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MVSD Board of Directors selected Ben Avery to replace a seat vacated by Frank Kline, who had served on the board since 2003. Kline did not provide an explanation for his resignation and left two years on his term. Avery will not face an election until 2027.
Linda McKay, Deputy Superintendent of North Central Educational School District, interviewed the candidates while school board members took notes. McKay also facilitated discussion in executive session.
Avery was born and raised in San Francisco. He has worked for the Sierra Club, an environmental organization, since 2007, rising through the ranks to become the state director for Washington. During his interview, Avery cited his legislative advocacy for the club and offered to do the same for the school district.
“I run an advocacy organization and we are steeped in controversy and compromise every day. That’s all I do is listen to people, try to make sense of short-term demands versus long term objectives,” said Avery.
During his interview, he cited his experience reporting to a board.
“I understand what makes a helpful board member, namely people who ask good questions, come prepared, do their homework, know what the topics we’re going to discuss are, and then provide some accountability,” he said.
“I think the tough questions are important. I think individually, as a board member, if you’re not asking some of the tough questions, we’re not being transparent as a board, and as a school district, we’re missing opportunities to learn.”
Avery has a sixth grader in the school district and has worked as a girls’ basketball coach and Cub Club leader. He has a business degree from the University of Puget Sound.
When asked about what he sees as the biggest challenges in the district, Avery talked about school safety and “the challenges of balancing academic success with technical education, with opportunities for all students, regardless of their economic situation, social situation, is a real challenge. There’s more to be done there.”
“I think in general, the district is trying really hard to do good things.”
For Ina Clark, owner of Mountain to River Realty and co-president of the board of Room One, it was her second time applying for the director position. She was a finalist in February following a vacancy by Gary Marchbank. The board chose Boo Schneider.
Clark had two children who graduated from LBHS. She also has experience homeschooling and sending her children to private school. She worked as an Outwoard Bound instructor for eight years and as a teacher’s assistant in early childhood education.
The board interviewed candidates in order of applicant submissions. Kellie Zahn appeared last before the panel. During the interview, she said one of her two children was physically assaulted at school. She is on the School Health Advisory Council (SHAC), which reviews and recommends safety policies for the school district.
“I feel that there is this reality of what a lot of us parents are facing that is not being reflected in the policies that are happening or the changes in policies that are occurring at the school board,” said Zahn. “They do feel like there is maybe a disconnect between what is really happening in the schools and what the school board may believe is happening.”
“I send both my children to school here now and I worry that it may be the last day I see them or the last hug I give them and I don’ t feel that any parent should feel that way.”
