Four applicants vie for spot on West Ada board

Four people have applied to replace Russell Joki on the turbulent West Ada school board.

West Ada Board Meeting2 2-23
Russell Joki, center, resigned from the board April 5, citing personal reasons.

The district’s remaining four trustees are scheduled to interview candidates Tuesday night, and could make an appointment at that time.

Here are thumbnails on the applicants, and comments from their applications:

Heather Brundage. A mother of three who works part-time in business data analysis. “I am able to provide a unique perspective as an elementary school parent, and will try to make schoolwide decisions that will be the best in the long term for my kids and for future students.”

Stacey Knudsen. The mother and homemaker frequently testifies at the Statehouse. “I helped to amend the current student privacy bill, and believe that we have a responsibility to protect the privacy of students in our state.”

Rene Ozuna. An analytics consultant with Wells Fargo Insurance, Ozuna served on a citizens’ school boundaries committee. “Through this process, I became more aware of the many challenges our district faces due to rapid and continuing growth.”

Brian Sporleder. A recent state Department of Labor retiree. “I have worked closely with the Workforce Development Council, helping to bring education and business together in the pursuit of building career paths for our youth and meeting the demands of our growing economy.”

Joki was elected in May. He abruptly resigned from the board on April 5, citing personal reasons. Joki had been one of three West Ada trustees facing a recall on May 17; board chair Tina Dean and board member Carol Sayles will still stand for recall.

The West Ada board meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the District Service Center, 1303 E. Central Drive, Meridian.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

Get EdNews in your inbox

Weekly round up every Friday