Pasco School Board member resigns shortly after taking oath of office. Here’s why
Steve Simmons has resigned from his position on the Pasco School Board.
Last month, Simmons won election to a three-year, at-large term on the school board. He resigned shortly after taking his oath of office at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Simmons said he was resigning immediately because his wife accepted a bus driving job with the district and he wanted to avoid a conflict of interest.
His wife was hired Nov. 1, according to meeting minutes. At the Nov. 8 meeting, Simmons voted in favor of passing a consent agenda that included his wife’s contract.
Because Simmons created a conflict of interest with his vote, the consent approval was deemed null and void under state law. His wife’s contract will come back up for a revote of the new Pasco School Board at the Jan. 13 meeting.
“I’ve really, thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I would love to do it again,” Simmons told fellow board members.
After the board lamented his departure and gave thanks for his service, Simmons left his seat on the podium so the meeting could resume.
The Pasco School Board will have 90 days to fill Simmon’s vacant seat. Since it’s an at-large post, any voter within the school district can apply.
Whoever is selected will fill the position for a year. This seat will be up for election next year.
“I have really enjoyed working with everyone here,” Simmons said. “We have a wonderful district. Pasco is a wonderful, wonderful district. I am so proud that I’m able to live here and also have my kids attend here... I am very, very proud of what we have built here.”
Simmons, a preventative maintenance manager at Hanford, was part of a slate of conservative-backed candidates who filed for office in 2021 because of frustrations over COVID restrictions.
It was later learned that he had convictions for fourth-degree domestic assault but that didn’t prevent him from serving on the board, and he told the Herald at time that he had learned a lot about conflict resolution and relationships in the years since.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, he was applauded for his short stint in public service. Simmons said he would serve again if given the opportunity.
“He has been an asset to our board in just this one year, and I think it was a testament to his work that he ran unopposed and was put on the board again,” said Pasco board member Amy Phillips.
Superintendent Michelle Whitney said his “enthusiasm and willingness to learn” was gratifying to her and a major contribution to the board.
This story was originally published December 14, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
