PORT TOWNSEND — So far, nobody wants the job.
The application deadline for a vacant spot on the Port Townsend School Board is being extended because no one applied for the position.
Anne Burkart, 71, the longest-serving member of the present board, announced her intention to step down in September, citing her husband’s health and a desire to move closer to family.
Applications were due Sept. 30 for the position advertised Sept. 11. No new application deadline is in place.
The position must be filled within 90 days of being advertised, according to District Secretary Mary Colton.
Both Burkart and Superintendent David Engle partially attribute the lack of interest to the geography of the district.
The district includes Kala Point, Woodland Hills and part of the southern end of Port Townsend, a large area with a high percentage of retirees.
“There are a lot of people without kids in that district, so they really don’t have any skin in the game,” Engle said.
Said Burkart, who lives in Kala Point: “It’s a large district that is a long way from town, so it’s not always easy to get to meetings.
“There are a lot of retirees, which is why we are struggling to find applicants, quality people who want to see our schools turn into magnificent schools.”
Burkart’s children are grown and never attended Port Townsend schools, but she said she still found the position exciting.
“It’s the right thing to do,” she said of the volunteer position.
“It’s good for the community to have seniors involved in kids’ education, and it’s a very rewarding thing to do.”
The matter will be discussed at the Oct. 13 School Board meeting, which will begin at 6 p.m. in the Gael Stuart Building, 1620 Blaine St.
Engle said that if no applicants emerge or the board fails to name a replacement, a board member would be selected by the Educational Service Board, a Bremerton-based state agency.
That person would not necessarily live in the district, he said.
Board member Jennifer James-Wilson said she favored the creation of an “at large” board member with no district residency requirements.
But that would take one or two election cycles to accomplish.
Burkart was first elected to the board in 2007, when she ran against Harold Sherwood for an open seat.
She was re-elected in 2011 without opposition. Her current term expires Dec. 31, 2015.
Burkart’s departure is the second from the board this year.
In March, Nathanael O’Hara, a Port Townsend accountant, was selected to replace Bill LeMaster, who resigned for personal reasons.
In addition to O’Hara, Holley Carlson and James-Wilson, Pam Daly serves on the board.
For an application, visit http://tinyurl.com/PDN-Board.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
