SILVERDALE – On November 3, districts across the state will ask citizens to vote on school board director positions. The Central Kitsap School District will have three seats up for election (indicated below in bold). Members of the CKSD Board of Directors are:

Area 1, Bruce J. Richards. Term Ends 2017.

Area 2, Mark A. Gaines Term Ends 2015.

Area 3, Scott Woehrman Term Ends 2015 (filled by appointment).

Area 4, Jeanie Schulze Term Ends 2015.

Area 5, Eric K. Greene Term Ends 2017.

Declarations of candidacy may be filed at the Kitsap County Auditor’s Elections Office between Monday, May 11, and Friday, May 15 (8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Candidate filings sent by mail cannot be accepted before April 27 or later than 5 p.m. on May 16. To be legally eligible, a candidate must be a registered voter and a resident of the director area for which he or she files. Geographical descriptions of CKSD director areas are available online, or by calling the Superintendent’s Office at 360-662-1614. For more information on filing, prospective candidates may visit www.kitsapgov.com/aud/elections.htm.

School boards are responsible for working with district administrators to set the district’s overall direction. The Washington State School Directors Association divides board responsibilities into four major areas:

Vision – The board focuses the work of the district and community on student achievement through a comprehensive strategic planning process.

Structure – The board governs the district through prudent financial planning and oversight, and diligent and innovative policy making.

Accountability – The board infuses all programs and crucial policies with specific goals and a process for evaluation, reporting and recommendations for improvements.

Advocacy – The board champions public education in the local community and before state and federal policy makers.

To learn more about the responsibilities of school boards, visit the Washington State School Directors Association information page on the subject.