Sen. Claire Wilson resigned from her position on the Federal Way school board at a meeting Tuesday night.

Wilson was elected as a Washington state senator (D, 30th) in November 2018, officially sworn into office on Jan. 14, 2019.

“Because of that commitment as well as an opportunity to impact, not only Federal Way Public Schools, but the greater K-12 and early learning system state-wide, I am resigning my position tonight as Federal Way School Board director for district two,” Wilson announced Feb. 26.

Wilson served as director of District No. 2 since joining the board in 2011. She served as board president from December 2017 to December 2018.

“Since being elected to the school board in 2011, I have had the privilege and have been incredibly proud to serve the scholars and the families, and to work with the staff and school board directors in Federal Way Public Schools,” she said. “The thing I’m most proud of is the hire of an incredible individual to my right … and that’s Dr. Campbell.”

Wilson commended Superintendent Tammy Campbell on her work and achievements to better the school district, and community, since Campbell’s hire in 2015.

“I have been honored to have had the opportunity to serve Federal Way Public Schools, the community here, the staff here, the families here,” Wilson said. “I will always have a laser focus on Federal Way in my role as a state Senate member.”

Her resignation was announced after many parents and community members sounded off about Senate Bill 5395 during the public comment session.

Wilson introducted Senate Bill 5395, which is co-sponsored by 17 Democratic representatives. The bill was requested by Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal.

The legislation aims to use curriculum that is evidence-informed, medically and scientifically accurate, age-appropriate and inclusive of all students. SB 5395 seeks to educate students on abstinence as well as other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

President Geoffery McAnalloy prefaced — and continually reminded public commenters — the school board has no tie to the Senate bill at the moment and all concerns “really need to be shared at the legislative level, not at the school board level.”

“School board members have no role in making a decision,” said McAnalloy, reminding the crowd the Senate bill had not been made into law at the time.

Senate bill 5395 was passed by the Senate on Wednesday on a 28-21 vote. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.

“This is not a Federal Way issue, this is a state issue,” Wilson said about the measure as the meeting continued after ending public comment. “I really appreciate the passion and I appreciate the information and trust me, I listen and I’ve listened and I [will] continue to listen.”

The school board is now seeking applicants to fill the board director vacancy.

All candidates interested in applying for the position are invited to submit an application for the position to the Office of the Superintendent.

The FWPS Board is looking for candidates with the following:

• Have experience leading for equity and a passion to serve all student-scholars;

• Have demonstrated involvement in educational environments; and

• Have the ability to work with a diverse, dynamic team operating at the policy level.

Applicants will need to provide two short letters of reference by Friday, March 15 at 4:30 p.m.

If applicants have any questions or need more information about the board director vacancy application process, contact the Office of the Superintendent at 253-945-2013.

Applications may be submitted in person at the FWPS Educational Service Center, 33330 8th Ave. S. in Federal Way; mailed to FWPS Educational Service Center, Office of the Superintendent, 33330 8th Avenue South, Federal Way, WA 98003; or email a signed application to superintendent@fwps.org.

Selected candidates will be interviewed, and action on candidate selection will be taken at the board meeting on Tuesday, March 19, and the selected candidate will take the oath of office on Tuesday, March 26.

For additional information and to download the application, visit the FWPS district website.