In the January 8, 2025, regular board meeting, the Kent School District Board of Directors accepted Mr. Awale Farah’s resignation from his position as a Kent School Board director effective January 8, 2025.
Mr. Farah was elected to represent Director District 4 in November 2021. We sincerely thank him for his service and commitment to successfully preparing all students for their futures.
The Kent School Board is seeking candidates for the vacant board position representing Director District 4. This is not a paid position. The opportunity to submit an online application is open now until Friday, January 31, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
To meet the requirements for board members, an applicant must:
Be a United States citizen.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Have a permanent residence within the boundaries of Director District 4.
Be a registered voter and provide a copy of their voter registration card prior to the application deadline.
Not hold another incompatible public office position.
Interested parties should apply and all online applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, January 31, 2025. Interviews will be held during the week of February 7, 2025, in the Kent School District Administration Center Board Room.
Application
The Kent School District Board of Directors Vacant Position Application for Director District #4 is available online only and closes on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.
If you have questions regarding the application, email KSDBoardVacancy@kent.k12.wa.us.
Timeline
Board Announces Vacancy: Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Application Opens: Thursday, January 9, 2025
Application Closes: Friday, January 31, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Applications Reviewed: Week of February 3, 2025
Public Interviews/Selection: Week of February 10, 2025
Onboarding: Week of February 17, 2025
Candidate Sworn In: Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Voter Card & Director District Boundary Questions
If you need to obtain a copy of your voter card and/or need to verify that your address falls within the boundaries for Director District 4, contact:
King County Elections office at info.kingcounty.gov; 919 SW Grady Way Ste 100, Renton, WA 98057; (206) 296-8683.
Appointment Term
The appointment term for Director District 4 candidate begins on February 26, 2025, and ends at the beginning of the December 10, 2025, regular board meeting.
Election Term
It is important to note 2025 is the election year for Director District 4. Any qualifying persons interested in holding the seat for a 4-year term, including the newly appointed board director, must submit their Declaration of Candidacy during Candidate Filing Week with the King County Elections office. Candidate Filing Week opens May 5, 2025, 8:00 a.m., and closes May 9, 2025, 5:00 p.m. If three or more candidates file for this position during Candidate Filing Week, the race will appear in the August 2025 Primary Election. If there are two candidates or less, the race will skip the Primary, and candidates will automatically advance to the General Election in November.
RCW 28A.343.370 is the statutory provision related to the filling of board vacancies.
Consistent with Washington State law (RCW 28A.343.370) and the State Board of Education regulations, the selection and appointment for the vacant board position will be made by the incumbent Board members.
RCW 28A.343.370 is the statutory provision related to the filling of board vacancies. The relevant provisions require that:
A majority of the legally established number of board members shall fill such vacancy by appointment;
Should the Board fail to fill the vacancy within ninety (90) days from “the creation of such vacancy,” the members of the Puget Sound ESD Board shall fill the vacancy by majority vote;
All appointees to fill vacancies shall meet the legal requirements for school directors;
The appointee shall serve until the next regular school district election, at which time a successor shall be elected for the unexpired term; and
The board member who has submitted a resignation may not vote on the selection of his or her replacement.