School Board
Next School Board Event
Aug 19
- 6:00 PM Board Meeting Madison Elementary School, 907 E Fir St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA
About the Board
A school board forms a team with vision on behalf of students. Five district citizens elected by district voters serve four-year terms as members of the Board of Directors for Mount Vernon Public Schools. Their authority and responsibilities are established by the Washington State Legislature. They serve under the direction and restrictions of state law.
Collectively, a school board is responsible for establishing the mission and goals of the district, for hiring a school district superintendent, for establishing policy, and for ensuring that district tax revenue is spent legally and in the most efficient manner possible to meet the district's educational mission. School boards hold regularly scheduled, advertised meetings to conduct school district business in public. The board authorizes all of its actions by majority vote. Individual school board members have no individual authority.
The Mount Vernon School Board is committed to model the leadership expected at every level of the district. We will follow learning community practices, believing better decisions will result from our individual commitment to learn and understand varying perspectives as we work to build consensus.
School Board Meeting Materials — Materials including agendas, minutes, and packets (Google Drive).
Board Members
Director District 1 Legislative Representative
Ana Rivas was appointed to the Mount Vernon School District Board of Directors in 2026, representing District 1. A proud Mount Vernon School District graduate, daughter of immigrants, first-generation college graduate, and parent of a student in the district’s Dual Language Program, Ana is deeply committed to serving her community.
Ana earned her Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting and Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management from Skagit Valley College before completing her Master of Social Work at the University of Washington. She currently serves as a Behavioral Health Therapist at Consejo Counseling and Referral Service and Program Manager for O.U.R. Journey Youth Empowerment Group.
Ana has served on the SPARC Board, Children’s Council, MV Hope Leadership Committee, and Equity Team, partnering with community organizations to improve opportunities for youth and families. As a school board member, Ana is committed to ensuring every student has access to a safe, supportive education while celebrating the district’s diverse cultures and helping every student and family feel welcomed, valued, and included.
Term End: 2027
Director District 2
James Stewart was elected in November 2025 to fill an appointed position. More information will be forthcoming soon. Welcome, Director Stewart. Term End: 2027
Director District 3 Vice President
Griffin Uchida was appointed to complete a vacant term in Director District 3 on October 19, 2022. Mr. Uchida is a longtime Skagit Valley resident, with a child who attends Mount Vernon Schools. He works for the Skagit Valley College Foundation as the Director of Resident Life (including student housing). Mr. Uchida is a Leadership Skagit graduate, has instructed First Aid and Mental Health classes, and serves on the Skagit Valley College Equity and Social Justice Committee.
Term End: 2027
Director District 4
Sammy Solano was elected in November 2025. More information will be forthcoming soon. Welcome, Director Solano.
Term End: 2029
Director District 5 President
Larry Otos was appointed to the Board in 2012 to complete a vacant term, and was then reelected. He served as the board's Legislative Representative for several years. Otos retired, after 30 years of public service, as Director from the City of Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Department. Larry is the owner of The Otos Group, LLC. He has a bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University. Larry is very busy in the community and fills leadership roles in a number of philanthropic organizations. Larry and his wife, Lisa (Bulldog alumna), have two boys who are Bulldog Alums.
Term End: 2029