POULSBO — The North Kitsap School Board couldn’t decide on a new president following the resignation of Dan Weedin on Oct. 9.

At the school board meeting that night, board member Beth Worthington nominated and voted for Cindy Webster-Martinson. Board member Bill Webb nominated and voted for Scott Henden. The nominees voted for themselves.

As a result, the vote was 2-2 and nobody was elected.

Superintendent Patty Page said the district does not have a policy on how to handle a split vote for board president. She said she would call Greg Lynch, superintendent of the Olympic Educational Service District, an arm of the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Until the board is able to make a decision, the vice president would typically lead the board, said Tina Schulz, executive assistant to the superintendent of the educational service district.

Henden, the vice president, presided over the meeting.

Worthington nominated Webster-Martinson because of her experience on the Suquamish Tribal Council and her experience as an educator.

“I very much admire Cindy’s ability to — she’s quiet you know — but her ability to really stick to what’s true and important to the district and our students. That’s the kind of leadership I’m looking for,” Worthington said.

Saying he had nothing against Webster-Martinson, Webb said he preferred Henden.

“No strike against you, but [Henden] has more experience dealing with the issues here,” Webb said to Webster-Martinson. “A year from now, I would probably flip that.”

Webb said he would nominate Webster-Martinson for board vice president immediately.

Webster-Martinson said she’s dedicated time to board service and undergone additional training. She’s taken everything to heart, she said.

“I know this would be a really big undertaking for someone this new, but I would be willing and would be able,” she said.

Henden did not comment about either nomination. Prior to the school board meeting, he told the North Kitsap Herald he would be willing to serve as board president, but wouldn’t be upset if he wasn’t selected. “I’m willing to do it, not heartbroken if I can’t,” he said the morning of Oct.9.

Following discussion over Webster-Martinson’s nomination, the board voted: two yes, two no. The board then voted on Henden’s nomination: two yes, two no.

The president presides at all meetings and signs all papers and documents required by law or authorized by action of the board. The president conducts and manages the meetings and is the official recipient of correspondence, and consults with the superintendent on issues such as board meetings, study sessions and retreat planning. The president speaks to the public and media on behalf of the board.

Henden was elected to the board in 2011, defeating incumbent Val Torrens for the position from District 4. Henden owns Henden Electric and, before being elected to the school board, ran unsuccessfully for county commission twice, and once unsuccessfully for fire commissioner. He is currently a candidate for 23rd District state representative, position 1.

Webster-Martinson was elected to the board in 2013; her opponent, Steve Hancock, had dropped out of the race but his name remained on the ballot. She has degrees in education and education administration, is certified to teach in grades K-8 and works as a teacher in the Suquamish Tribe Education Department. She is a former Suquamish Tribal Council member.