The Kent School District Board voted 4–0 on Jan. 8 to accept a written resignation from Director Awale Farrah and to declare the board position vacant, starting the process to appoint a replacement.

Board members and legal counsel discussed whether the vacancy is legally created on the date a resignation is emailed or when the board formally accepts that resignation at a public meeting. Legal counsel Mr. Leonard advised the board that, under board policy 1114 and longstanding practice, the vacancy is created when the board acknowledges and accepts the resignation at its next regular meeting, not at the time the email was sent. “Our interpretation means, in that case, upon action of the board, accepts the resignation,” Leonard said during the discussion.

Several directors expressed concern about the 90‑day statutory timeline for filling a vacancy and asked staff to move quickly. The board agreed to open the application window the day after the meeting; staff stated applications would be accepted beginning Jan. 9 and would close Friday, Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. Staff said the goal is to interview applicants and have a candidate sworn in before the end of February.

Board members were reminded that Washington law and board policy require a majority vote to appoint a director at a public meeting; that means three votes are needed on a five‑member board. Mr. Leonard and staff explained that if the board cannot reach a majority to select a candidate within the statutory period, the matter can be referred to the regional Educational Service District (ESD), which may appoint a replacement.

The motion to accept the resignation passed unanimously among the four board members present (Director Farrah was absent and excused). Staff said a notice would be posted on the district website and in a media release, and the district will begin accepting applications the following day.

The board also set an application timetable: applications open Jan. 9 and close Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. Staff committed to return with applicants for board consideration and to keep the board informed of the schedule for interviews and a final selection.