Kennewick board elects officers, appoints pro and con committees for two replacement levies

The Kennewick School District Board of Directors on Dec. 10 elected Gabe Galbraith as board president and Mike Valentine as vice president, and appointed official pro and con committees to support the district’s February replacement levies.

Board members nominated and confirmed officers during the organizational portion of the meeting. Roll-call votes recorded each position as carried unanimously (5–0). The board also named Britney Gledhill as the district’s legislative representative.

In new business the board followed requirements in state law (RCW 29A.32.280 as cited by staff) and appointed spokesman and members for the pro and con committees tied to two replacement levy resolutions: Proposition 1, a replacement educational programs and operations (EP&O) levy, and Proposition 2, a replacement levy for safety, security and instructional technology improvements. Board members reviewed a list of community volunteers who submitted interest via an online survey; several candidates were nominated, and the board approved the spokesperson and committee member appointments by roll call (motions carried 5–0).

Superintendent staff noted that committee members must be district residents and that appointed spokespersons will appear on the county record; county election clerks handle subsequent filing and ballot language requirements. The board directed staff to complete county forms and submit the official committee appointments.

The board’s actions set the procedural groundwork for the Feb. 10 special election and formalized the local advocacy and opposition teams the county will recognize for ballot publicity and filings.