Richland School District board appoints Dan Evans to fill vacant seat

The Richland School District Board of Directors voted unanimously to appoint Dan Evans to fill the board vacancy created by Chelsea's departure.

The board moved into an executive session to review qualifications after completing a series of candidate interviews and returned to the public meeting to take the appointment vote. A board member moved to appoint Dan Evans; the motion was seconded and recorded as approved by the three members present.

Board members praised the depth of the candidate pool and the range of experience applicants brought to the interviews. The board noted it received 19 applications and that finalists included people with special-education experience, prior board service, classroom experience and nonprofit budgeting backgrounds. The panel said it sought candidates who complemented the current board’s skills and who demonstrated a commitment to students and community service.

The district said Evans will be sworn in at the board’s next regular meeting. Staff will complete county paperwork and issue district credentials before he assumes duties. The board also said the district has a registered seat for the incoming director at the Washington State School Directors Association conference; a board boot camp and other orientation sessions will be available, and the district will cover travel costs.

For applicants who were not selected, board members encouraged them to remain involved and to consider running in future elections or applying again to fill future vacancies.

What happens next: the new director will be sworn in at the next regular meeting; staff will handle onboarding and training logistics.