EVERETT — State Rep. April Berg plans to resign from the Everett Public Schools Board of Directors, citing a need to spend more time with family and on her duties in Olympia.
Berg was elected to a six-year School Board term in November 2019. Her resignation will take effect June 1.
The Mill Creek Democrat was elected to the state House in 2020. At the time, she acknowledged the challenge of holding two elected positions but committed to not relinquish the education post while the pandemic continued to wreak havoc on public schools.
Having gained much knowledge of district operations, “staying on through the height of the pandemic was a good call,” she said. “It’s a lot of work. It’s a lot of hours. It’s completely unpaid.”
“Now I’ve got to focus my attention on where I can do the most good for the most people,” she said.
Berg first informed Pam LeSesne, president of the Everett School Board. On May 24, the board is expected to formally accept the resignation and start the process of finding a successor.
“I truly did not want her to leave. I just value her perspective so much,” LeSesne said. “I do understand her concerns about being overstretched. We will still be able work with her on policies that support our students.”
Meanwhile Monday, Berg filed for re-election to her seat in the 44th Legislative District. She is expected to face at least one opponent, Republican Ryne Rohla.
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @dospueblos.
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