School board seats on ballot

Four of the five seats on the Shelton School Board are on the fall ballot.

The terms of board members Keri Davidson, Sandy Tarzwell, Karla Knudsen-Johnston and Lauren Gilmore all expire at the end of the year. Matt Welander’s term representing director District 3 doesn’t expire until the end of 2025.

Davidson, the board’s chair, has been on the board since 2016. In an email to the Journal, she said she plans to run for another term as the at-large position No. 2.

“I first ran for the school board when my daughters were in kindergarten and first grade,” she wrote. “They are now in the eighth and ninth grade. If I am elected again, I would see both of my daughters graduate along with many other students who I have come to know. As a Shelton graduate myself, it has been very meaningful to serve the community that I grew up in and have raised a family. I hope to continue working hard, listening and supporting public education in this community as a school board director.”

Gilmore was selected last year to finish the term of the late Marty Best to represent Director District 2. She told the Journal she plans to run for a term in the fall election.

Knudsen-Johnston, who taught elementary students for 33 years in the district, was appointed by board members in August 2022 to replace Marilyn Ward, who moved out of the district, and holds the at-large position No. 1. She said she plans to run for a new term.

Tarzwell is the longest serving member, having been on the board since 2014. She represents District 1. Tarzwell did not respond to queries from the Journal.

Mason County candidates can file May 15-19 online at http://www.masoncountywaelections.gov, in person at the Mason County Auditor’s Office between 9 a.m. May 15 and 4 p.m. May 19, or by mail.