POULSBO — Cindy Webster-Martinson makes history Dec. 12 when she is sworn in as District 1 member of the North Kitsap School Board. Beth Worthington will be sworn in as District 3 member.

The school board meets from 6-9 p.m. in the district office board room, 18360 Caldart Ave., Poulsbo. The meeting is open to the public.

Webster-Martinson will succeed Tom Anderson, who chose not to run for reelection. Worthington will succeed Ken Ames, who lost in the primary.

April Leigh, communications coordinator for the Suquamish Tribe, said her research indicates Webster-Martinson is the first Suquamish Tribe member elected to non-Tribal public office in Kitsap County. She is the first Native American elected to the school board; Marie Hebert, Port Gamble S’Klallam, was appointed to a vacancy on the school board and served in 2000-01.

Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman will attend the swearing-in ceremony, as will a contingent of Suquamish Tribe members.

Webster-Martinson served on the Suquamish Tribal Council in 1980-82 — her grandfather, Lawrence Webster, was chairman at the time — and this year she was elected to the Suquamish Tribe Elders Council.

She has a BA in education from Pacific Lutheran University and a MA in education administration from Seattle University. She taught in grades K-6 for three years and for the past five years has worked as an educator/teacher for the Suquamish Tribe education department.

“Education is my passion. I love working with kids,” she said. “I want an equitable and excellent education for all of our NKSD students.”

Webster-Martinson said she will contribute “much-needed diversity” to the board, and said her education and work experience brings a unique perspective to the board.

“I will work to see our teachers supported so they can perform with excellence. I will work to see that teachers have a voice in what they need to teach effectively. I will work to see that parents are heard and communicated with often.

“I would like to be part of the change that is needed for our school district, especially in regards to communication and transparency, as well as the quality and equity of education provided in NKSD. I will also contribute an open mind and ears necessary to really listen and consider what others have to say.”