collaboratively to find solutions that benefit all.

“It has been the greatest honor to serve this community for 29 years,” Valerie said. “I’m proud of everything we’ve built together, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”