The Kent School District is taking applications for the open District 4 seat on the Kent School Board.

Awale Farah resigned from the position Dec. 13 due to “family commitments,” according to an email he sent to the board and superintendent. His resignation became official during the Jan. 8 board meeting as the remaining four directors accepted the resignation.

“I’m really sad to see that our good friend Awale Farah is not going to stay with us,” director Tim Clark said. “He’s been a very loyal member of this board and enthusiastic supporter of students and staff and the workings of this district. He has tried to be a very active member in the guidance of that and keeping us, of course, among other things, sensitive to our minority populations so we do not lose people who fall through the cracks. He’s been a great public servant.”

Voters elected Farah in November 2021.

People interested in the volunteer position (state law allows a stipend of up to $4,800 per year for a school district board member) must apply online by 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31. Go to kent.k12.wa.us for more information. If you have any questions regarding the application, email KSDBoardVacancy@kent.k12.wa.us.

To meet the requirements for board members, an applicant must be an United States citizen, at least 18 years of age, have a permanent residence within the boundaries of Director District 4, be a registered voter and provide a copy of their voter registration card prior to the application deadline and not hold another incompatible public office position.

District 4 roughly has a north border of Southeast 223rd Street, a south border of South 272nd Street, an east border of 164th Avenue SE and a west border of 104th/108th Avenue SE. Schools within or near District 4 include Park Orchard Elementary, Daniel Elementary, Martin Sortun Elementary, Meridian Elementary, Crestwood Elementary, Mattson Middle School, Meridian Middle School and Kentwood High School.

For questions about whether you live in District 4, call King County Elections at 206-296-8683.

Interviews of applicants with the current board will be in early February in the Kent School District Administration Center Board Room. The board will pick a replacement and the selected candidate will be sworn in Feb. 26. The term will end Dec. 10, 2025, which is when Farah’s four-year term would have ended.

The District 4 seat is up for election this year. Anyone interested in running for the seat, including the appointed board member, must file May 5-9 with the King County Elections Office. That will be a four-year term.