Board names Christina senior legislative representative and appoints Deborah as junior pro tem

The Mercer Island School Board voted to make Director Christina the senior legislative representative and to appoint Director Deborah as the junior legislative representative for the next six months at the June 9 meeting.

Why it matters: The district changed its LEA representative model to maintain continuity with staggered senior and junior roles. The senior representative is expected to shape legislative priorities and represent the district at WASD general-assembly meetings; the board discussed whether the senior rep should remain neutral when staff or board members have other leadership roles and who would cast the district’s single official vote when both representatives are present.

Discussion and concerns Board members debated timing and continuity under the staggered model. Some directors said the senior rep should be able to draft and advocate for resolutions on behalf of the district; others emphasized that the role is internal and that other board members often attend general-assembly events and may cast the vote when needed. Several trustees said a pro tem or partner approach would be practical for the six‑month interim period before the December leadership cycle.

Vote outcome By roll call, trustees approved Christina as senior legislative representative (vote recorded as: students Lucy and Anna Aye; Board members Deborah Aye; Christina Aye; Dan recorded as "I'm saying" — roll call produced 4 board-member yes votes, 1 abstention recorded). The board then appointed Deborah as junior representative for six months; the appointment passed by roll call.