April 24, 2026
Kent School District Seeking Candidates for School Board Director District 1
At the April 22, 2026, regular board meeting, the Kent School District Board of Directors accepted Mr. Andy Song’s resignation from his position as a Kent School Board director effective April 22, 2026. Mr. Song was elected to represent Director District 1 in November 2023.
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 1. This is not a paid position. The opportunity to submit an application is open on Friday, April 24, 2026, until May 15, 2026, 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 1.
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 applications are due no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and candidates selected on Wednesday, May 20 in an executive session/special meeting. Interviews will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in the KSD Boardroom located at the KSD Administrative Center.
Access the online application form to complete an application.
Applications are accepted online only.
For information about the school board and its duties and responsibilities, visit the Kent School District School Board webpage.
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
Board Announces Vacancy: Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Application Opens: Friday, April 24, 2026
Application Closes: Friday, May 15, 2026, 5:00 p.m.
Applications Reviewed: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Public Interviews/Selection: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Regular Board Meeting: Wednesday, June 10, 2026 (candidate not sworn in, but attendance recommended)
Prospective Director/Director Elect Paperwork: June 10-23, 2026
Candidate Sworn In: Wednesday, June 24, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
If you have any questions regarding the application, email KSDBoardVacancy@kent.k12.wa.us.
VOTER CARD AND/OR 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 1, contact King County Elections office at (206) 296-8683.
DIRECTOR DISTRICT 1 APPOINTMENT TERM
The appointment term for Director District 1 candidate begins on June 24, 2026, and ends at the beginning of the December 8, 2027, regular board meeting.
DIRECTOR DISTRICT 1 ELECTION TERM
It is important to note 2027 is the election year for Director District 1. Any qualifying persons interested in holding the seat for a four-year term, including the appointed board director, must submit their Declaration of Candidacy during Candidate Filing Week with the King County Elections office. Candidate Filing Week opens in May 2027. The Candidate Filing Week dates are not posted yet for 2027. If three or more candidates file for this position during Candidate Filing Week, the race will appear in the August 2027 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 2027.
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) A majority of the legally established number of board members shall fill such vacancy by appointment;
b) 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;
c) All appointees to fill vacancies shall meet the legal requirements for school directors;
d) The appointee shall serve until the next regular school district election, at which time a successor shall be elected for the unexpired term; and
e) The board member who has submitted a resignation may not vote on the selection of his or her replacement.