John Riherd Will Leave Mead School Board Nov. 14

Mead School Board member John Riherd will step down in November to avoid a conflict of interest.

Riherd, an attorney, has joined the Perkins Coie law firm, which has done business with the school district and is being considered for future contracts.

A board member of eight years, Riherd said he will remove himself from discussions and decisions regarding Perkins Coie contracts if action is required before he steps down Nov. 14.

Mead Superintendent William Mester is taking letters of interest from residents of Riherd’s district. Appointment to the position would be temporary until the position is placed on the November 1996 ballot.

Riherd’s resignation is the first change in almost a decade for the five-person board. Board president Mary Jane Thompson, the least senior member, was elected eight years ago.

“It is a board that has an excellent working relationship, common values and works on the common good of the students and district,” said Riherd.

“I think we are going to miss (Riherd’s) creativity in decision-making,” said Thompson.

While Riherd was president, the school board won voter approval for a new high school. Controversy ensued during site selection, and state funding for the new building was nearly blocked.

Gov. Mike Lowry eventually gave the board an 11th-hour reprieve.

Riherd is stepping down with good memories, including “the thrill” of handing his daughter Elizabeth her high school diploma in 1994.

But he sees the future of schools as a slippery slope. On one side is a growing frustration, seen in an increasing number of home-schoolers. On the other, Riherd sees attitudes stemming from what he calls “a public monopoly.”

“Schools need to look more like a private enterprise and need to look at education as a product,” said Riherd. “Public education is a grand public monopoly. If public education does not make changes, it will lose the power that it has.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: HOW TO APPLY Persons wishing to fill the school board position being vacated by John Riherd must live in District 1 of the Mead School District. Contact the Mead School District at 468-3000 for boundaries. Persons interested in the position should send letters of interest no later than Nov. 3 to: Superintendent William Mester Mead School District 12508 N. Freya Mead, WA 99021