Awale Farah resigns immediately from Kent School Board

Director Awale Farah has resigned from the Kent School Board, effective immediately.

Voters elected Farah in November 2021 to a four-year term, which expires in November 2025. Farah made his resignation official with an email Friday, Dec. 13 to the remaining four board members and Superintendent Israel Vela.

“This decision was not made lightly and after careful consideration of my personal and elected office commitments cannot co-exist,” Farah said in an email provided to the Kent Reporter. “My family commitments and the required work of being a school board director cannot coexist. The position deserves 100% commitment, but due to my current family obligations. I cannot fulfill this requirement.”

Farah said he valued his time on the board.

“Serving on the school board has been an enriching experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our students and schools’ educational development and success.

“During my tenure, I have alongside dedicated colleagues and passionate educators who are committed to providing the best possible education for our students. I could be biased but Kent School District has the best in the business. I am proud of the policies we have implemented and the progress we have made together. I am confident that the board will continue to lead with vision and integrity.

“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to the staff, teachers, parents, and fellow board directors for their support and collaboration. I am committed to ensuring I am available to any need to have smooth transition and can assist in any way during this period.

“Once again, I feel grateful for the opportunity to serve our community. I look forward to seeing the district continue to thrive and succeed.”

Fellow board members elected Farah as vice president in December 2022. He then filled the role of president from March to December 2023 after Tim Clark resigned as president March 24, 2023 after public outrage following an insensitive comment he made about Somali families at a March 20, 2023 study session. Clark remains on the board.

When Farah didn’t get the votes in December 2023 to continue as president, he removed himself from consideration for vice president. The board elected Joe Bento as president and Margel as vice president. Farah delivered a tirade during the elections and the board took a 20-minute break for him to cool off.

Farah’s final board meeting was Dec. 11. He was nominated to be vice president, which requires at least three votes by fellow board members to be elected. Farah received votes in favor from Clark and Margel, but Donald Cook and Andy Song were opposed. Farah could have voted for himself, but did not, so he failed to get the position.

The board then elected Cook as vice president on a 3-2 vote, with Song, Cook and Farah in favor. Clark and Margel were opposed.

Margel was reelected to serve as president for one more year on a 3-2 vote. Farah, Clark and Margel were in favor. Cook and Song were opposed. Margel, Clark and Farah have often formed a majority vote on measures Cook and Song opposed.

Farah was involved in a controversial incident in 2022 when he failed to disclose a potential conflict of interest on a board vote that provided district grant funds to the nonprofit Living Well Kent, operated by his wife. The board later revoted on the issue without Farah present to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

The Kent School District has not yet released the replacement steps for Farah’s District 4 position. People who live in District 4 will be eligible to apply for the position, and the board will choose a replacement to finish out the final year of his term.

Locally elected school board directors are accountable for the operations of their school district, from approving budgets to adopting curriculum, setting strategic goals and hiring and evaulating the district superintendent. State law does not allow school board directors to earn more than $50 per day and $4,800 per year. Each district sets it pay to board members.