At their meeting of Nov. 25, the Orcas Island School Board accepted the resignation of Board Member, Greg White (At Large Position #5 previously held by Jim Sullivan). The appointment would remain effective until the November 2015 election barring any unforeseen circumstance.

The board also decided to open up the position to the public. Applications are available at the district office or can be downloaded from the district website:
http://www.orcasislandschools.org/pages/Orcas_Island_SD137/1042308765551993522

Applications are to be turned in to the following address:

Secretary to the Board
Orcas Island School District
557 School Road
Eastsound, WA 98245

The deadline for submitting the applications to the School District Office is Dec. 30 at 3 p.m.

Read White’s letter of resignation below:

I am sorry to announce that I must resign my post as School Board Director, effective immediately. Before I asked to be a board member I made it clear that my wife would at some point likely pursue an employment position at the school district. The district policy at that time did not preclude a board member’s spouse from getting a teaching job, and I was reassured by the superintendent at the time that it would not be an issue. As we learned together in the following month, the district’s policy was not in conformance with the state law. We, as a board, changed that policy. At this time a job has become available that my wife would like to fulfill. It seems that the only option in order for her to work in that position is for me to step down.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve on the school board. I could not imagine a more dedicated group of individuals to make Orcas School District the best if can be for our island’s children. I admire you all. Any loss the school may feel from my resignation is miniscule compared to the gains that Tess can bring. If it becomes appropriate for me to serve on the board in the future, I would jump at the opportunity.

Sincerely,

Greg White