Roy Yates’ decision to not run again for his seat on the Everett School Board left such a big hole it is taking four candidates to fill it for the Aug. 21 primary. The top two vote-getters will move on the Nov. 6 general election.

Carol Andrews, Fredrick Bletson Jr., Court Carter and Susan Kaftanski are all enthusiastic supporters of Everett district schools and public education in general. All four are genuine in their desires to help solve the issues facing the district, support staff toward that goal and play the appropriate role of a school board member.

If elected, each of them also would have a learning curve in front of them, only varying in degrees of steepness.

Andrews is perhaps the most ready to step into the open seat.

A CPA at an Everett office, she and her children are all products of the district schools. Andrews well understands the financial realities of public education, serving eight years as treasurer of the Citizens Levy Committee. Currently living in the district’s south end, Andrews would bring balance to the board and a voice for an area of the district experiencing growing pains.

Bletson or Carter would make good choices for the second ballot slot in November.

Bletson has decades of experience working with at-risk students and their families, both in and out of the educational setting. With a master’s in religious studies, Bletson brings an evangelical tone to his advocacy for schools.

Carter — another CPA and district south-end resident — has also served on the levy committee and is a past president of Mill Creek Rotary. Carter appears to be a collaborative problem-solver, believing that open and frank discussions are the way to find common ground.

Kaftanski, a veterinarian, has been well-involved in school activities, both in public and private settings. Her passion for quality teaching and involving families are valuable traits that could perhaps be better utilized on committees with specific goals.