Caroline Mason to fill Position 3 on Everett Public Schools Board of Directors
Mason will finish out term vacated in December
On Jan. 9, 2014 the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors interviewed five candidates for appointment to board Position 3 which was vacated in December:
1. Caroline Mason
2. Traci Mitchell
3. Myrna Overstreet
4. Kristine Petereit
5. George Reynolds
The interview process began at 3 p.m. and concluded at 7:25 p.m. when the board went in to Executive Session to review the candidates’ qualifications. Returning to open session at approximately 8:45 p.m., the board voted to appoint Caroline Mason to Position 3. Mason will serve as a member of the Board of Directors until that term ends in 2015. At that time, she may choose whether to run for election to serve another term in that position.
In their comments about the candidates and the process, each seated board member spoke about the challenge of selecting one person from a field of highly qualified and clearly committed candidates. Ted Wenta, the board’s newest member, who was elected in November, spoke to the importance of having a “ … steward of the public’s trust, someone who can add to the board’s discussions.”
Each of the board members thanked the candidates for having stepped forward to go through a public process. Board President Pam LeSesne noted, “In the process of giving of yourself, there are those who will not understand your desire to serve the public, and some may negate your motives and your desires.”
Carol Andrews complimented the candidates for “thorough and deliberative application materials and thoughtful responses to tonight’s questions.” She acknowledged “ … the board has faced challenges over the years … ” and spoke of looking forward to having a full slate of board members.
Jackson High School student Brittni Burgess, who is the student representative on the board, spoke of how pleased she and the other board members were to see so much “ … enthusiasm to be a board member and the number of people who applied. Any of you would be a good, contributing board member.”
Mason will be administered the oath of office at the next board meeting on Jan. 21. The meeting begins at 4:30 p.m. in the Community Resource Center Board Room at 3900 Broadway in Everett.
The board is accepting nominations and applications now to appoint another new board member to fill Position 4, which was vacated on Jan. 7. The process and timeline for nominations and applications for that board seat are available online.
January 9, 2014
Everett, Everett Government