Karl Wilkinson Resigns From EV School Board

Thu., March 16, 2000

By Marny Lombard marnyl@spokesman.com (509) 927-2166

Longtime East Valley School Board member Karl Wilkinson resigned Tuesday.

Wilkinson is running as a Republican for county commissioner, challenging John Roskelley.

Although he announced his campaign just a few weeks ago, he quickly found his time became overextended.

“I can’t believe how much of a full-time job campaigning is,” Wilkinson said. He had planned to resign from the school board over the summer, but “I don’t want to leave the school board not having done a good job at the very end,” he said.

“Karl’s been a real pleasure to work with,” said board chairwoman Sue Wentz. “Because he had 15 years of experience, he was always willing to pass on his knowledge…. We’re going to miss him.”

The school board will advertise for candidates to replace Wilkinson, said Superintendent Les Portner. Then, the board will interview any or all candidates who come forward, and appoint one for the remainder of Wilkinson’s term, which expires in November 2001.

Candidates for the position must reside within the area surrounding East Farms Elementary School and Mountain View Junior High School.

“We’re here to serve the kids. That’s the theme you hear constantly,” said Wilkinson.

As accomplishments, he cites the district’s variety of alternative programs; also ensuring the district has a full-time counselor in each elementary school; as well as encouraging new ideas for true education reform.

Wilkinson “definitely has the best interest of children at heart,” Portner said.

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