School Board Director Val Paganelli Resigns Unexpectedly
In a shocking announcement at tonight’s school board meeting, Val Paganelli announced her resignation. This comes after being reelected only 2 months prior. Director Paganelli has gained a reputation as the fiscally responsible and parental rights advocate member of the board. She has often dissented to reckless spending and divisive policies voted on by the other school board members.
Directors Paganelli’s resignation is a huge hit to parental rights advocates and Maple Valley. In her resignation letter she stated that there has been ”numerous occasions that have accumulated to diminish, silence or ignore my voice, my perspectives and my inquiries on behalf of our shared constituencies I aim to serve…” While we cannot speak for Director Paganelli, it is not unreasonable to think that she has been bullied into resignation by the other board members based on her statements. This event further justifies the need for the Tahoma Parents group to exist and showcases why we need to elect strong candidates who are willing to fight for our children on the board.
“Per board policies, the remaining directors will be tasked with publicly interviewing and selecting a candidate - WHO MUST COME FROM DISTRICT 5 - to fill Position 5 through Nov. 2023. That process cannot begin until March 1 when the position is officially vacant. We will then share more information with our community about the application process. We are excited to see the wide spectrum of life experiences and opinions that the candidates offer. Our Tahoma family is strongest when all voices are heard."
Her resignation announcement can be watched here.
Are you interested in filling this soon to be vacant position? Contact us to learn how.
Val Paganelli Resignation - Full Transcript
After being recently reelected and sworn in to serve a second 4-yr term as a school board director to Tahoma School District #409 representing District #5, I thoughtfully and deliberately recommitted my volunteer time in service to our shared community and the families, students, and employees of the Tahoma School District. It is with deep and genuine intent that I choose to dedicate my time to this important leadership service, in partnership with others, to bring forward a sustainable public school experience that offers students a continual home for learning and experiences that successfully help shape their thirst for lifelong learning enhances their future and the communities in which they ultimately will live and serve.
Alongside this deep intent to serve students and their learning is a steadfast and well-honed professional dedication to sound systems of governance and transparency, even when it’s difficult to navigate or differing perspectives dominate. As a credentialed actuary and financial professional, it is imperative for me to offer my authentic view with a genuine intent of mitigating risks to the system in order to focus our service on the students under our care over the long-term.
Our duty under the laws of the state of Washington is shared by each of us as board members. However, this does not mean that we each always see these duties through the same lens.
Over the term of my Tahoma School Board service, there are numerous occasions that have accumulated that have diminished, silenced, or ignored my voice and my perspectives and my inquiries on behalf of my shared constituencies I aim to serve. Despite these occasions, my love is unbounded for the students, for our shared purpose, and our community.
So, I continue to be fully present, engaged, available, diligent, and consistent in my duties, maintaining my integrity, inquiry, inspiration, and appreciation, and with a personal ambition to learn and be better for the community. The students are my constant mirror.
At this particular time, the burden of serving as school board director and maintaining my personal integrity has grown too heavy, and the silencing of my inquiry and voice too deep. As such, absent the willingness of a requisite number of my board colleagues to move certain items forward for public discussion and absent certain of my policy-driven inquiries to be afforded a respectful response, I hereby offer my resignation from the Tahoma School District 409, Director #5 position, effective at the conclusion of the February 28, 2022 board meeting. This delayed effective date affords us the opportunity for me and my board colleagues to further explore a resolution and a plea deal manner, in which case I will welcomely retract this resignation. In order to move forward together in service to and in concert with the Tahoma Cares values, which we all share and embrace for our students and our community.
Respectfully and with Tahoma heart,
Valerie Paganelli
