Jen Hirman will be sworn in next week. Photo credit: Everett Schools
On June 21, the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors interviewed five candidates for appointment to board Position 2 which was vacated in June.
Michelle Nims
Jen Hirman
Amy Montgomery
Nathan Shelby
D. Mason Rutledge
The interview process began at 1 p.m. and concluded at 4:55 p.m. when the board went into Executive Session to review the candidates’ qualifications. Returning to open session at approximately 5:30 p.m., the board unanimously voted to appoint Dr. Jen Hirman to Position 2. Jen will serve as a member of the Board of Directors until that term ends in 2023. At that time, Hirman may choose whether to run for election to serve another term.
It was a difficult decision for the board as there were many qualified candidates. The applicants were screened through written applications and interviews for comparative qualifications, experience and potential fit. They had competing strengths and many qualifications which contributed to the difficulty of the board’s decision.
“The breadth and depth of the applicants’ qualifications made this a very difficult decision,” said Pam LeSesne, board president. “I am thankful for the director’s time and commitment to the selections process. We look forward to returning to a full board as the new school year begins and are excited to work with Ms. Hirman as she continues to advocate for children and education.”
“We are grateful for everyone who stepped up and participated in the process. We appreciate seeing so many outstanding citizens committed to the work of the district. I am looking forward to working with Jen as she is clearly a passionate advocate for kids,” said Ian Saltzman, district superintendent.
Jen Hirman has been an active volunteer and support of Everett Public Schools for years, serving on math adoption teams, the elementary school boundary committee and the high school growth mitigation committee. She has been an integral part in local and state PTA since 2013, including presently serving as the Washington State PTA Region 7 Director. She has taught math along with holding many other positions in support of students and K-16 education. Ms. Hirman holds a bachelor’s from USC, a master’s in education from Stanford University, and a PhD in Education Leadership and Policy from Arizona State University.
When asked why she is interested in being on the board, as part of her response she stated, “My interest in serving on the Everett School Board is to utilize my experience in Everett schools and background in education to maintain high standards in our schools, while looking for new and innovative ways to improve student outcomes, especially for disadvantaged groups. Our American school system can be seen as the “Great Equalizer” in providing students the opportunity to achieve a higher standard of living and following a different career path than their parents. I am interested to look for additional ways that our school district can specifically support low-income students, English-language learners, and Native-American, Hispanic and Black students.”
Ms. Hirman will be administered the oath of office at the next board meeting on June 28. The meeting begins at 5:00 p.m. in the Community Resource Center Board Room at 3900 Broadway in Everett.
June 22, 2022
Everett Schools