Directors Hollowell and Pendergraft Resign
The Tahoma School District announced the resignations of school board directors Malia Hollowell and Haley Pendergraft today. This move came amid growing demands for accountability over the alleged sexual abuse of elementary-aged children that occurred by a district staff member.
From The Tahoma School District
Tahoma School Board Vice President Malia Hollowell (Position 3) and Board Director Haley Pendergraft (Position 1) announced Monday that they are resigning from the Tahoma School Board, effective immediately.
“The Tahoma School Board and Superintendent Mike Hanson are grateful for Mrs. Hollowell’s and Mrs. Pendergraft’s service to our district,” said School Board President Pete Miller. “They are both incredible advocates for Tahoma students, and they have both played a pivotal role in our district’s success. At this time, the board is looking forward to how we can best serve our district’s students, personnel, families and community.”
Hollowell’s term expires this November. Pendergraft’s term expires November 2025. The District and school board are determining appropriate next steps to fill the vacancies of those positions, and there will be more information shared with the community soon.
While the letter presented by the district is courteous and professional, an unofficial joint statement posted to Facebook on behalf of the directors conveys a sense of frustration while vaguely detailing the reason for this decision.
Malia Hollowell - Vice President (Position 3)
Haley Pendergraft - Director (Position 1)
Dear colleagues,
Both recent events and patterns of behavior between the board and superintendent have made it abundantly clear that our voices are not valued. Despite great effort, the climate and culture prevents a growth-mindset approach of accountability where the education and safety of students is the chief priority. Our time would be more effectively spent advocating in new, more productive ways and enjoying precious time with our families. Effective immediately, we are stepping down from our posts.
Haley & Malia
While the statement appears to allude that disagreement between Superintendent Mike Hanson and the board took place regarding the handling of this incident, many were quick to point out the Superintendent announced his retirement just a few days earlier. Moreover, the board has the authority to replace the superintendent if they believe he or she is failing in their duties. This begs the question of whether they are stepping down in protest, or to protect their reputations.
The school board is the ultimate authority within the district. As such they are ultimately accountable for the inactions of the district over this incident.
