CRUHSD Superintendent Announces Departure as Six School Board Candidates Compete for Three Seats in November Election
Bullhead City, Arizona | October 13, 2026
With Superintendent Dr. Tim Richard set to leave the Colorado River Union High School District in December, the upcoming November 3 election takes on additional significance as voters prepare to select three members of the district’s Governing Board.
The Colorado River Union High School District (CRUHSD) announced Tuesday, October 13, that its Governing Board and Superintendent Dr. Tim Richard have mutually agreed to conclude their professional relationship, effective December 17, 2026.
According to the district’s official announcement, both parties acknowledged the progress made since 2022,
The statement also emphasized a commitment to a smooth and professional transition to new leadership.
The announcement did not provide a specific reason for the mutual agreement or identify who will serve as the district’s next superintendent.
Why the November 3 School Board Election Matters
The timing of this announcement makes the upcoming CRUHSD Governing Board election particularly important.
Six candidates are competing for three available four-year positions on the Colorado River Union High School District Governing Board.
The newly elected board members will help shape the district’s future during a significant leadership transition, including decisions surrounding superintendent leadership, financial oversight, academic priorities, and district policies.
School board elections often receive less attention than national or statewide races, but these elected officials make decisions that directly affect students, teachers, parents, taxpayers, and the community.
CRUHSD oversees three schools:
Mohave High School
River Valley High School
CRUHSD Academy
The Governing Board is responsible for establishing district policies, overseeing the budget, evaluating the superintendent, and ensuring that the district is meeting its educational responsibilities.
With three seats being decided in this election, voters have an opportunity to influence the direction of the district for years to come.
Meet the Six CRUHSD School Board Candidates for 2026
All six candidates were invited to provide statements explaining their qualifications, priorities, and reasons for seeking a position on the Governing Board.
The following statements are reproduced from the candidate materials provided, with minor punctuation and typographical corrections for readability.
Kory Burgess — CRUHSD School Board Candidate 2026
“I believe public education can change a young person’s life. Every student deserves to feel valued, challenged, supported, and prepared for their future—whether that means college, career, technical training, military service, or entrepreneurship.
If elected, I will put students at the center of every decision. I will listen to families, students, employees, and community members; support safe and welcoming schools; strengthen student achievement and opportunities; and ensure district resources are managed responsibly and transparently.
I will lead with integrity, collaboration, accountability, and respect. Most importantly, I will advocate for every student and the future of CRUHSD.”
Brian Furman — CRUHSD School Board Candidate 2026
“I am running for the Colorado River Union High School District Governing Board because I believe our students deserve schools that are focused on their education, their opportunities, and their future. As an educator, parent, and community member, I understand the importance of strong leadership, responsible decision-making, and meaningful communication between schools, families, staff, and the community.
I want to bring a fresh perspective, transparency, accountability, and collaboration to the governing board. I believe difficult issues should be addressed with facts, not rumors, personal agendas, or division.
My goal is to help ensure every student has access to excellent teachers, strong academic programs, career and technical opportunities, and a safe environment where they can succeed.”
David Lipinski — CRUHSD School Board Candidate 2026
“As a candidate for Colorado River Union High School District, I’m asking for your vote so I can continue serving my community of 33 years. As an educator, parent and community member, I have the experience and knowledge to address the needs of the staff and students within the district for the next 4 years.
Education is the gateway to success for all students. How we provide that opportunity is extremely important. Whether the students are headed to the workforce, or college, enlistment or perhaps starting their own business, we should be ensuring every dollar is spent as close to the classroom as possible.
Please consider voting for David Lipinski on your election ballot.”
Aimee Lovelace-Miller — CRUHSD School Board Candidate 2026
“Hello! I am Aimee Lovelace Miller, and I am running for the Colorado River Union High School District Board to advocate for our students, support our dedicated educators, and ensure accountable leadership across both of our schools.
My campaign is built on three core priorities: fostering social and emotional strength so our students feel valued and heard, protecting teacher wellness through thoughtful policy decisions, and building open lines of communication so parents have a meaningful voice in our district.
Above all, I am committed to sound governance, responsible budgeting, and crafting policies that reflect our community’s shared values while keeping student success at the center of every decision.
Thank you; I am deeply honored and excited to be running for this position.”
Kim Qualey — CRUHSD School Board Candidate 2026
“Kim Qualey’s reason for wanting to run on CRHSD2 school board stems from her involvement in the community and working for the district. She brings a deep understanding of the district’s strengths, challenges and needs with a pair of fresh eyes and ideas.
Kim’s focal points are on supporting students, respecting educators, listening to parents, strengthening communication and promoting responsible stewardship.
She wants our schools to build on the success we have to graduate successful students who are prepared for the innovative world they will emerge into.”
Dorn Wilcox — CRUHSD School Board Candidate 2026
“I am Dorn Wilcox. I have lived in the Bullhead City area since 1990. I worked for CRUHSD from 1990 until I retired in 2025. During that time I was a teacher, coach, vice principal, athletic director, principal and interim superintendent. I am also a member of the Bullhead City Rotary club.
The reason I am running is to make sure the district is doing as much as possible to help the students and staff be successful.
The board needs to be sure the superintendent is having teachers teach to the state standards. I want to be sure all district policies and state regulations are being followed properly.
I want to help CRUHSD make financially sound decisions for the communities that we serve.”
Watch the CRUHSD School Board Candidate Forum
To help voters make informed decisions, Make Bullhead Better hosted a CRUHSD School Board Candidate Forum on October 7, 2026, at the Bullhead City Moose Lodge.
The forum provided an opportunity for community members to hear directly from participating candidates about their priorities, qualifications, and vision for the district.
For residents who were unable to attend, the forum is available to watch online.
Watch the CRUHSD School Board Candidate Forum here:
A Critical Moment for CRUHSD
The departure of Superintendent Dr. Tim Richard marks an important transition for Colorado River Union High School District.
While the district’s announcement recognizes improvements and accomplishments under his leadership, questions remain about the next chapter, including who will lead the district and how future priorities will be established.
These decisions will affect not only the students currently attending CRUHSD schools but also future generations of students throughout the Bullhead City and Mohave Valley communities.
This is why local elections matter.
School board members make decisions involving millions of taxpayer dollars, educational opportunities, campus safety, teacher retention, and the overall direction of public education.
On November 3, 2026, voters will choose three of the six candidates: Kory Burgess, Brian Furman, David Lipinski, Aimee Lovelace-Miller, Kim Qualey, and Dorn Wilcox.
We encourage every eligible voter in the district to research each candidate, watch the candidate forum, ask questions, and make an informed decision.
Our schools belong to our community, and their future deserves our attention.
For official district information, visit www.CRUHSD.org. For election information and candidate filings, visit www.mohave.gov.
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