The Sedro-Woolley School Board has appointed Michelle Moser to fill the vacant District 3 position, which represents the Clear Lake and Big Lake areas. Moser was selected from a pool of seven applicants and was one of four finalists interviewed by the board on March 17.
The board had narrowed the candidates to Michelle Moser and Bryon Mengle. The board made its final decision on Thursday, March 27. Newly appointed District 5 board member Becky Taft participated in the discussion but abstained from voting.
Moser will be officially sworn in on April 14, joining the board with a unanimous vote of approval. She will serve until the next regularly scheduled school board election on November 4, 2025, at which point the position will be on the ballot for the remaining two years of former Board Director Danielle Russell’s four-year term. Candidates interested in running for the seat must file between May 5-9, 2025.
The District 3 seat became vacant in January following Russell’s resignation. According to Washington state law, school board vacancies are filled by appointment until the next general election. Board members typically serve four-year terms, and the newly elected director in November 2025 will complete the remainder of the term before the position is up for reelection in 2027.
School board district seats are typically staggered in order to allow for continuity within the board. This structure ensures that not all positions are up for election at the same time, preserving institutional knowledge and maintaining stability in governance. By staggering terms, the board can continue its work effectively without significant disruptions that could arise if all members were replaced simultaneously.
The school board plays a vital role in setting policies for the district, overseeing the budget, and ensuring student success. The appointment of Moser comes at a crucial time, as four board positions will be up for election in November.
Key filing dates for school board candidates in 2025 are as follows:
• May 5 – Official candidate filing week opens.
• May 9 – Final day for filing.
• May 12 – Candidate withdrawal deadline.
• May 13 – Last day for the Secretary of State to certify candidates to county auditors.
• May 20 – Final day to submit candidate statements and photographs for the state Voters’ Pamphlet.
For more information on candidate filing, visit https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/AuditorElections/main.htm, email scelections@co.skagit.wa.us or call 360-416-1702.
About the Sedro-Woolley School District:
The Sedro-Woolley School District is committed to providing high-quality education to all students, fostering a supportive learning environment, and engaging with the community to ensure student success. The board is committed to the district’s mission to ensure that every student graduates with the knowledge and skills for future learning and success.