The St Helens School District Board of Directors voted to appoint Kim Walker to fill School Board Position No. 5 after interviews with six applicants and a ranked ballot process. The board held public interviews and advanced three finalists — Jennifer Gilbert, Kim Walker and Trinity Monahan — to the final vote.

Board members told applicants they valued experience and varied perspectives. After nominations and a roll-call vote, the board appointed Kim Walker to the open seat and administered the oath of office at the meeting.

The interview process began with prepared questions for each candidate and included public statements from applicants on topics ranging from student attendance to district finances. Candidates who spoke in the public interview session included Jay Hector Nock, Jennifer Gilbert, Kendall Flori, Kim Walker and Trinity Monahan. Mark Byers had withdrawn prior to the interviews.

Board members and candidates discussed key district challenges during the interviews, including student achievement gaps, staffing and trust between the community and the district. Candidates described their relevant experience: Kim Walker cited prior service on a fire district board and corporate board support roles; Jennifer Gilbert referenced municipal budget committee experience; Trinity Monahan and others discussed prior service and community involvement.

After the votes were tallied, Chair York (board chair) administered the oath and Walker took her seat as a director. No additional remuneration or term extension details were announced at the meeting.

The board said the appointment fills the vacancy until the next scheduled election or until otherwise required by law. The district will publish the appointment paperwork and next steps on its website per routine practice.

Votes and motions related to the appointment were conducted in public session and recorded in the meeting minutes.