United States

Highline School Board seeks applicants to fill two vacancies after resignations

Voters in Highline Public Schools – a public school district in King County, headquartered in Burien – will have the opportunity this year to elect four members to the five-person school board.

Azeb Hagos and Melissa Petrini’s recent resignations leave the board with two vacancies, which will be filled by appointment this spring. If the new appointees choose to continue in the role, they must file for the 2025 election cycle.

In addition, Board Members Angelica Alvarez and Joe Van – who currently serves as board president – are up for election this year. Board Member Stephanie Tidholm’s term ends in 2027.

Hagos submitted a letter of resignation on Jan. 21. Petrini resigned in person at the regularly scheduled school board meeting held on Jan. 22. Petrini said she was unaware of Hagos’ resignation before making her own decision.

A video of Petrini’s resignation has been widely shared. Petrini emphasized her disappointment in the lack of focus on academic progress, her frustration with administrative leadership, and the lack of transparency with parents.

“Kids graduating with a third-grade reading level and poor math skills are not prepared for the future they want,” Petrini said in a follow-up interview. “I’m not quitting, I’m not walking away; I’m changing strategies.”

A recent Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction OSPI Report Card shows Highline students falling behind in English Language Arts, math, and science as measured by Smarter Balanced Assessments and the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science.

The percentage of Highline students on track for college-level learning without needing remedial classes is 15.9% to 17.6% lower than the state averages.

Petrini is also concerned about the lack of appropriate follow-up on violations of privacy laws under the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, as documented by a 2024 investigation.

FERPA applies to all public and private schools and to any education agency that receives funding from the Department of Education.

Tove Tupper, chief communications officer for the Highline Public Schools, responded to a request for comment.

“This fall, a third party conducted an investigation involving a staff member,” Tupper said. “The investigation found they shared information, protected by FERPA. Appropriate disciplinary action was taken, including FERPA training. All district administrators will also be required to participate in FERPA training. We contacted identifiable families as appropriate.”

The two vacant seats on the school board are expected to be filled by appointment in March. Guidelines for submitting an appointment application are available on the district’s website at highlineschools.org or by calling the district office at (206) 631-3000.

Candidate filing for the August primary/November general election is open from May 5 through May 9.

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