Mark Warner resigns from the Issaquah School Board

Board will discuss replacement process at its Nov. 14 meeting

Citing new career commitments that require extensive amounts of time and travel, Mark Warner today announced his decision to resign from the Issaquah School Board, effective Nov. 14.

"I changed jobs sixth months ago to a startup renewable energy company and my professional workload has increased significantly," Warner said.  "I have been working extreme hours and traveling overseas regularly.  My expectation is that these professional demands will continue to increase over the next year."

Warner has intentionally managed his career to remain in the District and be an active parent. Now that his daughter is in college, however, Warner said he feels compelled to fully commit to this career opportunity and its extensive travel demands.

"With the board facing the demanding challenges of a superintendent search, multiple labor contracts and a potential boundary change, I believe my recent career change will diminish my ability to provide the commitment and service that this exceptional school district deserves," Warner said.  "Accordingly, it is with a heavy heart that I resign my position."

The Board will accept Warner's resignation at its regular business meeting on Nov. 14. It then has 90 days to appoint a replacement or the local Educational Service District will be authorized to do so. The Board will discuss its replacement process and timeline at the Nov. 14 meeting.

Warner was elected to his first term on the Board in 2003. He represents Director District 5, which spans the southwestern area of the Sammamish Plateau and some of the Issaquah downtown corridor. He has served as Board President throughout 2006.  Whoever is appointed will serve out the remainder of Warner's term, through November 2007.

Warner said he is encouraged by the strong pool of highly qualified applicants who applied for the Board seat vacated when Larry Ishmael resigned in August to run for Congress. Brian Deagle was appointed as Ishmael's replacement on Oct. 4.

"As difficult as it is for me to relinquish such a rewarding position, I sincerely believe it is in the best interest of the district," Warner said.