Nooksack Valley board swears in two directors, reappoints officers and honors longtime member

The Nooksack Valley School Board administered oaths of office to Halli Kimball (Director District No. 1) and Britt Lentz (Director District No. 2) during its Dec. 18 meeting. Superintendent Matt Galley administered both oaths.

Following the oaths, the board completed its annual reorganization for the 2026 calendar year. The board approved Ty Elmendorf as board chairman and Halli Kimball as vice chairman; Shelly Harder was approved as the board’s legislative representative. All three officer motions were recorded as passing by unanimous vote (5-0).

The meeting included a series of public remarks and a formal tribute to retiring Director Steve Jones, who has served on the board since his appointment in July 1989 and said he subsequently served nine consecutive four-year terms. Commenters — including Chris Haugen and Cheryl Thornton — praised Jones’ dedication and mentorship. In his remarks Jones thanked the community, noted the district’s history of passing levies and bonds, stressed fiscal prudence including maintaining an 8% fund balance, and closed by saying, “Thank you all, take care of yourselves and take care of each other.”

Superintendent Galley read Resolution 9, a tribute crafted in part from an email provided by Mark Johnson, and presented a signed copy to Jones. The board approved Resolution 9- Honoring the Service and Leadership of Steve Jones by unanimous vote (M.C. 5-0).