On the day Battle Ground Public Schools leaders named a new board member to fill the District 2 school board position, another board member announced his resignation.
After a closed session Saturday morning, the board voted 3-1 to name Ken Root, 51, as the newest board member. He will succeed 11-year veteran Karen Lehman, who stepped down in March, after a vote not to excuse her for a work-related absence.
Root was sworn in following the meeting.
Meanwhile, 16-year veteran board member Sam Kim has resigned effective immediately. Kim cited a conflict with his job. “Am I giving the children and the district a fair shake by not being present except at meetings?” he asked board members, according to a Battle Ground Public Schools press release.
Kim, 51, was laid off as director of Hewlett-Packard’s research and development operation in Vancouver in August 2009. He soon landed a job as an executive with Caesars Entertainment in Las Vegas, which draws him away from Clark County during the week. He lives here with his wife, Robyn, and is president of the Greater Brush Prairie Neighborhood Association.
Kim was not available for an interview Saturday afternoon. But according to the press release, he told the board the conflict “has been gnawing at me.” He said he regretted not being able to attend weekday events in the schools and join fellow board members in school tours.
Kim was appointed to the District 4 post in June 1995. His fourth term ends this year. The other four board members will select a replacement to serve the remainder of the year; like Root, Kim’s successor will have to run in the November election to keep the position.
Gregg Herrington, spokesman for the school district, said a timeline for the board’s decision will become clear later this week.
Ken Root
Prior to his resignation, Kim took part in naming Root, 51, as the newest board member.
Root is a regional sales manager for Rosenberger of North America, a supplier of test and measurement devices for microwaves. He was selected among a field of candidates that included John Fitzgerald, Peter Uskoski and Amy Wheaton. Because school board members are chosen by district, they won’t be eligible to succeed Kim.
Also a member of the Battle Ground Public Schools’ Fiscal Advisory Committee, Root is a one-time teacher and very involved in the community, according to the district’s press release.
When reached by telephone Saturday afternoon, Root said he was ecstatic to serve on the board because it gives him a way to stay active in the schools. His son is graduating from Battle Ground High School this year.
“I’m absolutely honored to represent the school district and serve along the other board members, who are phenomenal,” he said.
He said he hopes to continue to draw community involvement in issues facing the school district — the most pressing issue being the state’s budget crisis.
“It’s going to take some unique decision-making on how some of the money is going to be used in the district,” he said.
Root graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Chico State University in California and spent a year teaching physical education before switching careers. He is also active with the Battle Ground High School Boosters Club, the BGHS 2011 graduation night committee and other school programs.
Laura McVicker: 360-735-4516; http://twitter.com/Col_courts; laura.mcvicker@columbian.com.
