This article is a follow-up to South King County Record’s October reporting on the opaque process used to appoint trustees to Washington’s community and technical college boards. In that earlier piece, we documented how members of the public are invited to submit recommendations or objections for trustee appointments without being able to see who has applied or what materials have been submitted — unless they file a public records request.

Following that reporting, South King County Record submitted a public records request to the Governor’s Office seeking applicant materials, recommendations, and related records for trustee appointments affecting South King County colleges. What follows reflects the first installment of records released in response to that request- it is not the total record. The production is ongoing, and additional responsive materials are expected in subsequent releases.

Below are the current board members with expired terms highlighted. Community and technical college trustees are appointed by the Governor under RCW 28B.50.100. While trustees serve fixed statutory terms, Washington law does not require an immediate vacancy upon term expiration. “Each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.”

It should be emphasized- below is not a complete record and only what has been published to date. Additional records expected to be published next month.

You can view the application materials released here.

Contact ellsberg.danny@gmail.com with any leads or questions.