Weedin cites negativity in resigning from North Kitsap School Board

Published 4:53 pm Thursday, October 9, 2014

By KIPP ROBERTSON
and RICHARD WALKER
North Kitsap Herald staff

POULSBO — The job gave Dan Weedin a new appreciation for the work that school boards do.

In his time as a North Kitsap School Board member, the board grappled with declines in enrollment and funding; laid off teachers and closed a school; and ended its contract with one superintendent and hired another.

“We had individual program situations pop up over time. Heck, we even had a conversation about dogs in the classroom,” he said Oct. 9. “I don’t regret any of it. But it’s time for me to move on.”

Weedin, the board’s president, resigned from the school board on Oct. 9. He didn’t want to discuss his reasons for resigning before his resignation letter was read at the board meeting, but said growing commitments as a business consultant, speaker and author are factors.

As he took a call from the Herald early Oct. 9, he was working on his second book, which is due in November to U.K.-based publisher Global Professional Publishing; and prepping to lead a 10 a.m. webinar for insurance agents, “Leveraging Social Media.” Later, he would consult with a new client in the Midwest.

His resignation letter was more revealing.

“In the past year, the critical work at the volunteer board level has been clouded by forces that, in my opinion, are intentionally adversarial and combative,” he wrote. “The consequences have a draining effect on all that are working to make this district a better place for students, teachers and community.

“I have come to realize that I could not perform the duties of a director in the same spirit [as] when I began [five] years ago. In the best interest of the district, my colleagues, and the mission, it’s time to move on and let someone else take that role with full vigor. Life is too short. I’m unwilling to allow this continued negativity to impact my personal and professional life.”

Weedin wrote that he would continue to do volunteer work at local schools.

The school board was expected Oct. 9 to appoint a new president from among its members, then begin the process of recruiting applicants for Weedin’s position from District 2 — roughly, the Pearson and Vinland areas.

According to the district’s website, the school board has 90 days to appoint a successor. If that deadline is not met, Educational Service District No. 114 — an arm of the state Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction — will make the appointment.

The appointee will serve the remaining year in Weedin’s term. School board members are not paid.

Weedin, 49, is married and has two adult children in their mid-20s. He was appointed to the board in 2009 to complete the term of Dan Delaney, who resigned because of health issues. Weedin was elected to a full term in November 2011. The school board made him president in August 2012 when Kathleen Dassell resigned from the board.

“I was part of a team that found a way to make it through perhaps the most difficult school-financing crisis ever in this state,” Weedin wrote in his resignation letter.

“The hiring of Patty Page was simply the best decision we made as a board. She was the right person for the job then, and continues to be the right person to lead this district into the future. She has the vision, experience, and passion to do great work here. She has assembled a terrific team of administrators who work tirelessly for the benefit of every student in this district. To all district administration, thank you for your dedication and efforts. You’re doing the right things.”

Weedin told the Herald he doesn’t plan to seek elective office again — “My public career is over. I’m not a politician,” he said.

Weedin did a good job leading the school board, board vice president Scott Henden said before the meeting.

“He’s a great guy. He does the right things — does the best he can for the district.”

In a nod to how difficult it can be to juggle the school board presidency with career and family obligations, Henden said he would be willing to take over as president — but wouldn’t be upset if he was not selected.

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.

“I’m willing to do it, not heartbroken if I can’t,” Henden said, adding that he would support whomever was selected.