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Board appoints Ashley Geisz to Meridian School District’s District 4 seat
Summary
At a July 8 special meeting, the Meridian School District board interviewed two candidates and appointed Ashley Geisz to the District 4 seat after a roll-call vote. Candidates discussed district strengths, middle-school infrastructure needs and an upcoming cell-phone policy.
The Meridian School District board appointed Ashley Geisz to the District 4 seat following a special board meeting and vote on Wednesday, July 8.
Geisz, who described herself as having “a bachelor's degree in early childhood education with a a p 3 in special education endorsement in infants and toddlers” and now working as a childcare director, was nominated from the dais and confirmed by roll call. "I have a bachelor's degree in early childhood education…My facility does do school aged kids as well," Geisz said during the candidate interview.
The appointment came after the board interviewed two candidates for the vacancy. Melissa Ambler, who introduced herself as "Melissa Ambler" and said she is an assistant regional administrator for the Washington State Department of Transportation, also answered questions about district priorities and availability. "I have 2 daughters that go to Meridian," Ambler said, describing her volunteer work and engagement with PTA and school activities.
Board members asked both candidates to outline strengths and shortcomings of the district and how their experience would contribute. Ambler said Meridian’s small size fosters strong connections between students, parents and staff but flagged middle-school infrastructure as a major shortcoming, noting the district’s recent bond did not pass and suggesting a prioritized list of repairs. "I think 1 of Meridian's major strengths is its size," Ambler said; she added that a list of middle-school priorities would help current students benefit from available funds.
Geisz echoed the emphasis on community and on keeping electives and extracurriculars available, and raised communication around staff transitions as an area for improvement. During the interview she described her work with local early-childhood organizations including the Opportunity Council and an ECAP program and said curriculum development and family engagement are areas she could support.
Before the nomination and vote, the board discussed upcoming items including a proposed cell-phone policy that had drawn roughly 300 community responses to a district survey, and a planned skill center project. The meeting briefly moved into executive session; after reconvening, Speaker 3 nominated Geisz and Speaker 6 seconded the nomination. A roll-call vote recorded Michelle “yes,” Jasmine “no,” Jared “yes” and Diana “yes.” The motion carried and Geisz was confirmed.
The board thanked both candidates and closed the meeting. The special session included candidate interviews, a short discussion of district priorities and the formal appointment; no other formal actions were recorded in the public transcript.
