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School Boards are responsible for working with district administrators to set the district's overall direction. The Washington State School Directors Association divides the Board responsibilities into four major areas: 

  • Vision - The Board focuses the work of the district and community on student achievement through a comprehensive strategic planning process.
  • Structure - The Board governs the district through prudent financial planning and oversight, and diligent and innovative policy making.
  • Accountability - The Board infuses all programs and crucial policies with specific goals and a process for evaluation, reporting and recommendations for improvements.
  • Advocacy - The Board champions public education in the local community and before state and federal policy makers.

For more information on the responsibilities of School Board Directors, visit www.wssda.org. Select "For School Board Candidates" under the "Resources" link.

Director district Boundaries

Meet Your Board of Directors

A smiling woman with blonde, permed hair and glasses wears a patterned jacket.

Kate Espy
espy@skschools.org
School: 360-874-7321

Appointed to the Board of Directors in 2021, and elected in 2023, Ms. Espy has worked as an Emergency Department and Forensic Nurse for 40 years, 38 at St. Michaels Medical Center. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Ms. Espy has lived in South Kitsap for 38 years and has two adult children, both South Kitsap graduates. She currently serves as the president of the Kitsap Support Advocacy Counseling Board, is past president and current member of Port Orchard Soroptimist, past president/member/volunteer of Girls on the Run West Sound, past president of the South Colby PTO, and served on the SKSD Citizen Budget Review Committee. She also volunteers for the health department and is a member of Medical Reserve Corp with the Kitsap Emergency Management.

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair smiles warmly at the camera.

Megan Higgins
higgins@skschools.org
School: 360-874-7322

Megan Higgins was elected to fill the position of Director District 2 in November of 2023. A resident of Washington since childhood, Megan graduated from Ephrata High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Washington. She worked for Seattle Children’s Research Department for several years until she became a full-time mom. In 2021, Megan moved to South Kitsap along with her husband and three elementary and preschool-age children. As mother to a child with high medical needs, Megan has worked closely with nursing staff in the district over the past couple years. She has also worked with students and staff at Marcus Whitman Middle School as a tutor. Megan loves to read and you will often find her at the local library with her kids.

A headshot of a smiling man in a suit and tie against a grey background.

Brian Pickard
pickardb@skschools.org
School: 360-874-7323

Elected to the Board of Directors in November 2021, Mr. Pickard has over 30 years of experience as a South Kitsap School District teacher, coach, principal and district administrator. Mr. Pickard has a Master in Educational Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and has served in leadership roles for the Elementary Principals' Association of Washington.

Mr. Pickard has been part of the South Kitsap community for over 32 years and is past president and current board member of South Kitsap Helpline Food Bank, past board member of Kitsap Community Resources, a broadcaster for SKHS football, and has coached for various youth sports leagues.
 
Mr. Pickard is married to Molly Pickard, a retired SK teacher. He is the father of two adult children, both SK graduates, and the grandfather of two.

A headshot of a man in a dark blue suit and tie, smiling.

Andrew Brandon
brandona@skschools.org
School: 360-874-7324

Andy Brandon was appointed to fill the position of Director District 4 in June of 2024. Andy grew up in Port Orchard where he graduated from South Kitsap High School. He recently received a Bachelor's degree in Applied Business Management from BYU-Idaho. He has worked in public service for 19 years, the last 16 of them in Port Orchard.  

Andy is married and has three children; one is a graduate of South Kitsap High School and two are currently active in the school district. He has worked in the schools, coached sports both at the schools and in recreational leagues, and continues to volunteer where needed.

A headshot of a smiling older man with a beard, wearing a blue shirt and tie.

Jay Villars
villars@skschools.org
School: 360-874-7325

Jay Villars was elected to fill the position of Director District 5 in November of 2023. He has been a resident of South Kitsap for over 30 years. Director Villars has a Masters degree in Educational Administration and a Bachelors degree in History and Political Science. Additionally, Jay earned a Superintendent’s Certification from Western Washington University. Director Villars has served in education for 38 years and 20 of these were as an administrator in South Kitsap. Currently, he is an Accreditation coach for high schools in Washington State. Jay is a member of the morning Kiwanis Club in South Kitsap and has been a member of the Port Orchard Rotary and South Kitsap Rotary clubs. Jay is married and has three adult children who have all graduated from South Kitsap High School.

  • A Venn diagram illustrating the interconnectedness of South Kitsap Schools, South Kitsap Families, and South Kitsap Community, with 'We Are One' at the center.

    Five citizens serve on the South Kitsap School District Board of Directors, each representing one of the five director districts that make up the school district. Registered voters within the school district’s boundaries elect Board members to four-year terms.

    “South Kitsap Schools are an integral part of our community and our community is an integral part of our schools. Through finding common ground, creating shared knowledge, and pursuing collaboration we can ensure the success of both. South Kitsap Schools are committed to nurturing, inspiring and building our citizens and community of today and tomorrow.”

    -  South Kitsap School Board January 19, 2008, reaffirmed February, 2016

    The Washington State School Directors' Association has resources for board members. Visit the WSSDA website.

    The district is divided in to 5 geographical governing districts. Each district has an elected representative. Director District Boundaries

Latest School Board Updates

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Board Meeting Summary

SKSD
May 21 2026 7:30 AM
SKSD School Board

The South Kitsap School District logo features a blue and teal abstract swirl above the text.

Joint Statement of Civility and Respect

SKSD
Jan 28 2022 3:50 PM
6-8 9-12 BG CHMS DISC EPO Exp HC JSMS K-5 MAN MR MWMS OH OL SC SG SKHS SKSD SS School Board

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