Board declines to advance resolution to shorten director terms after heated debate

The Everett School District Board of Directors considered whether to move its director terms from six years to four years during its May 24 regular meeting, but a motion to ask staff to draft a resolution and begin policy review failed.

Director April Berg introduced the item, saying she hoped shorter terms would improve access to elected office across the district’s geographic and economic diversity and reduce the frequency of midterm appointments. "Part of why I've brought that before this body is, I believe, the geographic and economic diversity of our district... it really is stifling to have six year terms," Berg said during her presentation.

Several directors pushed back, arguing a six‑year term provides stability and institutional knowledge. Director Mason urged caution about increased turnover and the growing politicization of school boards, and President Lassane emphasized continuity: "There are many advantages to six‑year terms... it allows for balance and continuity," Lassane said.

Director Nichols and others framed the change as a matter of democratic access. Nichols said shorter terms would give voters more frequent opportunities to make changes and could lower barriers for working people who cannot commit to a six‑year stretch. "We are doing our community a disservice," Nichols said, arguing four‑year terms would broaden participation.

After discussion, the board voted on language to direct staff to draft a resolution and review policies and procedures necessary to pursue a change. The motion was moved and seconded but did not carry; the chair announced "the motion does not carry," and the board will continue the discussion at a future meeting if the item resurfaces.

The item was informational and procedural only; board members noted any formal change would still require legal review, a formal resolution, and the established policy process (first reading, second reading and adoption) before taking effect.

Next steps: no resolution was drafted at this meeting. Directors who favored further work urged more community input; those opposed cited the value of continuity and the potential for frequent turnover to disrupt long‑term district plans.