Release Date:
OLYMPIA, WA — Van Cummings, who was recently elected to represent Eastern Region Seat 2 on the Washington State Board of Education, has stepped down from the Board after determining he is ineligible to serve under state law due to his employment with a school district. The remaining elected members will appoint a replacement with Board approval anticipated at the February 11-12, 2026 meeting.
Cummings was elected to the Board following an election administered by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) in October 2025. Cummings is an employee of the Kennewick School District. Under state law (RCW 28A.305.021), individuals elected to the Board are ineligible for membership if they are employed by a public or private educational institution. As a result, Cummings has decided to step down from the Board in order to continue serving the Kennewick School District through the end of the year.
“When I ran for election, I was unaware that my position as a substitute administrator was in conflict to being on the Board,” Cummings said. “After contemplating the options, I decided to honor my commitment to the Kennewick School District. I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused.”
Under procedures adopted by WSSDA for filling Board vacancies, when a vacancy occurs among elected members “from any cause whatsoever,” the remaining members elected by public school boards of directors must fill the vacancy by appointment, subject to full Board approval.
An announcement will be made following the appointment.