Schools

Familiar Faces Line up to Fill Temporary School Board Position

April Schroeder and Bryan Garton have applied to serve out the months left before November elections to fill the seat left by Cathy Dahlquist when she resigned last year to serve in the state Legislature. And there's a third applicant -- Dahlquist herself

It was a reunion of sorts for the Enumclaw School Board Thursday evening during an orientation meeting for applicants interested in serving the position vacated by Cathy Dahlquist last year when she went to work in the state Legislature.

Both April Schroeder and Bryan Garton, who had been passed over by the Board when they selected for the position back in January, have applied for the position again, though Garton was absent from the meeting.

The need for another appointment came when Hancock realized in mid-May that her residence technically did not qualify her to represent Dahlquist's District No. 2, and she . 

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But there was a third applicant Thursday -- Dahlquist herself.

Dahlquist acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation, but "I was elected to this seat to serve a four-year term in 2009, and I feel a bit of responsibility for what's happened in not serving out the term."

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Several board members expressed their regrets that a second appointment was necessary due to the error made with Hancock's appointment. Board President Chris VanHoof acknowledged that the maps that outlined specific districts and residency requirements were not clear.

Nancy Merrill said, "I'm sorry we're in this position and want to apologize publicly."

Corey Cassell added, "It is a little embarrassing. ... but thank you for coming back and giving this another shot."

This appointment represents a relatively short stint through the summer and early fall, said Superintendent Mike Nelson. In November the position is up for election to determine who will serve the remaining two years of the term, he said.

But there is much work to be done in this time, VanHoof said, including having to work through budget cuts as determined by last week's .

The budget was one area that Dahlquist said she would hope to be able to help the board. But in addressing Schroeder, she said, "It's the Board's decision and I'll be supportive of either one of you serving."

The School Board reconvenes on Tuesday, June 14 beginning at 4:30 p.m. to conduct interviews with each of the applicants. Deliberations will occur in open session with a possible appointment being made at that time.


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