Justin is an activist and local entrepreneur. Growing up in rural Virginia, Justin developed his love of Architecture in high school. He received a professional degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech in 2002. Following graduation, Justin helped raise over $250,000 through a bike ride challenge across the United States, bringing awareness to the work of Habitat for Humanity. He fell in love with the Pacific Northwest and relocated to the Seattle area. Pursuant to his interest in self-improvement and social and economic sustainability, Justin obtained an MBA in Sustainable Business from Presidio Graduate School. He has been a local business owner for the last ten years.
Justin believes in the future of our schools, and providing quality education to our children. He has two children in the Kent School District who attend Kent Elementary School in the Dual Language program. Seeing great opportunity in our area, Justin is devoted to helping provide educational opportunities for all and taking all Kent Schools to the next level. He became aware of the Kent Schools Foundation in 2018 at the annual auction and joined the board a few months later. Justin deeply believes that everyone, regardless of zip code, should have access to quality education.
Alan has two children in the Kent School District who have attended East Hill and Neely O'Brien Elementary Schools, Mill Creek Middle School, and now Kent-Meridian High School. Alan is active supporting the music programs at Kent-Meridian High School. As a former educator who continues to support education professionals in Kent, Alan has always stayed focused on the importance of public education for the empowerment of young people and the inclusive attitude that is necessary for a thriving community.
Alan was a founding member of the Kent Schools Foundation because of a strong belief that the funding sources available in the educational system have never been enough to provide in the areas where the needs are greatest. Programs that provide enrichment and success in one part of the community should have support in an equitable manner.
Paul has been a passionate supporter of public schools since 2000, when his then 6-year-old son began kindergarten. He joined the board of the Bellevue Schools Foundation that year and subsequently served in various capacities over 9 years, including Board President. Through his involvement, Paul came to understand the profound benefits that private philanthropy can have on the lives of students. He is excited by the unlimited opportunities the Kent Schools Foundation has in partnership with the Kent School District and our community. Paul is currently serving as Board President.
Paul resides within the district’s boundary, where his wife is a teacher at Glenridge Elementary. He is a Vice President with HomeStreet Bank. Three of their children are successful public school and college graduates. The fourth will attend Gonzaga University this fall. Paul and his wife, Ann, are thankful for the education they and their children have received and firmly believe every child should have the same access, encouragement and support.
Connie discovered her love for teaching during high school. She went on to earn a BA in Education at Western Washington University and later earned a Master of Education from City University.
Connie began her teaching career in Arizona. She moved to Kent in 1983 and joined the KSD staff as a special education teacher. She continued teaching special education through retirement in June of 2023.
Connie’s two children attended Kent schools and graduated from Kentlake High School. Connie has passions for students and for strong public schools. She has long advocated in many ways, from serving on curriculum committees to meeting with legislators. In 2011, she stepped away from the classroom for two years to serve as president of the Kent Education Association.
During her term she challenged the Kent School Board to look for new funding sources to increase the opportunities for students. That challenge led to founding the Kent Schools Foundation.
Since retiring, Connie has returned to serve on the board. She is excited to be part of the next chapter of the Foundation as they pursue increasing the opportunities for all students across the district.
