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WPEA representative tells Kitsap Regional Library board of 'mounting concerns' about director Jason Driver
Summary
At the May 26 Kitsap Regional Library Board meeting, WPEA staff representative Deb Montes read a letter alleging lack of transparency, personnel mismanagement and branch closures under Library Director Jason Driver, and asked the board to oversee an improvement plan; trustees took no immediate action.
Deb Montes, speaking for WPEA‑represented employees, told the Kitsap Regional Library Board of Trustees on May 26 that the union has "mounting concerns about the leadership of library director Jason Driver." Montes delivered a written letter and asked the board to establish and oversee an improvement plan and to share progress with staff when possible.
The letter, read during the public‑comment period by Montes, outlined several specific grievances. It said Driver "fails to promptly, clearly and accurately communicate" decisions that affect staff, that employee feedback is frequently disregarded, and that the leadership team lacks clear accountability. Montes alleged the director has made personnel changes—naming the termination of Deputy Director and Director of Public Services Shannon Peterson—and that branch closures at Baywood Island, Orchard and Sylvan Way were authorized without prompt communication, leading to the filing of an unfair labor practice charge, according to the WPEA representative.
"We the WPEA represented employees of Kitsap Regional Library write to inform you of our mounting concerns about the leadership of library director Jason Driver," Montes said while reading the letter. The letter, Montes said, aggregated concerns from the majority of dues‑paying members and was also emailed to trustees.
Montes asked the board to take immediate, visible steps to address staff concerns. Among the requests in the letter were a public statement clarifying the circumstances of Shannon Peterson's termination and an interim action plan for the public services department so customer service would continue without interruption. The WPEA representative said union members will review the director's progress at their next meeting on Aug. 9, 2026.
The letter invoked the recent voter support for the library, noting that last year's levy passed with 61.9% of the vote and arguing that goodwill from that vote "deserves a director who can show that KRL is worth their investment," Montes read.
Board members did not discuss the substance of the WPEA letter during the meeting. After the public comment period the board moved on to the consent agenda and other routine business; no board motion or formal response to the WPEA letter was recorded during the meeting.
The board's next regular meeting is scheduled for June 23, 2026. WPEA said it will reassess the director's progress on Aug. 9 if the board does not provide the requested plan or public clarifications before then.
