Longtime Port Orchard police officer and current deputy chief Andrew Brandon has been selected to fill the vacant District 4 seat on the South Kitsap School District board of directors.

The vote was conducted toward the close of the June 5 meeting, shortly after three candidates, including Brandon, were publicly interviewed by the board. All four directors named Brandon in a roll call vote, though director Jay Villars noted the decision was not an easy one. “It’s very hard because every one of the candidates has a wealth of experience that can add and connect to our experience and make this district better.”

Brandon has served in law enforcement in the city for 16 years, including as a school resource officer. He grew up in the local schools before that, having attended Manchester Elementary, John Sedgwick Middle and South Kitsap High schools. One of his kids has graduated in the district and two more attend SKSD schools.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of people, about how the schools work, who’s in the schools,” he said. “I still communicate often with different principals, deans and teachers to see what’s going on in the schools, not only for my own personal benefit and my kids’ but to see what’s going on in the community.”

An interest in continuing to improve communication efforts and positive interactions in the rapidly growing South Kitsap is one reason Brandon decided to apply, saying, “If I can help build kids at this level…it’s going to make my (law enforcement) job a lot easier in the future.”

Brandon is expected to be sworn in at the board’s June 18 meeting, ending the vacancy created by former director Jeffrey Wilson’s resignation in April. The position will be up for election in November of 2025.