There’s a new quandary in the midst of the historic Vancouver Public Schools board races: Michelle Giovannozzi is stepping down early.
The Vancouver board of directors announced Tuesday that Giovannozzi will be leaving her seat. It’s not an entirely unexpected move. Giovannozzi, who works at Portland State University, told The Columbian during filing week that she would not run to retain the spot because she and her husband are moving across the Columbia River to end their lengthy commutes.
“Were it not for putting my family first, there’s no way I would have resigned the position,” she said. “I would have happily and with honor done the work for a very long time.”
But Giovannozzi’s decision means the rest of the board is now tasked with appointing a school board member; anyone who lives in the Vancouver school district could apply, including all 11 newcomers currently running for three seats on the board.
Applications will open on Aug. 5, the Friday before the primary election, and close Aug. 12, at which point the election results will likely be known. The board is slated to appoint someone by Aug. 21.
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