Shoreline School Board elects new president and vice president; swears in student rep and records first advisory student vote

The Shoreline School Board reorganized its leadership and formalized new student representation at its Dec. 10 regular meeting, electing Director Sarah Bettennell as board president and Director Hill as vice president for one‑year terms.

Under procedure 11/20, Superintendent Brigette Reyes temporarily chaired the meeting and opened nominations. Director Jernigan nominated Vice President Bettennell for president, a nomination seconded by Director Hill; the board conducted a roll‑call vote and elected Bettennell unanimously effective Dec. 10, 2024. Following that vote, Director Jernigan nominated Director Hill for vice president; Director Cohen seconded and the board again voted unanimously.

Before reorganization business concluded, Reyes administered the oath of office to newly seated student representative Izzy Fran, identified in the meeting as a junior at Shorecrest High School. Board members welcomed Fran and noted student voice will continue to be part of public meetings.

The board then moved to adopt the consent agenda (items 7A–7M). Director Jernigan moved the motion and Vice President Hill seconded. Student representatives cast advisory votes — the board noted this as the first time student representatives recorded an advisory vote in the district’s history — and the consent agenda was approved unanimously.

The reorganizational votes were procedural and took place by roll call, with each director voting in favor as called by the temporary chair.

Board President Bettennell used her first remarks to thank outgoing President Williams for her service and to acknowledge board continuity for the coming year. The board scheduled committee and policy work to proceed under the new officer structure.

The meeting then moved to presentations and public comment.

Ending: The board wrapped this portion of the agenda and proceeded to the presentations scheduled for the evening.