OLYMPIA, WA — The State Board of Education welcomes two returning members to the State Board of Education. Kevin Laverty and Judy Jennings will each serve a four-year term beginning January 11, 2015. A runoff election will be held for a third position representing Washington’s eastern region.

Kevin Laverty of Mukilteo was elected by Washington state local school board members to represent western Washington on the board. Laverty has an extensive background in public education, serving on the Central Valley School District and Mukilteo School District boards, the WSSDA board of directors, and as president of the Washington State School Director Association.

In addition to a 35-year career in public relations, Laverty has been a member of several nonprofit education groups. “I’m grateful for the confidence school board members have placed in me;” Laverty said on his election. “I look forward to continuing the work of the State Board of Education on policies that benefit our schools and students.” Laverty was elected to a two-year term as vice chair of the board in July 2015 after serving as a member-at-large of the board’s executive committee since November 2014.

Judy Jennings of Bonney Lake was reelected as private schools representative to the board. Ms. Jennings’ experience in education includes 13 years in Washington public schools as a teacher and coach, 14 years as principal of Seattle Christian, and 13 years as Seattle Christian’s Superintendent. Ms. Jennings was initially appointed to the board in April 2012 and has served as an executive committee member-at-large since November 2014.

During her career, Judy has served in many capacities for local, regional, and international organizations, including an accreditation commission, athletic leagues, extracurricular associations, and community organizations. “I am honored to represent not only each of the private schools in the state, but also each of their associations.”

No candidate for the eastern region position received more than 50 percent plus one of the votes counted on December 7. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will hold a run-off election as required by Washington Administrative Code. The two candidates who will appear on the run-off ballot are MJ Bolt and Michael O. Pearson. If you have questions about the runoff election, please contact Kristen Jaudon with OSPI.